Live by example. Travel the world. Forever be a student. ~Rahfeal Gordon
TheBlackManCan is back in New Jersey to bring you another EXTRAordinary Black Man. The Black Man we bring to you has come a very long way from being homeless in the notorious streets of Newark, New Jersey. It is our honor and distinct pleasure to bring to you International Award-Winning Motivational Speaker, Author and CEO Rahfeal Gordon. Rahfeal is a Black Man who embodies the true entrepreneurial spirit and has built on it since his teenage years. Rahfeal sits down with TheBlackManCan to discuss his developing his entrepreneurial spirit, Rahfeal C. Gordon Scholarship Fund, RahGor Tour 2012 and words of advice for young black males.
TheBlackManCan: Rahfeal, at one point you were homeless on the rough streets of Newark, New Jersey. What was the intrinsic motivation that pushed you to overcome obstacles?
RG: When people ask me this specific question it is sometimes hard to explain. I always knew I was bigger than where I came from. I always had this feeling that if I kept pushing things would change. Having that sense of determination and inner motivation, I was able to attach myself to any and everything that signified success. Being able to meet people and see environments that were beautiful and full of life motivated me to keep going.
TheBlackManCan: How did you develop your entrepreneurial spirit and why is it important for people to have one?
RG: I was introduced into the world of entrepreneurship in the (3rd) grade. I was a part of an after-school program called, “The Ready Program”. They taught us about selling candy and so forth. They even took us on a trip where they gave us money to buy our first product. It was so DOPE! To be honest, everyone doesn’t possess the will and drive of a true entrepreneur. It takes a lot of hard work to build a business. If everyone was an entrepreneur, then who will be managing, assisting, and negotiating deals for the business? I do believe that it is important to have some characteristics that entrepreneurs have for life purposes. It is good to have passion for the job position you are in because you will excel in it. It is necessary for you to be organized whether you are trying to close a deal or help someone close a deal. They all work hand in hand.
Don’t separate yourself from other cultures due to your skin color. We are all human beings so that means we all connected and came from one source. ~Rahfeal Gordon
TheBlackManCan: Tell us about your first ever venture Infinite Productions.
RG: My first venture was a bake sale at Arts High School in Newark, New Jersey. We made about 120 dollars.
TheBlackManCan: In 2005 you established the Rahfeal C. Gordon Scholarship Fund. Tell us about the work you have done to date and the vision and mission behind the fund. How can students apply?
RG: Since the establishment of the scholarship, we have helped some amazing young individuals. We created various community events that help raise funds along with keeping the communities involved with our progress. The vision is to one day pay for someone’s entire college education for (4) years. That would be so AWESOME! Applying for the scholarship is easy. Just send an email to info@rahgor.com and type “REQUEST SCHOLARSHIP” in the subject bar. Simple and Easy!
TheBlackManCan: Can you share a brief synopsis of your two companies RahGor Publishing and RahGor Motivations?
RG: Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals all over the world while providing the best products, strategies, consulting, events, and resources that will enable them to accomplish their greatest goals. RahGor Motivations is a global team that consists of highly motivated people who provides the highest quality of service, commitment, and results for all those who want to reach their highest potential in life.
You must walk tall when people try to play down your goals and dreams. I been through a lot and still I stand here saying “Extraordinary is my Ordinary” and “My Location Is Not My Destination.” ~Rahfeal Gordon
TheBlackManCan: One of your quotes is “Extraordinary is my Ordinary” which is befitting for your feature in the League of EXTRAordinary Black Men. What does this quote mean in your own words and why should people embrace it in their everyday lives?
RG: This quote lets people know that I am above average (in mind, body and soul). My excellence isn’t what society believes it is (My excellence is beyond that). Greatness is the beginning. This quote should let you know that you MUST create what hasn’t been created. You must walk tall when people try to play down your goals and dreams. I been through a lot and still I stand here saying “Extraordinary is my Ordinary” and “My Location Is Not My Destination.”
TheBlackManCan: Your internationally known seminar Hip Hop Saved My Life has been performed at some famous venues such as New Jersey Performing Arts Center and you have also had the opportunity to perform at Madison Square Garden. How did Hip Hop save your life and how does it feel to empower and inspire people to new heights?
RG: The WISDOM that was given through the music helped me get through dark moments. Hearing Jay-Z talk about what he left behind just to be where he is now. To see young inner city kids use music to start other ventures (i.e. Phat Farm, Roca wear, cartoons, buying real estate, etc.) was amazing to me. Without Hip Hop a lot of what you do, say, and wear would not even exist. Some colleges would not have been cool to go to if certain artist went somewhere else. Hip Hop Saved THEIR lives including mine. It feels like heaven on earth to know that what I am saying and doing is inspiring people to go HIGHER!
TheBlackManCan: You have received many accolades, most recently the Ernst & Young Crystal Award. How does it feel to be honored for living your passion and having an entrepreneurial spirits?
RG: It is definitely a blessing. It shows that hard work does pay off when you are working hard for the right reasons.
TheBlackManCan: Which one of your books do you recommend as the best to read and why?
RG: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I could tell you why but I rather you read it and see for yourself. Enjoy.
TheBlackManCan: Where do you see yourself and your endeavors in the next five years?
RG: Doing what I’m doing and living how I’m living but on a higher level.
I always had this feeling that if I kept pushing things would change. Having that sense of determination and inner motivation, I was able to attach myself to any and everything that signified success. ~Rahfeal Gordon
TheBlackManCan: You’re currently on tour. What is the name of the tour, what locations have you spoken at and what kind of feedback have your received? How can people get in touch with you to book you for their event?
RG: The name of the tour is called “RahGor Tour 2012”. I spoke in locations that range from Los Angles to Boston and all states that fall in-between. The feedback has been GREAT! We always post the comments on my facebook so people can view them. To book me as a speaker or to take guest appearances, just visit my website at www.RahGor.comor contact our office at (646) 358-4966.
TheBlackManCan: What words of advice do you have for young black males?
RG: Live by example. Travel the world. Forever be a student. Don’t separate yourself from other cultures due to your skin color. We are all human beings so that means we all connected and came from one source.
Check out Rahfeal’s books by clicking here.
Our mission is to actively promote a positive black male image. Welcome to the Spotlight: League of EXTRAordinary Black Men. Here, we spotlight black men weekly who are having a positive impact in communities across the country. These men are actively promoting a positive black male image each and every day. If you know a man that should be spotlighted please send an email to theblackmancan@gmail.com In that email please state who you are and why you are nominating this individual. Please leave your contact information and the contact information of the individual you are nominating.
