Legacy 2018 Miami: Power Issue | Page 2

2BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD MONDAY, MAY 14, 2018 EDITOR'S NOTE Occasionally, a Legacy reader will approach me saying they missed qualifying for our “40 Under 40” award by just one birthday (ok, for others who approach me, they may have missed it by quite a few more birthdays). I’ll usually quip back, “There’s still a chance you’ll be nominated for your life-long accomplishments in Legacy’s annual ‘Power’ issue, which has no age limit.” That’s usually followed by a few seconds of silence, I assume, to self-assess if they measure up for such a career-defining honor. The truth of the matter is, the influential Black Americans featured in this issue run the gamut in terms of age, position, and talent. And power holds different meanings, depending on who you ask. Take North Bay Village Vice Mayor Andreana Jackson, for example, who describes herself as a Xennial, born on the cusp between Generation X and the Millennials. She was destined to take on a leadership role, having been mentored in the Chief of Staff office at the Command General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth before later being hired as a consultant for the military’s training program. She credits the federal government’s high level of professionalism for preparing her to become a public servant. “It means that I’m able to help people,” said Jackson, whose term runs through 2020. “It has something to do with the fact that I’m able to bring people together. I’m able to assist and go beyond expectations and get answers that the average person isn’t able to.” Miami-Dade County School Board member Steve Gallon, Legacy’s Educator of the Year, stops short of describing his position as powerful. “I don’t view it as a position of ‘power’ as much as I view and embrace my present space as a position of obligation, opportunity, and responsibility as it relates to the children and community that look to and rely on my leadership,” Gallon said. Other honorees tell me their privileged positions give them the flexibility and freedom to maneuver through society on their own terms. But with power also comes responsibility and, for some, the temptation to misuse that power. “But I believe as the Bible states, “To whom much is given, much is required,” Gallon added. Each of the Honorees in this edition have their own story of struggle and success. If you happen to see them around Miami, I’m certain you could steal a few minutes of their time to learn how to positions yourself for greatness. Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief, Legacy Miami @ of Festival Musicals ’s a ic r e Am t Plays & Shor Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine May 31 - Jul 1 June 9 June 8 FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA June 23 July 28 July 12 - 29 July 28 & 29 July 14 August 1 - 19 TICKETS! 305.949.6722 · arshtcenter.org June 16 LIOR SUCHARD Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine #BeInformed #BeInfluential #BlackHistoryMonth Ages 10 - 17 CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS "The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and na�onal antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Ha�ng no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back." August 6 - 10 Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA) July 20 & 21 Dexter A. Bridgeman CEO & Founder Russell Motley Editor-in-Chief Zachary Rinkins Editor-at-Large Yanela G. McLeod Copy Editor Shannel Escoffery Associate Editor Md Shahidullah Art Director