Poverty and a Mom on disability, drugs and football with Eddie Thomason

Becoming Parents Podcast · Jan 25, 2021 · 57m

I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD in a family that struggled with poverty for generations. My dad left when I was 8 years old and it forced my mom to take care of me and my brother on a $13k/year disability income. Growing up in my neighborhood, its an unspoken belief that the only way "out" is to 1 of 3 options: Become a successful athlete Become an entertainer (rapper, singer, dancer, actor, etc) Or sell Drugs.

I chose option 1 but fell short of making it to the NFL. However, along the way I was able to become the first student in my high school's history (Chesapeake High School - BC)…