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About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (July 13, 2011)
Interview Faces continued from page 6 show? RP: I don’t know. Only he would know. Nevertheless, I think he did learn some lessons from the height- ened public scrutiny, and I hope he took those lessons to heart. kW: Didn’t he recently invoke your name when he was being labeled a racist? RP: Yes, he said, “How can I be a racist, when I hired Randal?” That was another reason why I called him. I said, “Donald, you’ve got to be kid- ding. There have been 11 Seasons of The Apprentice and I’m still the only person of color ever to emerge victo- rious.” It’s unbelievable! kW: I’ll never forget how on the finale he tried to twist your arm to get you to agree to share the title with the runner-up, when you should obvious- ly have been the runaway winner. RP: I also mentioned that to him. I said, “To add insult to injury, I’m the only person you ever asked to share the title.” kW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? RP: How can we create greater economic opportunity in the African- American community? It’s not sur- prising, but studies have shown that kW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? RP: “Entrepreneurial Finance” by Professor Steven Rogers of the Kellogg School. http://www.ama- zon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0071591 265/ref=nosim/thslfofire-20 kW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What are you listening to on your iPod? RP: I just got Jill Scott’s new CD and I absolutely love it. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos /ASIN/B004Y1QPXM/ref=nosim/th slfofire-20 kW: What is your favorite dish to cook? RP: Curried chicken with rice and peas and sweet plantain. I got the recipes from my Jamaican roommate when I lived in England for two years. kW: The Uduak Oduok question: Who is your favorite clothes design- er? RP: A good friend who was a col- lege classmate of mine, Jarvis Parker. He does all my suits. kW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? RP: I see a husband, a father, an When was the last time you had a good laugh? RP: Other than the one I had a second ago? [Laughs some more] black-owned businesses employ a far greater percentage of African- Americans than other companies. So, I really do believe that the way to deal with the high, black unemploy- ment rate is by encouraging African- American entrepreneurism. By mov- ing into that realm of thinking like an owner instead of like an employee will have a ripple effect of creating more opportunities right in our com- munity. kW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid? RP: I’m seldom afraid. My greatest fear has been of letting God, my par- ents, my family or my community down. I’m the first to acknowledge that I’ve really been blessed, but that also means that I’ve got to be a bless- ing to others. I think I often work myself too hard, Kam, out of fear of letting of letting other people down. kW: Do you ever wish you could have your anonymity back? RP: No, I don’t mind it at all. I’m not in the category of celebrity that I can’t go to the grocery store. It’s actually humbling when someone does recognize me and approach me, because they’re always so proud, respectful and encouraging. And they invariably say: “I will never forget that Apprentice finale.” [LOL] entrepreneur, a speaker, an author, a community servant and a child of God. kW: If you could have one wish instantly granted, what would that be for? RP: For true equality in society. kW: The Ling-Ju Yen question: What is your earliest childhood memory? RP: Wow! It’s of my mother explaining to me when I was about 5 years-old why I couldn’t sell my toys to other kids in the neighborhood because she had bought them for me. kW: The Judyth Piazza question: What key quality do you believe all successful people share? RP: Persistence! Without question. I believe that the race is won by he who endureth. If you desire to be suc- cessful, and you work at it long and hard enough, you will almost inevitably get there. Those who throw in the towel too quickly or too easily will never find success. kW: The Tavis Smiley question: How do you want to be remembered? RP: As a man who was blessed and a blessing to others. kW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh? RP: Other than the one I had a sec- ond ago? [Laughs some more] kW: Thanks again for the time, Randal, I really appreciate it. RP: Thank you, Kam. I’ll definite- ly give you a heads up the next time I’m in Princeton. In the meantime, let me know if there’s any way I can help you out. kW: That’ll do. What is your guiltiest pleasure? RP: Either a nice slice of apple pie or a good peach cobbler. To order a copy of Black Faces in White Places, visit: http://www.ama- zon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0814416 802/ref=nosim/thslfofire-20 Page 10 The Portland Skanner July 13, 2011
