Distinguished Gentleman of the Month: Russell Boyd II

Name: Russell L. Boyd II
School: Texas State University
Major: Public Administration
Minor: Mass Communications
Graduation: May 10, 2018
Occupation: Lead Student Office Assistant in Texas State University’s Office Of Disability Services & Legislative Aide for Representative Jarvis Johnson of Houston’s 139^th District.

Social Media

·         Twitter: RussellFromTXST

·         Instagram: negropolitico_

·         Facebook: Russell Boyd II

·         LinkedIn: Russell Boyd II

 Organization/Community Involvement

·         Founder & Administrative Chair: The Talented Tenth Project

·         Political Action Committee Chair: NAACP Unit 6875-B

·         Co-Founder & Active Member: Black Lives Movement: San Marcos

·         Co-Founder: Its A Family Affair Freshmen & Transfer Student Picnic  

·         Member: Black Student Alliance

·         Former Event Coordinator, Outreach Chair & President: Student Organizations Council

·         Former Board Member: Student Justice Hearing Board

1.      What does "Distinguished Gentleman" mean to you?

In my personal opinion, being a Distinguished Gentleman means to be a man or male identifying person of class, good moral character, drive, humility, and determination for growth and development in all areas. I believe to be a distinguished gentleman, you must be a person who is willing to self-educate and be humble so you can seek education from the education and experience of those around you. This helps develop you in ways that will be beneficial to you and the communities you serve. I believe you must be a person of good moral character and act in good spirit and intent. It goes beyond opening doors and greeting people. A distinguished gentleman is one who is always willing to act in good will and support the endeavors of those around him. You must act with class and condone in tasteful behavior, not for the looks and compliments of others, but because you owe yourself that respect.

2.      What is your brand and how did you get started? (If you do not have a brand, you could talk about moves you’ve made to make a difference in your community, job/career, etc and how it has helped you.) 

I do not have a tangible brand in terms of a product, but I believe I am a brand. The reputation I’ve built for myself at my university and in community is something that I hold of high value and I treat as a brand. It is a product and something that I am always looking to improve and protect in an effort to seek and achieve personal opportunities, and help support and inspire others. I have actively sought out different opportunities to educate myself and develop mentally, spiritually, academically and professionally. I have put myself in positions so that I can gain experience and offer my support to my community (i.e, starting The Talented Tenth Project, running for student body president, being physically and vocally supportive of underrepresented communities, etc.). I am very cognizant of my image and the way I carry myself as I do not want silly mistakes and immature behavior to tarnish who I am, and who I am striving to be. I ensure that should something like that occur that I take responsibility for my actions, apologize and/or correct those mistakes and work towards overcoming and moving forth. I also make sure I support my friends and peers and provide opportunities that may not necessarily be for me, but can benefit them and/or our community.

3.      What is your dream goal and how do you plan on achieving it? 

That is such a hard question to answer, as I have so many dream goals but Ill discuss just a few. I aspire to one day be a governor and to change the face of politics in this country. I strive to dissemble the political machine and create a political environment that works for our people rather than against our people. I plan to be a business owner as I aspire to own a coffee shop placed in an underrepresented neighborhood. I want community members to have a place where they can go read, write, and have inspiring conversations and dialogue with diverse people in an environment that is comfortable for them and represents their culture. I also want to own a non-profit for Emergency & Disaster Relief for underrepresented areas who have historically, and still to this day, are considered a low priority following natural disasters and other emergencies. Lastly, a dream goal of mine is to be an incredible father. I want my future kids to have the most supportive father known to mankind. One who is always there to support them, guide them, and ensure their well-being in every way possible. I plan to achieve all these by continuing to educate myself and develop, put myself at tables that were never meant for me, and push myself to achieve what is considered the impossible for many of us of the global majority.

4.      Name a moment that you feel helped shape you into the young man that you are today. 

A moment that I feel shaped me into who I am is a road trip I took with my grandfather when I was 7. I would always go on trips with my grandfather because he said I was the best person to keep him awake because I talked so much. He said I knew so much for a young boy and I could hold a conversation with adults and “hold my own.” I remember this one specific moment where he told me “Boy, you talk so dang much and know a whole lot, and I just know that you’re gonna be somebody. A preacher, a teacher, a politician or somebody, but I know you’re gonna make our family proud.” That moment changed my life, and every time I feel defeated or discouraged about something, I think of my grandfather and that moment, and I’m instantly inspired to push forward.

5.      Name a person (dead or alive) that you look up to & why? 

Boyd during a protest on Texas State's campus last spring. 

A person I look up to is Charles Hamilton Houston. He was a lawyer for NAACP, Dean of Howard University’s law school, and the person who trained Thurgood Marshall. He is a living example of a person who would stop at nothing to see change for his people. He saw the ways of a world and rather let them get him down, they inspired him to seek change. After experiencing racism in the military, he made a pledge to end racial segregation in our country. He became a lawyer and committed to using his positon to uplift communities and inspire others. Even with the knowledge that he was dying of heart failure, he remained to committed to this pledge. He set a legal precedence in our country, deeming Separate but equal as unconstitutional which was critical to Thurgood Marshall's overturning of Plessy vs. Ferguson and victory in Brown Vs. Board Of Education. Just like Mr. Houston, I’ve saw the ways of the world, and will stop at nothing to see change and use my passion and skills to inspire others and see that change come to fruition. 

6.      When it comes to being a man, what do you feel should be the three core values that a gentleman should uphold? 

·         Integrity

·         Humility

·         Commitment

7.      What is a quote that live by and how do you live up to it? 

“I can’t complain about too much being on my plate when the goal is to eat.”

 –Unknown

8.      Piece of advice that you would give to young men of color who do not believe in themselves or lack role models?

I would advise them to explore all their options and build connections. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and seek opportunity. There are so many genuine people looking to give opportunities to young men and guide them in the right direction. Always stay humble and thirsty for knowledge and enhancing your skills. Be receptive to feedback and constructive criticism. If someone takes the time to coach you through your mistakes/shortcomings, they truly care about your success. Lastly, get involved. Rather you’re an executive board member, committee member or just a member, get involved. Give your energy and service to an organization. There is so little representation for men of color in student organizations and in leadership positions. Be that change.