Real Talk with Dr. Brown

Meet Doctor Brown!

article by Kevin Aviles, Media Technology Senior

Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech hosted Dr. Adolph Brown, III for its seniors, National Honor Society students and also for students from Old Colony Regional Voc-Tech and Apponequet Regional High School.  This amazing speaker is one of the most unique, passionate and inspiring presenters for all to watch.  Students and staff, alike, were engrossed in Dr. Brown’s message from the moment he walked into the athletics and activities center.   Dr. Brown has the reputation of being “The World’s Greatest Edu-tainer!™” and completely lived up to his reputation.  His direct and powerful “Real Talk” made everyone think about their aspirations and what distracts someone from their goals and what it takes to achieve more than what someone originally planned.

In his unique way, Dr. Brown entered the presentation and surprised everyone with his message of “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover.”  Dr. Brown reminded all students that they should not believe everything that they think.  He explained how sometimes our thoughts can limit our growth and understanding of one another if one does not take the time to analyze their way of thinking before they act or speak.  He explained the definition of an empathy gap and how it’s more important to be kind than perfect.  The clarity, fun and authenticity to his approach connected with the audience; and, it is immediately apparent why Dr. Brown is one of the most sought-after and highly effective Unconscious Bias, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion keynote speakers.  Everyone just got him, because his presentation was not only entertaining, it was thought-provoking and relatable.

Dr. Brown skillfully connected to the students, because he had an outgoing, wacky, and honest energy.  He shared some of his darkest points in his life like being raised by a single parent, losing his brother to murder, living in poverty in an inner city that was influenced by gangs, drugs and violence and how he evolved from all the negativity to become the man that he is today. He also shared some metaphors about what type of person to be and how to let go of personal baggage.  Dr. Brown gave key pieces of advice like his “3 E Rule,” which means that you can either be Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed when you graduated.  He also told the audience about his grandfather’s belief that nothing will help you go further in this world than being a good listener.  He was direct about his stance that using substances can affect the mind and how the brain communicates.  While Dr. Brown told the students that they should not partake in those activities and that they need to be real with themselves about their choices, he did it in his way, which is not belittling but rather fun and informative.

His love, genuine spirit and dynamic smile brought hope to the students about their future and their current situations in life.  He inspired many students to transcend from lazy language, fear and bitterness to become successful and kind individuals in this world.  He spoke about impulse control and how we all need to look into our own mirrors.  He inspired students to stop looking for their enemy, but rather fix their “inner me.”

Dr. Brown entertained, comforted and challenged the listeners to be better today than yesterday; at the end of Dr. Brown’s talk, students and staff rose to their feet.  The energy was real and what everyone learned from the presentation will be enduring.  Before Dr. Brown presented, Massachusetts House of Representative Mr. Christopher Markey told everyone that Dr. Brown’s presentation was one that you will remember ten to twenty years after high school graduation.  Representative Markey’s prediction felt correct and Dr. Brown was everything he described and more.   Finally, the most telling ways that Dr. Brown showed his authenticity to the crowd was the time he gave after his presentation to take photos, talk and connect to the students.  It was touching to see so many people connected by the realness of one man.

To learn more, go to www.docspeaks.com.