Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry “Coop” D. Veal.
Hi Larry “Coop”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I would “like” to say that my story started out as a troubled teenage gang member from Indianapolis, IN, “however,” I would be wrong.
It started out when I “turned” from being a troubled teenaged gang member and developed the desire to help other young people do the same.
Discovering the recipe to change my thinking from criminal, depressive, and hopeless to happy, positive, and successful, was the catalyst for my life’s purpose.
With that purpose, I earned a degree in Sociology/Criminology (BA, Paine College) and went on the write several books with the latest two being “Message 2 Mission” and “Troubled Kids Need Jesus Too.” Leeds Press.
A greater impact on this purpose-filled journey enabled me to arguably create one of the largest mentoring initiatives for troubled youth in the states of Georgia and Florida.
I believe what makes my story unique is that I created a Behavior Modification Curriculum that is so relevant and relatable, that most students, teachers, parents, and counselors can interpret, explain and apply to their daily lives.
The curriculum is entitled “I Have Willpower” and it is based on three basic principles, they stem from the thought that most poor decisions derive from impulsiveness, emotional, and peer pressure thinking.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has been far from a smooth road. My greatest challenges are getting adults to really believe in these youth, particular that the “so-called” troubled ones deserve a second chance. It is easy to stereotype, and label, a child as incorrigible now a days.
Another challenge is with introducing finances to this purpose. I have been blessed to raise money, get financial sponsorships, etc. However, most of the time those who are connected to the particular program or agency that I provide the funds for usually redirect the money to less stressful initiatives. Example, instead of using the funds for the extremely troubled child, they will use it for those less troubled. They do that so that the moneys can continue to come and so that the program will show a greater sign of success. What that does though is water down the program, and to be quite honest, misled those who provided the funding.
I admit, working with today’s youth population can provide some very difficult challenges for most adults. I, personally, have never seen disrespect and a blatant disregard for sound decision-making that some youth display today. However, with that it only increases my passion to reach them and shows that the need is greater.
If one is not fully passionate or committed to such a challenge, they will not last. This is currently evident by the record number of teachers and staff quitting the business. It is for these reasons that I have created our own team and corporate entity, Be More Positive Enterprises. We are helping to provide teachers, counselors, parents and others with tools they can use that will help to effectively communicate with these students, and youth in a way that makes them want to do better.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Comedy, I am most known as a comedian, one who uses his gift of humor to introduce positive thinking. In fact, it was the desire to become a national comedian that drew me to Atlanta. I was one of the first comedians to perform on BET’s Comic View in the early 1990’s.
I took on a daytime job as a Fulton County Juvenile Probation Officer at the time and, it reignited my desire to change young lives.
It took those life-changing experiences that I witnessed in that position that made me realize that a child dying due to lack of knowledge is more important than making people laugh.
I soon learned that they could both go hand in hand. Laughter and a serious message are great partners.
There is a famous quote that says, “When the mouth is open with laughter, that is the best time to put in some food for thought.”
Today, I still do both. In fact, I am marketing my new comedy show called “Laugh Don’t Shoot.”
We hope to inspire city officials, entertainment promoters, and philanthropist, to embrace this show so that we can use it to help people feel comfortable about seeking mediation when they have problems and learn to seek out community resources.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
My lessons are that the need for mental health is important. Also, that just because a person may have the desire to want to help our troubled youth, they may NOT have the patience or the skill set. Covid-19 and the quarantine has enabled a lot of people to really get to know themselves. It has in some cases brought out the good in people and other cases not so much.
The services that I offer, and others like me, are really needed today like never before. That is why I really appreciate this interview.
Contact Info:
- Email: Larryveal35@gmail.com
- Website: Bemorepositiveusa.com
- Instagram: Comediancoopdveal
- Facebook: Coop d Veal, be more positive
- Youtube: Be more positive
Image Credits:
Blue stripped shirt and microphone pic taken while performing on BET ComicView 2001
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