Meet Dr. David Thomas | Public Intellectual

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. David Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. David, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In my earliest years of recollection, I clearly remember being a toddler and performing full concerts looking in the full body mirror in the Powder Room in my home. I would spend hours on end singing and dancing whatever came to mind with all of my might. It was at that tender age that I understood that whatever I could think of or conceptualize in my mind, I could manifest. Fast forwarding to college, I majored in Music because I knew that would build my creativity and sharpen my skillset even more so that I could produce income. My passion for the arts, education, and ministry drove me to create a Music and Arts Curriculum for a college, teach private voice lessons to adults and teenagers in my community, and ultimately publish my curriculum for mass consumption.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the heart of me, I love sharing information with people. I get the most joy when someone learns something they didn’t know after encountering me. Just the same, music has always been my passion; specifically, music that’s created with voices. I began honing my educational and musical skill sets in my father’s church as I sang in the choir all of my life and eventually became the Minister of Music until I graduated High School. During those formative years, I trained my ear to hear better as well as my teaching habits and skills. These skills were refined through the fire at Morehouse College, where I served as the Student Conductor of the world renowned Morehouse College Glee Club. After graduating from Morehouse College in 2013, I attended Belmont University. There, I earned my master’s in music. Upon earning my master’s in 2015, I began serving as Chapel Coordinator at American Baptist College. Shortly thereafter, I built the Music and Arts Program for the Associates of Arts Degree in Music for the college. Then is when it all seemed to click for me. I had finally merged my love for music, passion for education, and natural creative ability. I am so proud of what I created and the students it served, who otherwise wouldn’t have learned about or experienced the arts in higher education.

Four years after building and teaching the curriculum at the institution, I decided to write my inaugural book, “The King’s Notes.” To be quite honest, I felt so underprepared when asked to create the curriculum. It was something I had never done before and was not looking to do. I wrote “The King’s Notes,” as a way to give back. Just in case there was another creative in the Music Education space that was tasked with what I was tasked with, I wanted to make sure there was something in the ethos that could help guide them. Moreover, I published my curriculum, along with activities, in “The King’s Notes,” so that anyone who may have an interest in studying music a little further had a guide. I am the first published author in my family.

Four years after publishing my book, I have attained my Doctorate in Education from National University and am more focused on establishing and furthering my brand. While I am no longer at the institution, my love for music and education continue to intensify and grow. I have decided to take a step out on me as I have been teaching voice lessons privately for the past three years and are in the final stages of building my online academy to go public by end of 2025.

These accomplishments have not come without a steep price. I overcome daily through Christ’s strength. From the mental struggles of trusting and believing that I am an answer, to experiencing the mountain highs and “gutter snipe” lows that are promised in this life, God has been my anchor to settle me and my sail that guides me. Through all my experiences I have learned how to be disciplined. I must be integral at all times, in all things, in order to produce and remain in excellence. I have also learned to be detailed and documented. The details are where it matters and if it wasn’t documented, it wasn’t done. One final thing I have learned is to stay focused. Winners never quit and whatever I start I will finish.

I want the world to be encouraged by my life. I have been commissioned and I want the world to experience “Agape.” My ministry is education through the arts. I am a multi-faceted, Public Intellectual with skills and talents that shine in every sector. I want the world to know that I am a champion for what’s right and just. Whether you hear me on my online gospel radio show, “Dave’s Faves,” on Believe Radio Fresno (or in the congregations at Change Church ATL) or view me on “My Person.” Season 2 and 3 on YouTube (or at the function), you’ll be glad you did.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my bestie pull up we’re going;

–“Draw Bar,” for rooftop bar vibes and food
–“Holiday Bar,” because my Morehouse brother owns it and the DJ be lit
–The Beltline, to get in some scenery and exercise
–“The James Room,” for good cocktails and live music when they have it
–“JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge,” for the drinks and dance room with the disco ball
–The Aquarium, for typical ATL tourist vibes
–“Eagle,” if it’s First Fridays
–“Octopus Kitchen,” for the good food, hookah vibes, and drinks
–Change Church ATL Dekalb Location for the good word and worship
–“Moustache Hookah Bar,” and “Therapy Lounge,” for chill lounge vibes with great service
–Stone Mountain Park to walk the trail
–“Tin Lizzy’s” in Midtown for Taco Tuesday
–“Puttshack,” for the grown kids vibes
–“Chateau Elan,” for wine tasting and taking bomb pictures in the vineyard
–“American Deli,” for the classic mild with lemon pepper 10pc
–“Roc South” for the drinks and party vibes
–“Juicy Crab,” on Howell Mill for our boil bags
–“Vickery’s,” specifically for their salmon sandwich
–“C & S Oyster Bar,” for the bad and bougie vibes
–“Colony Square,” if an event is happening in the city
–“City Winery,” if there’s an interesting live show happening

Other than the aforementioned places, we’re in the house with the remote and snacks in hand binging whatever shows we’re too involved in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Truly, the substratum of me is made up of so many villages beginning with the Thomas Klan; my family, SRMBC; my home church, Sister Act 2; my best friends from high school; 3Ds & 2Ps; my best friends from Nashville, The Manifest Family and S P L A Y E D; my village in Atlanta, and Dr. Dharius and Lady Shameka Daniels; my pastor and first lady at Change Church ATL.

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