Today we’d like to introduce you to Collins Pettaway III.
Collins, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Selma, Alabama. After high school, I continued my education at Alabama A&M University where I earned both my bachelor’s and masters. While in school, I picked up a logistics trade working as an Operations Manager for UPS, but my passion has always been in politics and wanting to give back to the community. So after my second graduation, I turned down a huge opportunity and relocated back home to Selma to focus on my community. Being home made me realize that I bring a resource of education that would be selfish not to share. So, currently I am a radio personality at the local station, I volunteer and lead a few community organizations, and I started the Pettapull Firm, which specializes in political campaigns and strategic communications.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all! There are a few struggles that come to mind. One in particular was right after I received my first degree, I started a part-time job at a local law office in Huntsville, Alabama. I was excited about working there because I felt that the job was a jump start to law school. About three months into the job, my hours were unexpectedly cut and I was ultimately laid off. Of course, I was only 21 years old, so I thought I was immortal at that time. However, that triggered a series of events that I was never ready for. Another significant struggle that I remember would be shortly after returning home. I started working as a Regional Field Director during the 2018 Gubernatorial Election for the state’s Democratic nominee. I loved everything about that job and all the work that was being done connecting with the people. The problem was, I was not expecting to lose and once again I found myself dealing with additional struggles behind that. However, with those struggles came three very important lessons that I take with me today: (1.) Document everything. (2.) More than one source of income is not encouraged, but mandatory! (3.) If what is given was not worked for, it’s not deserved.
Please tell us about The Pettapull Firm.
The Pettapull Firm was started last year. We specialize in advising or managing political campaigns, strategic communications (Which encompasses public relations, image consulting, and crisis management), and event marketing. Our services bring us a diverse clientele. We have represented political candidates, elected officials, school programs, recording artists, etc. I’m so proud of this business because it allows me to do what I love– helping others to take back and control their narrative. I started this firm because I cared about how my story is told and I believe that everyone– especially Black Americans are entitled to that same courtesy.
Additionally, I have quite a few personal projects in the works that I am so excited about! One project that I can publicly talk about is my upcoming podcast titled, “The Black Constitution.” I have been blogging since 2018 and this political podcast is considered the next phase. There are so many voices out there that try to educate US and tell US how we should think or act. I do want to shoutout those amazing voices such as Angela Rye, Don Lemon, and Bakari Sellers. We are still in need of more voices in the area of political communications. So, I’m excited to help to fill a space that is not only needed in my own community but in the Black community as well. “The Black Constitution” will air on all streaming platforms in June.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
There are so many to name, but if I had to pick just one, it would be when I first realized I had a gift for public speaking. I was in 3rd grade and was given a Black History Month speech about Charles Drew. He was the first BHM figure that I had ever learned about, and I was so inspired that someone with my hue was capable of such accomplishments. That moment fueled my passion for history and it continues to drive me to make sure that our history is not only told but told correctly so that we are able to learn from it and be better moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.collinsp3.com
- Phone: (334) 259-8923
- Email: collinspettaway3@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cp3_820
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cpettaway3
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cpettaway3
- Other: https://www.collinsp3.com/blog
Image Credit:
Christopher Burkett; Blu Beast Photograph; James Tolbert, IV
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
