Choo, you’re going to be missed Big Bro!!!! I remember a little more than 6 years ago, I got a call from my brother saying to give you a call, said you were looking at opening a restaurant lounge and was looking for a general contractor. While growing up in the Redbird neighborhood, you, my brother and a host of others were running buddies. We were all inner-city youngsters with dreams of “making it” while trying to avoid the inner-city blues. You and the older cats had what the modern youngsters call swag, and we looked up to y’all and mimicked your styles, both on and off the basketball court. Although, we were not related, you were like a Big Bro to all of us.
So, when my brother called, I immediately called you back to see how/if I could help you. You stated you wanted to diversify some and get into the restaurant lounge business. I met you at the Arlington location and was not impressed at all with the existing condition of the facility, lol! The place was literally a dump. I remember walking through that place with you, stepping over debris and knocking down spiderwebs. You wanted to talk lounge layout and design…I wanted to get out of that place, lol! You sold me on your vision, but I remember thinking you were crazy.
Fast forward a couple weeks, and I met you in the lobby at Arlington City Hall for the design review meeting with city officials. I remember you had on a warm-up with matching tennis shoes, like we were back at Redbird. I let you have it, Redbird style, with elongated syllables and “Homeeboyyy, you think we bout to go in the lay-up line. You have a suit in your truck?
“You just smiled and simply said, “This me, this is what you get.” We joked and laughed for a while, then you switched to a laser-like focus and confirmed our strategy for the meeting. Needless to say, you went in and nailed it Big Bro, and the permit was approved on the spot. Over the next 4 months, we spent many a long night renovating what would become Arlington Brickhouse. We shared visions, goals and aspirations. The whole while, I observed and admired your tireless work ethic.
I used to tell you all the time, Big Bro. “Your story is a story filled with core American values….redemption, faith, family, fortitude and an exploitation of the free-enterprise system….and you did it with your own style. Man, you are the American Dream, Big Bro!” You would always just smile and say “Thanks!” And then you would talk about how you would want to provide opportunities and help others achieve their dreams. You positioned yourself so that you could be a blessing to others. Thank you for your example Big Bro! May God be with and continue to bless your family!
Twin - Derrick
