My Brother Podcast

Reuben A. Shelton, III, Esq. - Lawyer & Civic Leader (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.)

Reuben Shelton was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where he was a standout high school basketball player recruited to play for the national powerhouse Kansas University Jayhawks. A career-ending injury focused him on his career objective of becoming a lawyer, and following a clerkship with St. Louis' first African American federal circuit court judge, he embarked on a corporate law career at a prominent law firm in St. Louis. He would transition from serving as outside counsel to going in-house and working for a couple of large corporations, including Monsanto where he rose to become the company's lead counsel for litigation. Over the course of his career, Reuben achieved many firsts including becoming the first African American president of The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and of the Missouri Bar Association. He retired in early 2017, and turned his focus to furthering his civic service, and was elected national president of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in 2019.

Floyd Newsum - Nationally Recognized Artist and Educator

Floyd Newsum was born and raised in Memphis, TN where his childhood gave him a front row seat to the Civil Rights movement, while being reared by an activist father who was part of the city's first crop of Black firefighters. Determined to pursue his love of art from an early age, Floyd pursued his study at the Memphis Academy of Arts, and subsequently obtained his MFA from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia. His professional career began when he was offered a faculty position at the University of Houston-Downtown, where he has taught art for over 40 years, while simultaneously pursuing his career as an artist. The hallmark of his career was achieved with his work being selected for exhibition at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Kenneth Frank - Technology & Private Equity (Vista Equity Partners)

Kenny Frank was raised in Chicago, where his father who had a PhD in electrical engineering was employed at Bell Laboratories. An internship opportunity, as a high school student led to his eventual career path, where he would attend and obtain a BS in Computer Science at the University of Southern California. He transitioned from USC to pursue his master's degree in Computer Science from Stanford University, and would embark on his professional career at Bell Labs. His fascinating career took him from Bell Labs to various important roles from Bell South to a startup company and ultimately Alcatel Lucent, where he served in various international roles. He is presently CEO of Aptean, a technology company owned by Vista Equity Partners.

Roger Mitchell - Physician & Chief Medical Examiner Washington, DC

Roger Mitchell was born and raised in northern New Jersey, where he grew up as the youngest of two children and played football through high school. He completed his undergraduate degree at Howard, before enrolling at and receiving his medical degree from New Jersey Medical School. His triumphant career led him to become at one point the youngest chief medical examiner in the nation at age 36, and he presently serves as the Chief Medical Examiner for Washington, DC.

Carroll G. Robinson - Higher Education & Politics

Carroll G. Robinson migrated to the United States with his parents at the age of nine, where he would spend his formative years in Patterson, NJ before attending university in southern New Jersey, and ultimately matriculate law school at George Washington University. Upon earning his law degree, he moved to Texas where he embarked on a career that meandered from the practice of law, to working in government, higher education, and eventually holding elected office in the nation's fourth largest city to his current service as chairman of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats.

My Brother Podcast Trailer

The My Brother podcast features interviews of personal biographies of African American men who have accomplished significant achievement in various industries from corporate business and entrepreneurship, to the arts and public service. These stories provide insight into the pathways these individuals have traveled, and important information about factors that contributed to their success. These interviews are cataloged on our website to provide access so that male youth and young professionals can gain insight into the stories of these inspirational leaders and accomplished professionals. My Brother will also provide a network through which our target audience can network and connect with resources that can support and help guide their journey towards success.

Michael S. Harding - Corporate Manufacturing (Anheuser Busch-Retired)

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Michael Harding began his professional career as a production manager trainee with Anheuser Busch in the 1970's, a journey that will span a nearly four decade tenure with the same company. Michael would rise to become the second African American plant manager in the company's 130 plus year history, and would eventually become Vice President of Operations, and would serve as Executive Vice President until the company's sale to InBev in 2008.

Dale Lockett, Director of Local Programming & Community Marketing - KHOU-TV (CBS)

Dale Lockett spent the early part of his life moving from place to place due to his father's career as a Methodist pastor, before his family settled in East Texas. He would attend the University of Houston where he pursued an education in TV production, before embarking on a career behind in the background of TV programming. He currently serves as Director of Local Programming and Community Marketing for KHOU-TV, Houston's local CBS affiliate.

Gerald McElvy, Energy & Finance (ExxonMobil - Retired)

Born into a military family in North Texas, Gerald McElvy distinguished himself as a student at the University of Houston, before earning his MBA in Finance and embarking on a career in the energy industry. His storied 33-year career at ExxonMobil is a fascinating one that watched him rise to become the highest ranking African American executive at the company. He capped off his career fulfilling the role of head of the ExxonMobil foundation, and has spent his retirement volunteering on boards of educational institutions, and has recently taken an active role in the political process.

Shawn Taylor - Entrepreneurism (Food and Beverage)

Shawn Taylor started his career as an auditor for the public accounting firm Arthur Andersen. He later went on to work as a financial advisor, before stepping out on his own when he structured a deal to acquire 19 Taco Bell stores in the Houston area. He would later own a minority stake in the Houston Astros, which he sold in 2017. Shawn grew up on the south side of Chicago, and was raised by a single mom as one of four boys.