BY DAVID ANDERSON
Growing up as a black man in this world can be tough. I have been targeted by the police and subjected to racism on numerous occasions. I have been stopped under the suspicion of looking into cars and breaking into houses. Though many may feel these obstacles would hinder them, I have used it to my advantage.
As a black man in society, in order to be successful you have to have tough skin, be educated and be able to adapt to any environment. This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Growing up in Rexdale was an interesting and unique experience. As a child for fun, I would ride my bike; play basketball, soccer, football and manhunt with friends. I started taking basketball seriously in grade seven when a coach saw me playing in a local basketball gym. This was the moment that changed my life. Until I met him, I had not had anyone believe in me besides my mother. Coach Gray told me that I would not be seeing my friends as much because I would be focused on school and basketball. He was the first person to tell me I was good enough and smart enough to get a scholarship. Basketball has been a cornerstone in my life, which has helped me stay on track along my journey.
Since grade nine, I knew I was special, had a gift and I wanted to impact others. Other than being a professional basketball player, the only careers I ever wanted were to be an architect and a social worker. When you have a gift and come from where I come from, you have to separate yourself. To stay focused I had to take two buses to go to high school 45 minutes away. I was able to put myself in the right environment to support my personal and professional development.
After high school I was privileged enough to get a scholarship to play basketball at Sault College in Sault, Ste Marie. In college, I was the only black male in my class for two years. While in college I learned that my life experiences were an advantage and not a disadvantage. I have never been a leader in a group project or assignment until college. Speaking from my perspective allowed others to understand how one thinks, operates and navigates in problematic situations.
I graduated with a Social Service Worker diploma in 2017. Since graduation I have worked in a middle school, worked with youth on the spectrum as a child and youth worker, and as a program Associate Director and facilitator for Rexdale Youth Mentorship (RXYM).
Being raised in Rexdale, has bestowed on me experiences that allow me to positively impact the youth and community that I grew up in. Recently I have used the skills I have acquired and developed over the years to start David Anderson Career Consultants Inc. (DACC). Our goal is to provide accessible business consulting to entrepreneurs. We are committed to supporting professional’s reach their goals with individually tailored career roadmaps. We aim to stimulate economic opportunities for entrepreneurs by providing them with tangible tools to support their personal and professional development.
DACC has been able to provide enormous value through our social media channels. We provide fun and interactive business tips on a daily basis, while encouraging entrepreneurship, educating and highlighting successful entrepreneurs. In order to be successful, you have to do research, challenge yourself, change your environment, and build connections, while utilizing and mobilizing resources.
Starting RXYM was a lifelong goal of mine. I always wanted to positively support people to achieve their goals and to believe in more. The community I support is the community I grew up in. I have known the youth and their parents for many years. The community has put a trust in us to support their youth’s personal and professional development into adulthood. RXYM serves youth 13-21 years in black and marginalized communities. We aim to provide a safe space for youth by facilitating education workshops, homework club and book club, hosting community events and volunteer opportunities. We are funded by Ontario Trillium and just completed our second year of program.
Welcome to Entrepreneurial Minds, with David Anderson. I look forward to sharing the knowledge that I have acquired and inspiring the next great entrepreneurial mind.
