ROSELAND — Charles grew up on Chicago’s North Side in the Uptown community. He endured many trials and tribulations early in his childhood, which taught him about resiliency and building mental strength. Despite the struggles Charles faced as a youth, he was determined to follow his dreams and create his own success.
Charles earned his Associate Degree from Kennedy King College in 2013; He received a scholarship to play basketball for New Mexico Highlands University. After spending one year in New Mexico, Charles moved back to Chicago to be closer to family. He attended Robert Morris University-Illinois where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Exercise and Sports Studies.
Playing basketball has been a constant factor in Charles’ life. He used basketball as a tool to push through obstacles, as well as a means toward obtaining his education. Core values and the belief that there are no simple routes to success are what drive Charles to this day. ‘Be accountable and do things the right way’ is the motto Charles lives by.
Charles has made it his mission to be a servant of the community. Charles’ passion lies in helping those in need and being an inspiration to others. After college, he began working for the Chicago Park District where he has the opportunity to interact with the community on a daily basis. Charles looks to encourage and motivate impoverished youth through sports and everyday situation
“When you grow up a certain way, with both your parents who both work and are successful, as a young person you think everybody has that same experience. Then you find out not everybody did have that and you think ‘What can I do?’ I just fell in love with Roseland and I thought, ‘I feel like I could do something here,’” he said.
Parker said if he facility is successful, it will provide a lot of opportunities for neighbors.
“We’re creating jobs,” Parker said. “Imagine someone with a high school diploma or GED working at Walmart can now work with this startup, making $40,000 a year to start. That’s how you close the wage gap. It’s not demanding places like McDonald’s pay you more. You invest in startups that are in the community that will create jobs for the community. That’s my vision for 1921 and why I’ve chosen to put it in Roseland.”