League of EXTRAordinary Black Men:
Ricardo P. Deveaux
TheBlackManCan is in the Sunny Bahamas to bring you yet another EXTRAordinary Black Man. We bring to you a Black man who yearns to not only impact his community but his country. It is our honor and distinct pleasure to present Ricardo Deveaux. Ricardo is a Visionary Leader, Community Activist and Motivational Speaker. Currently, Brother Deveaux is the President & Chief Executive Office of the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Foundation and the visionary behind Vision 2 Lead. Ricardo sits down with TheBlackManCan to discuss using social media for social change, the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards program, the Ricardo Deveaux award and more.
http://www.theblackmancan.org
TheBlackManCan: Ricardo, at what point in your life did you realize that you were a visionary leader and community activist?
RD: Ironically, this was not something that I discovered early. I think I can honestly say that it would have been about my sophomore year in college. I found myself being passionate about serving; I wanted to be around the students who were in leadership; I wanted to sit at the feet of the College President and his Cabinet Members; I wanted to start seeking leadership office, then it was running for President of the organizations that I was apart or organizing some effort but I never really saw myself as a visionary leader. I just saw it as doing things that made me happy and doing things that made a difference.
TheBlackManCan: What are some of the differences between the American public school system to that of the public school system in The Bahamas?
RD: While I believe that both the American and Bahamian public school system has done a great job in promoting and advancing learning, I feel that in the Bahamas, we have not kept pace with the technology development in our schools. We are still trying to ensure that all our students have access to computers.
TheBlackManCan: In 1983, you were required to withdraw from your private school. What was the reason and how did you overcome this experience?
RD: Yes in 1983, I was a 10th grade student at one of The Bahamas premier private high schools and received three F’s and two D’s and was required to withdraw from the school. I was told that my chances for success in life were slim and I would never be able to get into any college with my poor grades. Today, I am grateful to R. M. Bailey Senior High School, a public school in The Bahamas that gave me a second chance. Today, I am a product of a second chance. My advice, Life will knock you down, don’t allow that experience to knock you out. God has placed a spirit of excellence over your life. Go forth and live a life that matters.
TheBlackManCan: In 2009 you have the commencement speech at Bethune-Cookman University and was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters. What was the experience like giving the commencement address at your alma-mater and receiving the Human Letters?
RD: First, It was an awesome experience. What made this even more special, I actually envisioned myself at my graduation in April 1990 returning one day to serve as the commencement speaker. I honestly thought that I would have been some political figure, someone with some wealth, etc. I never really imagine that at age of 41, I would be delivering a commencement address and receiving my Honorary Doctorate Degree. I am humbled to have been one of the youngest commencement speakers and only the second individual from The Bahamas to have that honor and hope that I represented my country, my family and my friends well.
I felt the need to encourage others to lead. The group maybe inspiring others but at the same time, it is encouraging me to continue to make that difference in the lives of those whom I meet. ~Ricardo Deveaux
TheBlackManCan: Where does the passion to impact not only your community but your country come from?
RD: My passion comes from my sense of obligation to leave this world better than I met it. It also comes from two strong parents – Edward & Beverly Deveaux who always encouraged me to make a difference in whatever I did. I guess a quote that I saw some 22 years ago has also impacted the way that I view life and my role to make a difference: the quote from an unknown author stated that “In one hundred years from now, it will not matter what type of car I drove, the size of the house that I lived in, the amount of money that I had in the bank or the type of clothes that I wore, IF, I didn’t make a difference in the life of a child.
TheBlackManCan: You were instrumental in establishing the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards program. Can you give us some insight into this program?
RD: The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program is a premier National Awards Recognition program for 6th graders in The Bahamas. The program was presented to the Nassau, Bahamas NPHC, the governing body for Fraternities and Sororities while I was serving as it Distinguished Charter President. The program was established to bring recognition to a group of students who were not being highlighted for their achievements nationally. The idea for the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program was taken from the prestigious Florida College Student of the Year Awards Program sponsored by Florida Leader Magazine and Oxendine Publishing Company (http://www.floridaleader.com/soty/). I was one of seven finalists in the 1992 Florida College Student of the Year Awards Program, only black and only male and that gave me the idea to return to my country and establish a similar awards program. My proudest moment to date is that we have recognized over 1,200 of the BEST and BRIGHTEST primary school students in the Awards Program since it was established in 1997 and presented over $600,000.00 in scholarships and prizes.
My passion comes from my sense of obligation to leave this world better than I met it. ~Ricardo Deveaux
TheBlackManCan: You attended a Historically Black College and you are a life member of Alpha Phi Alph Fraternity, Inc. How has taking part in both of these black experiences helped you become the man you are today?
RD: First, I would never trade my experience of attending Bethune-Cookman for undergraduate studies. When I entered B-CC in 1986, I was a shy, soft spoken individual. Three years prior to attending Bethune, I had flunked out of my private school in which I attended. Suffering from low self-esteem, I was told that I would never be able to attend college. My high school Guidance Counsellor – Zoie Miller-Powell, a Bethune-Cookman Graduate convinced my parents that I was good enough for college. She took me on a college tour, spoke life into me, told me that I was good enough to make the honor roll, run for student body president and graduate with honors. At the time, these things seem impossible because I had never been an honor student, wasn’t really considered a leader but Bethune-Cookman made me believe that it was possible. During my first semester, I got a 3.83 GPA and felt good about being seen as a scholar. I have never looked backed and have always strived to maintain those good grades.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – I believe that my involved in the Fraternity gave me a greater appreciation for assisting those less fortunate. My college chapter was extremely big on community service projects; so we were always helping the elderly; providing tutoring to students; volunteering at the child abuse center; and mentoring high school students in the area. So, I guess, I found a love in assisting others. The fraternity also assisted in further developing my leadership skills. In 2005, I was identified by the General President at the time, Darryl Matthews to serve in his Cabinet as Chairman of International Brothers Affairs. This was a high honour for me as I became the first individual from The Bahamas to serve on the senior leadership for the Fraternity.
TheBlackManCan: You created an online leadership group Vision 2 Lead. What is the mission and vision of this group?
RD: Two years ago, I was lead to create a leadership group Vision 2 Lead (http://vision2lead.ning.com) It was designed to bring together Extraordinary Individuals Who DARE to LEAD. It has no political agenda, our purpose is to inspire individuals to lead; foster leadership growth and development and to mentor individuals who aspire to lead. I am encouraged that the group has over 500 members and represents some 14 countries. I guess what makes this effort worthwhile is to have members tell you, that they are encouraged by the discussions and inspired to make a difference.
TheBlackManCan: How can people use social media for social change as you have done?
RD: Individuals can use social media for change by making a decision to address some community, country or world need. I felt the need to encourage others to lead. The group maybe inspiring others but at the same time, it is encouraging me to continue to make that difference in the lives of those whom I meet.
I expect that I would be offering myself for greater service. I want to be in a position where I can impact another generation to continue to serve and be the best that they can be. ~Ricardo Deveaux
TheBlackManCan: You have received many accolades including but not limited to the Bahamas Faith Ministries International – Distinguished Youth Leader Award, the Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy – Award of Excellence and Distinguished Male Leadership Award. How does it feel to be recognized for living your passion and impacting others?
RD: It is interesting in being recognized for awards. I have never participated in any effort, event or leadership role, looking or expecting to be recognized. However, It does make you feel good when someone notice your work. I remember in 2006 when I was recognized by Dr. Myles Munroe as a Distinguished Youth Leader. I was shocked that the work that I was doing caught his attention. It only made me realized that I had to be ever mindful because I never knew who was watching me.
TheBlackManCan: At Nova Southeastern University they have created the Ricardo Deveaux award. What are the requirements for one to receive this award that is named in your honor?
RD: This was one of the BIGGEST shocks of my life, I am in Graduate school just doing the things that I enjoyed doing – serving, leading and making a difference. I was invited to organize the Resident Student Association. I used my experience and exposure from my undergraduate Student Body tenure and started implementing changes, encouraging leadership development and the next thing that I knew, the student body was on “fire” with passion to serve and get things done. When I was leaving Nova Southeastern University, the University President announced that an Award was being named in my honour due to my passion to serve and would be given to an individual who sought to make a difference on the campus.
TheBlackManCan: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
RD: Wherever I am in five year, I expect that I would be offering myself for greater service. I want to be in a position where I can impact another generation to continue to serve and be the best that they can be.
TheBlackManCan: What words of advice do you have for young Black males?
RD: We have been placed on this earth not just to take up space but to create an atmosphere of change. We have been placed here to become better husbands, fathers, sons, cousins, and mentors. We have an obligation to leave this world better than we met it. We must love our mothers, wives, daughters and sisters, we must treat them as our “Queens”.
You can learn more about Ricardo P. Deveaux on: http://www.ricardopdeveaux.com
Join Ricardo’s leadership group: http://vision2lead.ning.com
Follow Ricardo’s passion: http://www.bahamaspstoy.org
Like Ricardo on Facebook
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 [email protected] 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.
http://www.theblackmancan.org
TheBlackManCan: Ricardo, at what point in your life did you realize that you were a visionary leader and community activist?
RD: Ironically, this was not something that I discovered early. I think I can honestly say that it would have been about my sophomore year in college. I found myself being passionate about serving; I wanted to be around the students who were in leadership; I wanted to sit at the feet of the College President and his Cabinet Members; I wanted to start seeking leadership office, then it was running for President of the organizations that I was apart or organizing some effort but I never really saw myself as a visionary leader. I just saw it as doing things that made me happy and doing things that made a difference.
TheBlackManCan: What are some of the differences between the American public school system to that of the public school system in The Bahamas?
RD: While I believe that both the American and Bahamian public school system has done a great job in promoting and advancing learning, I feel that in the Bahamas, we have not kept pace with the technology development in our schools. We are still trying to ensure that all our students have access to computers.
TheBlackManCan: In 1983, you were required to withdraw from your private school. What was the reason and how did you overcome this experience?
RD: Yes in 1983, I was a 10th grade student at one of The Bahamas premier private high schools and received three F’s and two D’s and was required to withdraw from the school. I was told that my chances for success in life were slim and I would never be able to get into any college with my poor grades. Today, I am grateful to R. M. Bailey Senior High School, a public school in The Bahamas that gave me a second chance. Today, I am a product of a second chance. My advice, Life will knock you down, don’t allow that experience to knock you out. God has placed a spirit of excellence over your life. Go forth and live a life that matters.
TheBlackManCan: In 2009 you have the commencement speech at Bethune-Cookman University and was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Human Letters. What was the experience like giving the commencement address at your alma-mater and receiving the Human Letters?
RD: First, It was an awesome experience. What made this even more special, I actually envisioned myself at my graduation in April 1990 returning one day to serve as the commencement speaker. I honestly thought that I would have been some political figure, someone with some wealth, etc. I never really imagine that at age of 41, I would be delivering a commencement address and receiving my Honorary Doctorate Degree. I am humbled to have been one of the youngest commencement speakers and only the second individual from The Bahamas to have that honor and hope that I represented my country, my family and my friends well.
I felt the need to encourage others to lead. The group maybe inspiring others but at the same time, it is encouraging me to continue to make that difference in the lives of those whom I meet. ~Ricardo Deveaux
TheBlackManCan: Where does the passion to impact not only your community but your country come from?
RD: My passion comes from my sense of obligation to leave this world better than I met it. It also comes from two strong parents – Edward & Beverly Deveaux who always encouraged me to make a difference in whatever I did. I guess a quote that I saw some 22 years ago has also impacted the way that I view life and my role to make a difference: the quote from an unknown author stated that “In one hundred years from now, it will not matter what type of car I drove, the size of the house that I lived in, the amount of money that I had in the bank or the type of clothes that I wore, IF, I didn’t make a difference in the life of a child.
TheBlackManCan: You were instrumental in establishing the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards program. Can you give us some insight into this program?
RD: The Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program is a premier National Awards Recognition program for 6th graders in The Bahamas. The program was presented to the Nassau, Bahamas NPHC, the governing body for Fraternities and Sororities while I was serving as it Distinguished Charter President. The program was established to bring recognition to a group of students who were not being highlighted for their achievements nationally. The idea for the Bahamas Primary School Student of the Year Awards Program was taken from the prestigious Florida College Student of the Year Awards Program sponsored by Florida Leader Magazine and Oxendine Publishing Company (http://www.floridaleader.com/soty/). I was one of seven finalists in the 1992 Florida College Student of the Year Awards Program, only black and only male and that gave me the idea to return to my country and establish a similar awards program. My proudest moment to date is that we have recognized over 1,200 of the BEST and BRIGHTEST primary school students in the Awards Program since it was established in 1997 and presented over $600,000.00 in scholarships and prizes.
My passion comes from my sense of obligation to leave this world better than I met it. ~Ricardo Deveaux
TheBlackManCan: You attended a Historically Black College and you are a life member of Alpha Phi Alph Fraternity, Inc. How has taking part in both of these black experiences helped you become the man you are today?
RD: First, I would never trade my experience of attending Bethune-Cookman for undergraduate studies. When I entered B-CC in 1986, I was a shy, soft spoken individual. Three years prior to attending Bethune, I had flunked out of my private school in which I attended. Suffering from low self-esteem, I was told that I would never be able to attend college. My high school Guidance Counsellor – Zoie Miller-Powell, a Bethune-Cookman Graduate convinced my parents that I was good enough for college. She took me on a college tour, spoke life into me, told me that I was good enough to make the honor roll, run for student body president and graduate with honors. At the time, these things seem impossible because I had never been an honor student, wasn’t really considered a leader but Bethune-Cookman made me believe that it was possible. During my first semester, I got a 3.83 GPA and felt good about being seen as a scholar. I have never looked backed and have always strived to maintain those good grades.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – I believe that my involved in the Fraternity gave me a greater appreciation for assisting those less fortunate. My college chapter was extremely big on community service projects; so we were always helping the elderly; providing tutoring to students; volunteering at the child abuse center; and mentoring high school students in the area. So, I guess, I found a love in assisting others. The fraternity also assisted in further developing my leadership skills. In 2005, I was identified by the General President at the time, Darryl Matthews to serve in his Cabinet as Chairman of International Brothers Affairs. This was a high honour for me as I became the first individual from The Bahamas to serve on the senior leadership for the Fraternity.
TheBlackManCan: You created an online leadership group Vision 2 Lead. What is the mission and vision of this group?
RD: Two years ago, I was lead to create a leadership group Vision 2 Lead (http://vision2lead.ning.com) It was designed to bring together Extraordinary Individuals Who DARE to LEAD. It has no political agenda, our purpose is to inspire individuals to lead; foster leadership growth and development and to mentor individuals who aspire to lead. I am encouraged that the group has over 500 members and represents some 14 countries. I guess what makes this effort worthwhile is to have members tell you, that they are encouraged by the discussions and inspired to make a difference.
TheBlackManCan: How can people use social media for social change as you have done?
RD: Individuals can use social media for change by making a decision to address some community, country or world need. I felt the need to encourage others to lead. The group maybe inspiring others but at the same time, it is encouraging me to continue to make that difference in the lives of those whom I meet.
I expect that I would be offering myself for greater service. I want to be in a position where I can impact another generation to continue to serve and be the best that they can be. ~Ricardo Deveaux
TheBlackManCan: You have received many accolades including but not limited to the Bahamas Faith Ministries International – Distinguished Youth Leader Award, the Mt. Carmel Preparatory Academy – Award of Excellence and Distinguished Male Leadership Award. How does it feel to be recognized for living your passion and impacting others?
RD: It is interesting in being recognized for awards. I have never participated in any effort, event or leadership role, looking or expecting to be recognized. However, It does make you feel good when someone notice your work. I remember in 2006 when I was recognized by Dr. Myles Munroe as a Distinguished Youth Leader. I was shocked that the work that I was doing caught his attention. It only made me realized that I had to be ever mindful because I never knew who was watching me.
TheBlackManCan: At Nova Southeastern University they have created the Ricardo Deveaux award. What are the requirements for one to receive this award that is named in your honor?
RD: This was one of the BIGGEST shocks of my life, I am in Graduate school just doing the things that I enjoyed doing – serving, leading and making a difference. I was invited to organize the Resident Student Association. I used my experience and exposure from my undergraduate Student Body tenure and started implementing changes, encouraging leadership development and the next thing that I knew, the student body was on “fire” with passion to serve and get things done. When I was leaving Nova Southeastern University, the University President announced that an Award was being named in my honour due to my passion to serve and would be given to an individual who sought to make a difference on the campus.
TheBlackManCan: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
RD: Wherever I am in five year, I expect that I would be offering myself for greater service. I want to be in a position where I can impact another generation to continue to serve and be the best that they can be.
TheBlackManCan: What words of advice do you have for young Black males?
RD: We have been placed on this earth not just to take up space but to create an atmosphere of change. We have been placed here to become better husbands, fathers, sons, cousins, and mentors. We have an obligation to leave this world better than we met it. We must love our mothers, wives, daughters and sisters, we must treat them as our “Queens”.
You can learn more about Ricardo P. Deveaux on: http://www.ricardopdeveaux.com
Join Ricardo’s leadership group: http://vision2lead.ning.com
Follow Ricardo’s passion: http://www.bahamaspstoy.org
Like Ricardo on Facebook
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 [email protected] 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.
