Black Excellence: Interviewing Dr. Antoine D. Moss "Man of Inspiration"

"While some people are wishing for their dreams, I'm working for mine."

-Dr. Antoine D. Moss

Man of Inspiration

I've met dozens of inspirational men in my lifetime; politicians, pastors, artists, poets, entertainers, athletes, you name it. However, after sitting down with thee "Man of Inspiration," Dr. Antoine D. Moss, I was convinced that his title holds truth. This man is by far one of the most influential men walking the planet. Forbes describes him as "an entrepreneurial leader of the millennial generation." Black Enterprise Magazine calls him "an empowering nationally recognized resource on internships, early career achievement, leadership and motivation." I've come to know him as a man on a mission to stimulate and spark the minds of inter-generational leaders.

Shifting the Spirit & Soul

I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Moss in early 2017. During that hour of conversation I experienced three things: the fire within me was reignited, my ego continued to cower away, and the invisible limits I'd set on my self were pulverized. Dr. Moss is as remarkable, impressive, and humble as can be. He is genuine, authentic, and possesses a fiery passion that seemingly burns through any negativity (he's true to his Sagittarius nature).

The Importance of Education

Dr. Moss started from humble beginnings in East Cleveland, Ohio. Before he left for college, Moss explained that he'd already earned two degrees: a bachelor's degree from his mother and a master's degree from his dad. The lessons that his parents taught him (neither of which completed high school), were invaluable. Moss told me that,"the gateway to dreams is education." He is living proof, being the youngest African American male to earn a Ph.D. from Cleveland State University's Urban Studies and Public Affairs doctorate program.

Moss graduated from Baldwin Wallace University (BW) with a Criminal Justice degree. Before transferring to Baldwin Wallace, he attended Jefferson College in Pennsylvania on a football scholarship. Soon after taking courses at Jefferson, he realized that the culture wasn't conducive to his future goals. He mentioned that he went to the school that heavily recruited him for football, versus a school that was a great fit for him socially and academically.

Out of This World

After moving onto the BW campus and building tremendous social capital of mentors, friends, and coaches, he literally began shooting for the stars. An internship position opened up at NASA and after outshining other well qualified candidates, Moss was offered the position.  His expertise as an intern birthed his first book, Learn to Intern CEO Style: 71 Leadership Principles That Got Me and Now YOU Money, A Free Graduate Degree, and Respect! As a result of hard work, leadership, and going above and beyond, Moss is now a Policy Development Specialist at NASA.

I Am Possible

Moss is on a mission to impact the lives of at least 500,000 people. Nothing is impossible. Moss proves this by walking in his purpose and producing big results. His motivational speeches, books, and community service allows him to utilize his gift of prophecy and oration across the nation. Every person he encounters gives him an opportunity to be used as a vessel of inspiration. It's a chance to plant seeds of positivity.

Because he takes pride in everything he puts his hands and heart into, becoming a noticeable trailblazer was inevitable. He's received innumerable awards and recognition for his many accomplishments. This includes being named one of the Top 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers in Cleveland by Forbes.  

One Flesh

Behind every great man is a great woman. Pardon the cliche, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the lady love and wife of Dr. Moss, Mrs. Tanesha Moss. The newly wed couple married in 2016. When asked about how marriage has transformed his life, Dr. Moss quoted scripture from Ephesians 5:31-32,

"As the scriptures say, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one." 

Get Inspired

Dr. Antoine D. Moss clearly lives up to his heading as "Man of Inspiration." In addition, he has the title of champion, after leading the 4th grade basketball team he coaches to a victory. His non-profit organization C.H.A.N.G.E. Volunteers, Inc. continues to empower the youth of Cleveland by allowing them to enhance the image of the city through community service projects. His service, leadership, and commitment to excellence is exemplary. I was without a doubt uplifted and moved by his journey. I am but one of the 500,000 to have been impacted by his words.

Get "In Spirit"

If you would like to contact the "Man of Inspiration" for a dose of  brilliant encouragement at your business, school, or community events, you can reach out to him on Twitter: @2PositiveTweets, Facebook: Antoine D. Moss, or LinkedIn: Antoine D. Moss, Ph.D. 

We all could use a little more fuel to thrust us towards our dreams. Thanks for your reading!