BLACK HISTORY MONTH n
One on One with Russell Drake
COURTESY OF RUSSELL DRAKE
21 IBA Success Magazine n VOL 7 , Issue 1 ussell Drake is a Christian Man , Community Advocate , and Determined Contributor to Civic Causes . He is a native of Gary , Indiana , an Alumni of Howard University , and an Engineering Professional of 18 years , a public speaker , writer , and mentor .
Russell has been instrumental in reaching , teaching , advocating , and empowering the community for the betterment and upward mobility , making a way for Central Florida talent to gain exposure . Over the last year , he has championed the Build Black Daily # BHMUpgrade Effort of Financially Supporting and Highlighting a Different Black- Owned Business EVERY DAY going back to February 1 , 2020 ; on pace to complete 365 straight days of this noble task .
Russell has a passion for uplifting the community : active in mentoring , feeding & clothing the homeless ; advocating for equity & unalienable rights ; and linking people to foster better relations ! In his own words , “ In order to Reach the Community , you must be IN the Community ”. Russell is a part of the African American Chamber of Commerce , Central Florida Urban League , Howard University Alumni Association ( HUAA ), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated ( State , Civic & Community Affairs Chair ), Orange County Black Caucus ( Past President ), NAACP , National Society of Black Engineers ( NSBE ), National Association of Black Journalists ( NABJ ). He also serves on the Orange County Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr Initiative Board and County Charter Review Commission .
In his spiritual life , Russell is a devoted member of Saint Mark AME Church , where he is active on the Trustee Board ( Vice-Chair ), Usher Board , Praise Team , and Men ’ s Choir . With a basis in service , he practices the concept of servant leadership in walk , talk , and deed . For the Bible says , “ To whom much is Given , Much Is Required ”.
Last but not least , Russell Drake regards family to be first . He is blessed to be the son of two loving parents , a brother to seven siblings , and the proud Father of a Beautiful 14-year-old daughter . n
On the facing page is a list of all the businesses Russell Drake has reached out to .