It is not possible to erase racism just because African-Americans have reached a level of financial success and crossover appeal.

I believe that my personal mission in life is to grow and contribute, so I am learning and growing every day.

Money lets you enjoy the finer things of life, but it doesn't change who you are. It magnifies and brings into fruition the things that you want to hide most. It is a mask for insecurities as well.

My grandma used to make syrup for us because we couldn't afford it and I just played around with her recipe. I made strawberry syrup and that didn't really work out but I made strawberry-vanilla and that sold. Then I just went out and took marketing classes, went to seminars, learned about marketing a product and striking deals. It ended up taking orders of $1.5 million.

I firmly believe that the two most important times in a person's life are when they are born and when they find out why they were born.

Keep putting out good. It will come back to you tenfold in unexpected ways.

We have to find areas in our lives that we feel most uncomfortable about and want to change. I decided to push myself because it allowed me to give back. I have a scholarship program. When I found out the average age of a homeless person is 9½ years old, I said there must be something that I can do. Now, I am the spokesman for the National Coalition for the Homeless.