Nevada 2010 Black Men of Distinction

“If I can be half the man my father is, and half the man my mother thinks I already am, I will leave this earth a better place than I found it. And shouldn’t that be the goal of every human being?”

— John R. Bailey, managing partner, Bailey Kennedy LLP

“I am most passionate about my family, faith, and impacting lives through working with community organizations whose mission is empowering people.”

— Anthony L. Gladney, vice president national diversity relations, Caesars Entertainment

“I am passionate about economic redevelopment, assisting and directing our youth so that they can achieve higher education, and providing resources to enrich and support the lifestyles of our senior citizens.”

— Las Vegas City Councilman Ricky Barlow, Ward 5

“My passion is to help build the economic infrastructure that is missing in this country for our people, that we may be in a position to compete and enjoy the fruits and prosperity.”

— Ernest Fountain, chief executive and operating officer,

New Ventures Capital Development Company

“I strive to bring about change by practicing my faith, strengthening my family and ensuring my department collaborates with other public and private organizations to make Southern Nevada the safest destination in the world.”

— Bertral Washington, Clark County Fire Chief

“I’m passionate about making sure that the people in our community receive high quality dental care and educating the people of our community on good dental health.”

— Dr. Timothy Wilson, owner of Star Smiles Dentistry

“I am most passionate about the future of our elders and youth. Until we get back to caring for each other, they are the ones who will continue to suffer the consequences.”

— Clark County Commissioner Larry Weekly

“I am very passionate about my family and the love and support we share with one another. I love our community as a law enforcement official.”

— Deputy Chief Greg McCurdy, Homeland Security Division

“Serving the community as an advocate for education, child welfare, and hardworking families. Fighting every day to protect the quality of life for all Nevadans.”

— Sen. Steven Horsford, majority leader

“My passion is for the people of the West Side and the entire city of Las Vegas to realize their God-given potential. Economic empowerment, community development and spiritual revitalization.”

— Pastor D. Edward Chaney, Second Baptist Church

“I am passionate about never giving up on my dreams and leaving a legacy of accomplishments that make my children and grandchildren proud.”

— Roosevelt Toston, The Toston Group

“I am passionate about the research of history, and not ‘his story,’ because it will enhance the positive input of people of color and mitigate the negative stigmas and stereotypes that were put there by insidious design, rendering low self-esteem and a self-hate syndrome.”

— Prof. Lonnie Wright, business owner and international lecturer

“My passion for Nevada has rekindled the belief that anything is possible if you work hard enough. I’m a Nevada Supreme Court Justice today. I believe that everyone is entitled to liberty and justice.”

— Justice Michael Douglas, Nevada Supreme Court

“My greatest passion is providing the tools and inspiration for individuals and organizations to achieve excellence. Tied very closely to that is developing youth to become dynamic leaders that excel in vision analysis and execution.”

— Brian Pauling, director of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Compliance, Nevada Energy

“Helping both individuals and organizations learn how to see their full potential, change their circumstances, and in doing so, change the world.”
— Fred Keeton, chief diversity officer and vice president, external relations, Caesars Entertainment

“I’m most passionate about looking after my fellow man and providing quality and accessible eye care for those less fortunate. This is something that I deeply care about.”

— Dr. Kenneth Westfield, Owner of Westfield Eye Center

“I’m passionate about economic development, business, community and ‘Monday Night Football’ at Seven Seas.”

— Louis Conner entrepreneur and owner of Seven Seas

“My passion in life is to see that all people I come into contact with receive a touch from God — some direction and meaning in their lives.”

— Dr. Robert E. Fowler, Sr. Pastor, Victory Missionary Baptist Church

“No amount of training , skills, tips or tricks can replace a critical missing ingredient in ones life and that is PASSION. Three passions have become a daily staple in my life. 1) A passion for making people laugh 2) A passion for caring and 3) a passion for my family.”

– Darren Miller, Channel 8 Weatherman

“I’m most passionate about business, giving back to community, education and the U.S. military.”

– Rod O’Neal of M.R. WHITSETT, INC.

“I am most passionate about developing and helping my family, friends and community succeed and seeing them pay it forward.”

– Napoleon Mc Calum, Director of Community Development, Government Relations, Venetian Hotel

“My family and our relationship with Jesus Christ.”

– Craig Knight, General Manager of KCEP 88.1

“I’m most passionate about my wife, Angie, and my family.”

– Judge Tim Williams

“I’m most passionate about my family and ensuring my daughters grow up to be wonderful and responsible women.”

– Cedric Crear, Crear Creative

“Family as well as Faith and Sharing It!”

– Jackie Robinson