We were lucky to catch up with Corey Dupree recently and have shared our conversation below.
Corey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
I currently reside in Palmyra, PA, which is just outside of Hershey, PA. I am a proud dad of two amazing children. In July 2021, I took my children to the local playground to release some penned up energy which came in the form of them riding circles around the path that surrounds the park. As they rode their bikes, I was getting my energy out by walking laps around the path. While we made our second lap around the park, I heard crystal clear through my headphones the word “Niggers” ring through the air.
I looked to my left and there were six white middle school aged children who pointed at the culprit. Being a varsity football coach, an Educator, and a Dad, I tapped into my Drill Sergeant voice and called the boy front and center. The color drained from his already pale face as he kept apologizing repeatedly and slowly walking to towards me resembling a pirate walking the plank. As I collected my thoughts, I knew that this had to be a teachable moment and I couldn’t lash out of anger regardless of how justified I was.
I began to get to the root of the issue and learned that this language was somewhat casual at home for these kids, including one who happened to be my next door neighbor. We discussed the word and it’s hateful origin, the definition of diversity, and how to make smarter decisions to be a kind human.
As hurt and angry as I was that my children at ages 8 and 5 years-old were subject to this direct racism in their neighborhood, I was more determined than ever to make necessary changes to a system and community where these conversations were brushed under the rug. Those that are unfamiliar, the ethnic break down of the town is as follows: 77% identify as White, 13% identify as Multiracial, 7% identify as Hispanic, and 3% identify as Black. So the battle to promote any change would be a challenge. The beautiful thing about me and my team? We love a good challenge.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Originally from Cambridge, Ma., I relocated to Hershey, PA in 2005 after being accepted to attend the Milton Hershey School to continue my high school. I was raised by a strong village with my late grandmother, who was affectionately know as Big Mama, serveing the role of matriarch and patriarch of my household. She adopted me and my two brothers at the ages of 3, 4, and 6. I became the first in my immediate family to obtain my college degree when I graduated from Penn State University with an Undergraduate Degree in Humanities in 2014. I am a proud father of two and I’ve had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember!
What started out with a text message in August 2021 from myself to several groups of family members and childhood friends, has since evolved into something much larger. The mantra of “Collaboration Over Competition” couldn’t be more true when talking about my team. Having all (un)fortunately experienced various forms of racial adversity in life, we knew that actions had to speak louder than words especially if we wanted to break down some of the barriers that we know others had to face including systemic racism and inequity of educational resources.
The Layers of Black History team is committed to mobilizing communities to provide social, emotional and professional development for their youth. This is done through curated events that take place throughout the year that highlight and focus on educational platforms and representation in literacy.
Through our educational events, we intentionally collaborate with organizations and change makers to tactfully support youth and individuals in need. The importance of being able to provide resources (i.e. books, workshops, and scholarships) equitably can not be overstated enough.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
As I have traveled along my entrepreneurial journey, ‘The 48 Laws of Power’, and ‘The Marathon Don’t Stop’ have all been key to to my personal and professional development. I have always felt as if experiential learning and life lessons are the best teachers. These books helped guide me in ways that are traditionally viewed as unorthodox and let me know that it is important to not stick to societal norms, especially as a Black man looking to promote disruptive changes to educational and business models. Nipsey Hussle and 50 Cent are truly two pioneers and geniuses in the fields of impact entrepreneurship and carving your own lane while making sure that others have access to resources and a seat at the table as well.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
One of the most important pieces of advice that I would give as it relates to managing teams and morale is: Respect everyone’s time. When it comes to fledgling start ups, a lot of the individuals that are in your circle are volunteering their time, energy, and resources. Too many times I have I felt as if I was taken advantage of; whether it’s by management at my previous places of employment, or if it was by a business partner/associate. That is not a good feeling to have. I make sure that my team has the autonomy to be creative and bring concepts and ideas to the table so they feel seen and heard. It’s also very important that YOU are coachable, hold yourself accountable, and are able to listen and be receptive to concerns of your team members and sail through the “rough seas”. It’s not always going to be gumdrops and rainbows.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.layersofblackhistory.com
- Instagram:@
layersofblackhistory and @coreythecurator - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/layersofblackhistory/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-dupree-a267a191/