We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodriquez ‘Drek’ Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodriquez ‘Drek’, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important or impactful thing for me was showing my sons thats it’s okay to show emotions. That it’s not weak or soft to cry and show feelings. I invested the importance of respect ,love and family values. As a father of 4 sons, I planted seeds of purpose to be the one to write the paycheck and not the one waiting for one. I think the relationship I have with my children is amazing because we have an open door policy that we can share with each other. It allows them to talk to me about their feelings, girlfriend issues, sex, drugs, etc. and they know I’m going to give them the real truth. I’m my kids first role model, super hero, best friend, counselor and just an ear for when they want to vent. I also think one of my most important points of impact is my consistency of being available for when they need me. I’ve always shown them that TOUGH TIMES DONT LAST BUT TOUGH PEOPLE DO.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a devoted father of four amazing young men, twins Jaylin & Jordan, Jhamari and Jaishawn Thomas. They are my inspiration for trying to be a difference in the world. Character is key for me and there are few people who have the passion I have for young people. I pride myself on being a role model for others. A black, educated man that is Respectful, Loyal, Humble, God-Fearing and Loving to all those I encounter. After the death of my childhood best friend, I felt my calling and purpose come to the forefront. My organization, Our Kids, Our Future is one that inspires the young and old to pursue their dreams, realize their purpose, and be the leaders they were born to be. I don’t want to just talk about change, I want to be the standard of what leadership and change looks like in this generation. As my motto goes, ‘IM WILLING TO LOSE MY VOICE SO THE NEXT GENERATION HAS ONE’.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a big kid so one of the first things I would do is have an afternoon at Main Event. The arcade, bowling, and family fun environment are right up my alley. I love sports and so do my friends so taking them to Dave and Busters to catch a sporting event to watch the BRAVES or HAWKS as well as enjoy some wings and little competition would also be on the list. For some amazing food and night life I would take them to Top Golf as well! I’m also a history buff and love to learn so I’d love to take them to the Civil Rights Museum and the Georgia Aquarium. As far as food recommendations, I love a good pizza place and Fellini’s is a great Atlanta staple along with Slim and Husky’s. I also love this BBQ place called ‘Cue Barbecue. Even with all these great things to do my favorite is conversing about the future and making our dreams a reality so time spent with me will always be an idea generating session that will leave you empowered and ready to conquer your next move!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Besides my mom and family there are three amazing people that helped mold me into the man I am today. First, my longtime mentor Michael ‘Skip’ Nelson who is the father figure and big brother every child at the Boys and Girls club loved, looked up to, and respected. He gave use the confidence that we are meant to be and do great things. He exposed us places like the Augusta Masters, had us playing baseball with the likes of Dave Justice on the Atlanta Braves, and showed us so many more ways that we can be great men and women. He made countless sacrifices of time away from his own family to make sure hundreds of other boys and girls made it to have successful lives. Kathy Hardison, my ninth grade English literature teacher was one that saw purpose in me as a young boy that wouldn’t allow me to give up. When most teachers pushed me to the side and labeled me a bad kid, she pushed me to find a love for literature and showed me how to turn my disruptive ways into leadership. With that, I have found my calling later in life as a motivational speaker. She saw something in me as a child that I didn’t see it myself. To this day, we still keep in touch and she’s one of my biggest supporters. It means a lot to me that she still believes in that 9th grade kid. Charlene Duncan was my college early childhood education instructor. She helped and birthed in me my passion to want to help children. She brought out the ability and means that allowed me to not be afraid to show how smart I was as well as my leadership capabilities and my creative side. With her mentorship, I excelled as a star student was named “Mr. Everything” in college. This granted me the honor to name the streets around the campus of Albany Technical College in Albany, Georgia. Huge thanks to my My sons, grandson, friends and family as well as my OUR KIDS, OUR FUTURE FAMILY (TEAM OKOF) and the amazing educators in my life that inspired me to birth my book THE ADVENTURE OF LEARNING WITH BUDDY AND FRIENDS.

Instagram: OURKIDSOURFUTURELLC/RDTHOMAS_21

Linkedin: RODRIQUEZ THOMAS

Twitter: @Learning_Buddy1

Facebook: Rodriquez MamaBoy Thomas /Our kids our Future LLC

Youtube: OKOF

Other: Amazon -The Adventure of learning with buddy and friends. Children’s activity book from Pre-K to 1st grade

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