We had the good fortune of connecting with M. H. Swinton, MBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi M. H., as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As an African American parent of a son I established early in my son life of working hard and no one cares about excuses as a black youth. For example; he understands that he came from a father that has 2 college degrees (BA and MBA), a father that is a military hero, a father that worked and retired from the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense, a father that was a collegiate Division 1 student athlete, and more. My son was doing chores at 3 years old and he DOES NOT complain, or spend all day watching social media, tv, and playing video games. My son is also taught that the real world is a terrible place for Blacks and African Americans with glimmers of good people scattered around the globe. But, he can be better than what is on the news and on social media.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was a professional immediately after graduating high school. I left home and went into the military at 19 years old and never looked back. I came from one of the worst families in America. The military saved my soul. After my tour with the Department of Defense, I earned my Bachelor’s of Arts and my Master of Business Administration degrees. Soon there after, I was recruited by the Department of Justice and later retired with Honors from both agencies. For a couple of years while in retirement I went through a bad phase which gave me to idea to start my own businesses and companies.
To get where I am today was extremely difficult because I had zero support from family and friends.
To be honest, I do not know how I overcame so many challenges and obstacles. Maybe I have good spirits and guardian angels looking after me.
The lesson I learned along the way is the NEVER EVER give up.
I want the world to know that Blacks and African Americans are equally as talented and in most cases better than the rest. We just need the opportunity to prove our self.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m still fairly new to my area but I would take a visitor to Indianapolis, Chicago, or Michigan. I have no problems finding something fun to do.
Now, when I’m in Las Vegas; I take visitors to the Vegas stripe or to Fremont street. We also attend MMA and boxing fights, NFL, NBA, and college bowl games. If all those are out of season, we will go to some of the awesome conventions around the city. During the 100 degree plus summer, the hotspots are the lavish pool parties that feature celebrities weekly.
When I’m in Miami, I would take visitors to South Beach on Ocean Drive. We would hit the beach during the day, take a nap, then visit Ocean Drive at night for the restaurants and hotspots or Nikki Beach for something Upscale. If visitors prefer something sporty I would take them to one the NFL, NBA, or MLB games.
Lastly, when I’m in California I would take visitors to San Francisco, Oakland, or San Jose. The popular hotspots for me is Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco because of all the seafood restaurants and tourist attractions. In addition, I normal take guess to Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown and Lombard Street.
In Oakland, I take guess to Roscoes chicken and waffles by the lake and to the chef ran food trucks downtown. The food trucks stretch’s less than half a mile and is absolutely delicious.
And in San Jose, I take visitors to Santana Row to shop, eat, and to dance. Or to the Winchester Mystery House, California’s Great America, or to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all, I have to give a shoutout to Shoutout Colorado and VoyageDenver for giving me this voice.
Secondly, a shoutout goes to my young son Elijah E. S. because he does not care what people say about his father, family, and he supports everything I do; even if he does not understands everything completely as of yet. He is always happy and positive. Elijah is also a ball of energy, feisty, and enjoys being pushed to greatness.
Thirdly, I have to give a shoutout to Marcus Carson. He has been a solid rock to everyone in his life and he is a tremendous support system even during the dark times. He is a non stop go getter and just as ambitious as I am. The entertaining part about Mr. Carson is that he has a get rich quick idea every month. Just like the lottery one of those ideas will hit big someday.
Lastly, an infinite shoutout goes to my late uncle Robert Abdul Hollywood Swinton. This was the greatest human I had the honor of meeting. He rarely had anything negative to say about anyone and he supported everything I did since a young child. Despite Abdul being a paraplegic, he was always positive. And before Hollywood died, he told his wife that he admired me greatly. That warmed my heart because he never told me in person.
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Image Credits
All photos are owned by: Malik Media Enterprise LLC Haleem Media Enterprise LLC Swinton Media Enterprise LLC