Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Barnes
Hi Corey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story started back in Lakeland, Florida…. A long time ago. I didn’t know then, but God was looking out for me and he has continued to up until now. I was raised by my great-grandmother Dora McGriff primarily… and also by my paternal grandmother, Rozann Rouse. My mother (Vanessa) and my father (Robert) both were young teenagers when they had me. How could they raise a child when they were only children themselves?
I grew up in the projects. We were very poor and lacking. The funny thing though, is that I never looked at it that way coming up. I never considered it, I don’t remember feeling like I was missing anything until I got to the like the 5th grade. That is when other kids started to be able to go to certain places and I could not. Because it took money and my grandmother didn’t have any extra money to give. All of her money went to just pay the bills.
Although I came from nothing, I never thought that would be my life forever. I could not control my circumstances then, but I vowed that I would when I got the chance. I knew that, in order to get better out of life, I had to do different and be better. My dad told me early on that I was not going to the military. It said that the Army was no place for a Black man. He was in the Army because he had to go, but not because he wanted to. So my escape in my head became going to college. So I made that my priority.
There was only one problem, once again, who was going to pay for it? Not my family. So the only way I figured I would get out was to get a college scholarship playing football. Which, by the grace of God, I was able to do by way of Tuskegee University. The way my story ends, I was not able to finish my football career. The same great grandmother that raised me, became sick and nobody was around to take care of her. So I made the decision and sacrifice to leave school and go and see about her. And I never regretted walking away from the game I love.
That is who I have always been. I always give more of myself. I am always looking out for others. That has always been my story. I have been in the kid business for over 30 years. I have been helping people both young and old all my life.
My great grandmother showed me the way. And I am so grateful and thankful.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road has not been smooth. It has actually been anything but that. Life has been a struggle. It has not been easy. I have given a lot of people have not done right by me. Alot. And I think I struggle with trusting people too much. WIth giving them the benefit of the doubt way past what they deserve from me.
I think I struggled with not having my dad there to show me certain things that only a dad could do. But I realized that he actually was showing me responsibility and taking care of what you are supposed to when he went to the Army. He did that for me. Not for himself. But it was a struggle with him not being there.
Without struggle, there is no progress. And if the road had been easy, I would not be where I am now. I thank God for my struggles, because they made me the man I am today. But, I would not wish them on anyone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
By day, I work as an educational professional. I have had the privilege of working in public education in a variety of roles for the past 27, going on 28 years. I have worked at all levels, from elementary up to college. I have worked as a teacher, a coach, an assistant principal, Dean of Students, Principal, and Adjunct Professor. I have served students in multiple states.
But where I am able to really get excited about, is the work I am able to do an author and a storyteller. I have had the pleasure to have written a few books. I like to tell stories with my Publishing Company and my Consulting Group.
What sets me apart from others is that I care about my clients. I care about people. I care about them getting their stories told and that I am able help them to be great.
What am I most proud of? Being able to start multiple entities and be a creative artist. One of my taglines is… “I Create Dope Content” and that is something most cannot say.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like the most about this city is the energy. I love the vibe that you can do anything and be anyone. I love that you have resources and the ability to network and actually work to make your dreams a reality. There is not a crab in the barrel mentality here at all.
What I like least about the city is that, since I am still fairly new, I have to work on and build relationships. I also hate the traffic here. There. Maybe that is the thing that I like the least. Yeah, that is it.
Definitely the traffic.
Image Credits
NAi
