Designer and developer Rasheid Atlas has worked with some of the top marketing and communications agencies in Madison, including Zebradog and Stephan & Brady. Last year he joined Nehemiah Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development as Director of Communications, handling all print, digital, social, video and audio production. He’s also passing his skills along as an instructor for YWEB Career Academy.
Rank your top five MCs. Ghostface Killa, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Jay Electronica, Nas
Which motivates you more: doubters or supporters? Doubters, but supporters provide that much needed reassurance often times as well.
What does it mean to be black in Madison? Challenged. Madison is a unique place to be a black man. One of the best ranked cities to live in. The worst place to live and be a black man and these are what the numbers say. How can it be national ranked as one the best places to live and at the same time be ranked as the worst place for a black man? A city that needs so much help that you can’t just stand back and watch. But, also a city built on politics and still run by them and those who control them.
What three leaders in Madison under 50 have impressed you the most? I am really impressed with some the young guys making waves and opportunities in Madison. I’d have to say I am most impressed with Anthony Cooper and his drive to make a difference in Madison, Kaleem Caire and his ongoing efforts to improve education opportunities for children and Gregory St. Fort and his work with 100 State and opportunities they are opening up.
What’s the biggest stumbling block in Madison to turning the corner on our racial disparities? Economic development in minority communities and the politics surrounding that conversation with stakeholders in Madison. I’ll leave it that.
What are your top three priorities at this point in your life? God, family, health.
As the teacher for YWEB last session, what did you enjoy the most about teaching your students about coding? What I enjoyed most about teaching the class was the opportunity to affect and change people’s lives going forward in a positive way for themselves as well as their families. This has been one of these most gratifying things I’ve ever done from that point of view. The opportunity to actually make a difference.
Every time I see you, you have well-coordinated and colorful suits on. Why is dress so important to you? Impression is everything. It’s all we have to go on until we actually know someone. Beyond that, I have never seen my father or grandfather in anything but slacks and suits. It’s always been how I saw adult men in my family. Which commanded a great deal of respect because they always looked like they deserved it. I am committed to providing the same image for the four sons I have at home. I want them to understand the importance of self respect and how it commands respect from others without any action. They see the difference in how we are treated based on how I dress alone, even though the same man resides under the clothing regardless what I wear.
What keeps the passion and love in your marriage? Faith, trust, our continued ability to grow and get better together as time goes on. Just knowing that even though we could survive on our own we are so much much greater together. We’ve seen so much together that I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Did Stephen Curry choke in game 7 of the NBA championship or did Lebron just take it? Choked. Big time in my opinion. No disrespect to Lebron, he’s the truth, but Curry choked. Let me down for real.
Best boxer of all time Muhammad Ali or Floyd Mayweather? Ali, not even a comparison. Ali’s personality and charisma alone made hime greater. And he was one of the greatest men to walk as well, not just a fighter. Mayweather isn’t even in the discussion.
Top three tips for anyone who wants to own their small business? Stop waiting. Never give up, and work harder for yourself than you’ve ever worked for anyone else if you really want to make it.
