We had the good fortune of connecting with Terrance Pryor, Esq. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terrance, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m originally from Chicago, IL. And I literally take it with me everywhere I go and into everything I do. Chicago taught me a number of different things that have played a major role in my success thus far. But most importantly it taught me that if I want something, then to go get it. That mindset has carried me throughout my entire life and has helped me continue to grind it out even when the odds are stacked against me.

Chicago also taught me to remain true to myself no matter what. Growing up in the city, you were constantly asked who you were and who you were affiliated with. You better have had an answer and you better have stood by it no matter what. I still live by that code: To know who I am at all times and to stand on it no matter what.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, I am a corporate Data Privacy Attorney for General Motors by trade, where I help to advise the company on the legal implications of the many different privacy laws that are surfacing across the globe. I work with a wonderful team and we try to help GM continue to be a leader in the automotive industry. Outside of my everyday job however, I also work on a number of different ventures that range from community advocacy to real estate investing.

I am the founder and president of my non profit, The Coalition of Black America, or C.O.B.A. for short, where our main objective is to create a cohesive organization that advocates for true equity and equality for Black Americans specifically. The premise is that we will hold policy makers and companies accountable if they act in any way that contradicts the development and growth of the Black American community by withholding our vote and our dollar. At the same time we also find avenues to help build the community from the ground up. To date, we have provided thousands of our C.O.B.A. care packages to underprivileged areas in both the Atlanta and Chicago areas which include facemasks, gloves, hand sanitizers and surface wipes. We also partnered with local churches to provide free Covid-19 tests to these communities during the height of the pandemic for awareness. Furthermore, we work with other advocacy groups to protest efforts to oppress the black community such as the new voter suppression laws passed by Georgia earlier this year. Going forward, we want to become more involved with policy drafting so that Black America’s interest is truly represented and we have a seat at the table.
Besides my efforts with C.O.B.A., I am also a very strong advocate for the rights of college athletes. Being both a former Division 1 and Division 2 athlete, I am very aware of the system that extorts college players as a labor force that until recently, did not even allow for its workers to be paid for their name, image or likeness. As a result, I have created C.A.S.A., the Collegiate Athletes Sports Association; a not for profit organization that will help provide legal and equitable services to college athletes free of charge in regard to their new NIL rights. C.A.S.A  will also aim to be a voice for all student athletes, and advocate on their behalf as new laws and rights affecting their livelihood continue to develop.
Finally, I am an adamant real estate investor. I currently have 10 units located in both Atlanta and Chicago respectively. I believe that real estate is an excellent vehicle to achieve financial freedom and try my hardest  to support as many new investors looking to get started as I can. It has truly blessed me, and is kind of exciting to partake in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here is a list of places we’ll visit, things we would do, and food we would eat. In no particular order:

Center for Civil and Human Rights
Milk and Honey
World Changers Church International
Mercedes Benz Stadium
Beltline
Roc South Kitchen
Suite Lounge
Riverb

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, God. He has truly provided for me in ways that I could not have imagined. Secondly, My family! My mother Marcia McIntyre for teaching me to never bite my tongue and to stand strong. My father Terry Pryor for being my wise counsel. My brother Terrell Pryor for always keeping me on a straight path. And my sisters Latonia and Shurlon Thompson for teaching me how to be fearless. Finally, I would like to thank and recognize the rest of my family and friends who have supported me along the way. I would not be where I am today without them!

Website: thecoalitionofblackamerica.com

Instagram: @kingtp51 @thecoalitionofblackamerica

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/terrance-pryor-esq

Twitter: @Tpryor51 @BlackCoalition1

Facebook: @Terrance Pryor

Image Credits
Cranium, LLC @cranium.art

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