To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth we interviewed local well-being champions and leaders within our community.
Meet Jamelle!
Jamelle Payne is a Gaming Commission Licensing Agent for Citizen Potawatomi Nation. He is also a Member of the Dunbar Heights Community Association, was Shawnee High School's First Black President, and an Ordained Minister of Marriage.
We asked Jamelle which of the Power 9 principles were meaningful to him, and why? Below is his response.
"The Power 9 principles I love the most are Right Tribe and Purpose. Both of those combined are essential to life, action, and results. I truly believe friendship is fellowship. No matter what your story holds, good, or bad. We all can take from it in a positive manner to help ourselves, or the next person we meet. Our struggles are the testimony to our life. No matter your position in society we all have a platform that can help the world around us."
"The Right Tribe Principle is very important, and If you can’t find it? Be your own tribe, be the best version of yourself. God makes no mistakes, and it’s up to us to find, and follow the path he has set out for us. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding and he will make your path straight."
We also asked Jamelle to explain what #BlackHistoryMonth means to him.
Jamelle said, "This month will tell you that God put you in a position to make it better for the next, it’s truly a blessing, and you can overcome any obstacle.
My grandmother was born in 1919, and my mother was born in 1952. My mother picked cotton, and my father was a descendant of a Seminole Freedman. Because of the past, I cannot ever be ungrateful for my struggle. Forever and always, I will be thankful for each new day to make them proud, and my ancestors proud."
We are so grateful to have connected with Jamelle to help us better understand why well-being is so important to his life radius. Thank you, Jamelle, for being a leader within your organization and community! We also appreciate Citizen Potawatomi Nation for valuing your employees and wellness!
Continue to watch out for more Local Champion Spotlight's on our Instagram and Facebook