Shawn’s life story is nothing short of extraordinary. A man of many talents and accomplishments, he has made significant strides in education, sports, business, and the arts. From being an amateur and professional boxer to becoming a successful entrepreneur, author, musician, and actor, Shawn’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
In a recent interview, Shawn opened up about his life, sharing insights into his diverse educational background, his boxing career, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his creative ventures with DMNnews Journalists.
Q: What inspired you to pursue such a diverse range of educational fields, from electronics and engineering to drama and religious studies?
Shawn smiled as he reflected on his academic journey. “After graduating from high school, I wanted to study subjects with a strong math foundation because I was very good at math. But in college, I developed a liking for English. My professor encouraged me to write—she loved my poetry and how I put words together. That led me to study journalism and short story writing. From there, I just wanted to learn as much as I could so that in any situation, I could be valuable and help others by teaching what I knew.”
Q: How did your success in amateur and professional boxing shape your career and personal philosophy?
“Growing up in North Philadelphia was tough,” Shawn said. “You had to know how to fight or risk being picked on. I knew how to fight, and boxing initially seemed like an advantage on the streets. But as I trained and improved, I didn’t want to fight on the streets unless it was absolutely necessary. My trainer was very wise—he taught me discipline, how to think before reacting, and how to control my anger.”
Shawn’s boxing career was marked by incredible achievements. With a record of 77 wins and 11 losses, he won multiple championships in 1991 and 1992, including the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey Amateur Boxing Federation Championships. He was named the 1991 Amateur Boxing Federation Fighter of the Year.
However, his journey wasn’t without challenges. “I trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Camp and was poised for the 1992 Olympics, but life took a tragic turn. My grandmother was murdered, and the last words I said to her were mean. I was deeply saddened and depressed. That loss changed my life forever, and I missed the Olympics. I didn’t have my first professional fight until 1999, losing seven years of my youth.”
Q: What motivated you to become an entrepreneur, and how do your businesses reflect your personal values and experiences?
“My father motivated me,” Shawn said with a thoughtful expression. “He told me that a job would always leave you wanting more and take time away from your family. As your own boss, you can take back your time and spend it with your loved ones.”
Today, Shawn owns three businesses: Shawn’s Coffee Cafe, Champs Cafe, and Hotdog Heaven LLC. These ventures reflect his dedication to hard work, community, and providing value to others.
Q: What message or themes do your books, Visions and Why Am I Black: The Beginning of Healing, convey to your readers?
* “My books speak hope, inspiration, and encouragement,” Shawn shared. “They emphasize that no matter where you are in life, you can overcome obstacles and become whoever or whatever you aspire to be.” Readers can purchase my creations from Amazon and others digital platforms.
Q: How has your work in music, acting, and broadcasting allowed you to connect with and influence your community?
“My creative work has given me a broader base of people to talk with and connect with,” Shawn explained. “Through music, acting, and broadcasting, I’ve been able to inspire, educate, and share my experiences with the community.”
Shawn has produced three music albums (Visions Vol. 1, Rise Up, and Philly Pride) and a single, acted in plays and skits, and starred in the movie Genocidal Behavior. He also hosted his own radio broadcast, which aired in North Carolina and Virginia, reaching countless listeners.
Q: As a father of six children, how do you balance your family life with your diverse professional and creative pursuits?
“Currently, I have two young children and four grown children,” Shawn said candidly. “Balancing family life with my goals is challenging. Time constraints make it hard to fulfill everything I want, which can strain my marriage and my relationships with my children. But over the years, I’ve managed to accomplish many things despite these challenges.”
Q: How has the shift to digital marketing impacted your music production and sales? What advice would you give to aspiring music writers?
“Digital marketing hasn’t affected the production of albums, but it has drastically changed how music is sold and profited from,” Shawn said. “Making money off music is extremely difficult. My advice to aspiring music writers is to focus on creating authentic content and explore different avenues to monetize their work, such as digital platforms and live performances.”
A Life of Dedication and Resilience
Shawn’s story is one of perseverance and growth. From his early days in North Philadelphia to his achievements as a boxer, entrepreneur, author, musician, and actor, he has demonstrated unwavering determination and an ability to adapt to life’s challenges.
Through his diverse talents and ventures, Shawn continues to inspire others, proving that with hard work, discipline, and a desire to learn, it’s possible to overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
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