David Hamilton

DAVID HAMILTON

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Arthur George Gaston is just one of the entrepreneurs who inspire me. His ability to fight for civil rights and provide much needed services to the Black community is remarkable. He is credited with forming the Booker T. Washington Burial Society; founding the Booker T. Washington Business College; starting the Gaston Motel as well as the A.G. Gaston Boy's Club, the Citizens Federal Savings and Loan Association. Mr. Gaston’s accomplishments prove entrepreneurs must have a detailed plan, a clear vision and a connection to the community they desire to serve. Entrepreneurship today has evolved since the times of Mr. Gaston; entrepreneurs today have such a wide variety of opportunities to pursue and many persons to inspire them. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Mark Deathridge, owner of East Tennessee Mechanical Contracts, during our conversation I discovered being successful in business is more than just blind luck but involves preparation, education and having a clear vision of the goals you would like to achieve.

I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. At age of twelve, I decided to help my parents by purchasing my own shoes; during that summer I took the initiative to create my very own lawn service. I made up fliers, distributed them to my neighbors and had great business all summer long. At the age of thirteen, I learned to cut my own hair and decided to advertise that fact among my peers at school and invited them to come over to my house for free haircuts. After the free haircuts, none of my peers had any problem with paying me for their haircuts. Business was great, until I realized I broke the first rule of business ownership (Always let the landlord know you are operating a business from their dining room!) Needless to say my parents, came home early and they quickly lovingly suggested that I needed to take my business on the road to my clients homes. It was during this time, I discovered that I would own and operate my own barbershop someday. I decided due to licensing requirements that I would only practice my craft on family and close friends.

My plan is to attend the University of Memphis to obtain a Master in Business, which I will utilized to provide a stable foundation for my future barbershop as well as other businesses based on community need. Awarding me this scholarship is an investment not only to my education but also to the African American community. It has been said that a vision without a task is but a dream. My future is much more than a dream and I am willing to give limitless amounts of hardwork ensure its survival.

Thank you for your consideration.

David Eugene Hamilton Jr.

African Americans Have Inspired Me

To Be An Entrepreneur

by David Hamilton, 2009 Jackie R. Moore Memorial Scholarship Winner

George Washington Carver once said, “Where there is no vision, there is no hope.” I am most inspired by entrepreneurs who found a way to be successful during the most turbulent times during our countries history. When I reflect on the struggles and trails so many African American men and women endured and still suffer today, I can’t help but to shout each time I hear Mr. Carver’s quote. Our people had a vision to be free and they worked vigorously to ensure our right to be a free people however, freedom came with a cost both morally and economically. During this time, entrepreneurship became extremely necessary to make certain our communities could survive.