For Black History Month, we are celebrating through stories from our National Pawn family. We are highlighting African American associates that have been “changemakers” in their career, community or in their families. They will also share “changemakers” who have personally inspired them.
“My name is Jeffrey Willis Jr. I am 26 years of age and I’m from a small town called Fayette, Mississippi. I am honored to be highlighted as an African American change maker. As an African American, I have so many reasons to be proud.
A few big reasons are: The fact that my bloodline is filled with perseverance. The dedication that my ancestors had for change, and that we, as a people, have a courageous motivation beyond this world. Understanding and knowing where I come from has given me the utmost confidence to be who I truly am, and to take charge and lead in high positions. I’ve led high-ranking teams with FEMA and the Peace-corps, giving back to those in need, of all races. That was one of my proudest accomplishments. That accomplishment gave me the power to let all my fellow African Americans know that the possibility of success is endless, and we as a race are free as a bird is this world.
Though obstacles arise, as a people, we can overcome them. We are obligated to change. That’s the true definition of success. I take that theory and I apply it to everything in my life.
To all races I say, “You should be proud of who we are and where we come from.”
Barack Obama inspires me by saying “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” There is no waiting for change. The time is now. -One Love, United we Better
