MY STORY
From the corner to the cul-de-sac, to building bridges of hope.
40 Under 40 Business Journal honoree, GRAMMY-nominated producer, recording artist, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader— just a few of the spaces that I find myself in. It may sound like a complex life, but I simply see myself as a bridge-builder wherever I exist.
the tale of two lives.
Born in Norfolk, Virginia, I was raised as the knee baby of four children in Huntersville, a low-income Black neighborhood. Fast forward to 2001, where as a result of family turmoil, life picked me up and dropped me on the steps of the predominately white and affluent Ballantyne area in Charlotte, North Carolina.
I experienced a 180° cultural, racial and socioeconomic shock! The move exposed me to the realities of the “other side of the tracks” that most Americans only theorize about. I exuded the implicit biases I had learned about white people, while receiving the same from those around me in my new reality. Thankfully, with much patience, I learned to open myself up to the differences, and embrace the value within this new cultural experience.
“Imagine if we loved more than we hate and if we weren’t judged by the skin on our face.”
ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE
MUSIC brings people together.
At 16, music became the symbolic bridge between the end of my basketball pursuits and my need for hope during my transition from VA to NC. In that same sense, over the past twelve years I’ve witnessed my music bridge races, cultures and generations in ways that seem impossible.
Nothing— not even a Grammy nomination, is more satisfying than knowing my gifts are divinely being used to help people reckon with the past and imagine a future where, what makes us different, has the potential to make us better.
Change happens in authentic relationship.
Whether it was at the Art Institute where I studied Multi-Media & Web Design, Elevation Church where “The Black rapper guy in white evangelical worship services” was born, or living with two white roommates after college— I realized that when you open yourself up to engage in authentic relationship, eyes are opened and opportunities for growth are presented. Within the honesty and safety of authentic relationship, you begin to understand that most people are not hateful or mean spirited, they are sadly disconnected from the realities and innate value present within everyone regardless of race, culture or socioeconomic status.
“Build the world you want to live in, one brick at a time.”
LEADERCAST VOICE OVER + TALENT
I am a bridge builder.
Through my work as an artist, co-owner of Hue House, founding member of Fair Play Music Equity Initiative and the many boards and community organization committees I serve on, I am a passionate bridge builder.
With all that I am, it is my desire to create opportunities and develop others to become bridge builders of hope, where division exists within the communities they influence.
PEACE & LOVE
DAE
// 40 Under 40 Business Journal Article
// More about me and my work in the Charlotte Observer
QUOTES
Do Good Work
And Others Will Talk.
“When at risk of inequitable outcomes and incomplete insights, Dae stepped up to help design and implement equitable solutions.”
charlotte center city partners
“Dae leads with authenticity, humility and curiosity which feeds his creativity, his love of people and optimism of the human spirit.”
Bank of America
“With a passion for impact, Dae’s leadership has connected us as a community by bringing diverse voices together to craft a stronger future for the arts.”
Arts & Science Council
“Curiosity, empathy and a quiet disposition to solve problems through re-imaginative conversation is what makes Dae a remarkable leader.”
YMCA OF GREATER CHARLOTTE
“Dae brings innovation, creativity, and intentionality into every conversation. He’s a calm, powerful force for positive change.”
Communities In Schools of CLT
“Dae’s approach centers around critical thinking and promoting ideals that connect us all as human beings to work towards unified goals.”
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Confluence music festival
