Thank you to everyone who joined us for our special MLK Day edition of LeadersConnect! We were honored to host an inspiring conversation with David Tarver, founder of the Urban Entrepreneurship Program and lecturer at the University of Michigan Center for Entrepreneurship. Together, we reflected on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and shared personal stories about their journeys, challenges, and visions for change.
David Tarver: Building Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship
David shared his experience growing up in Flint, MI, witnessing the systemic barriers his parents faced as professionals in fields like electronics and nursing. Inspired by the progress of the Civil Rights Movement, David embarked on his own entrepreneurial journey.
- After working at Bell Labs, David co-founded a tech company in his basement, growing it into a multimillion-dollar business by 1995.
- Returning to Michigan in 1997, he noticed stark contrasts between thriving Ann Arbor and struggling cities like Flint and Detroit. This inspired him to establish the Urban Entrepreneurship Program (UEP) to foster innovation and problem-solving in urban communities.
- David emphasized the need to leverage intellect and resources to improve quality of life for all, echoing Dr. King’s vision of equity and inclusion.
Visit urbanei.org to learn more about David’s work and the UEP.
My Journey: Advocating for Equity and Unity
I recounted my upbringing in Detroit and how Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech inspired me to lead initiatives at Ferndale High School that addressed inequality.
- I founded a Student Relations Council to unite students across backgrounds and confront systemic issues in his school.
- Reflected on the challenges of advocating for change, including resistance from authority figures, and shared how those early experiences shaped my lifelong commitment to building bridges between communities.
Key Takeaways
Both David and myself emphasized how Dr. King’s legacy extends beyond racial equality to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and collective progress.
- Urban Revitalization: Building thriving communities requires intentional efforts to address systemic inequities and promote entrepreneurship.
- Intergenerational Impact: Stories of resilience and progress from past generations remind us of the importance of continuing Dr. King’s work.
- The Power of Collaboration: True societal change comes when diverse individuals work together toward common goals.
To hear more about David’s personal experiences, check out his memoir, Proving Ground, available here.