Roosevelt Williams learned a lot from his great-granddad as a kid growing up in Valencia Park in San Diego.
He learned a trade — cobblery — and a whole lot more. Matthew Cook Sr. taught his great-grandson honor, integrity, “how to make your name a good name,” Williams said. He taught him how to look a person in the eye, how to work, how to save money, how to maintain a home. He even taught the youngster etiquette, like how to behave at the dinner table.
Today, Williams, 34, wants to on all that he learned to entrepreneurs through the business organization he founded two years ago, Young Black and ‘N Business. The organization is “devoted to serving and motivating the overlooked and underserved majority, working together as one to be healthy, happy and successful,” Williams said.
Williams, the CEO and president of YB&NB, provides instruction and inspiration to business people through the organization’s events, programs and digital magazine. It also works with the NAA San Diego and the Urban League of San Diego County to spread the word about its offerings.
From the YB&NB creed: “YOUNG is a state of mind and the color BLACK encomes and includes all of the colors in the spectrum and the definition of BUSINESS is providing a solution for a problem that equates into profit.”
YB&NB has hosted quarterly networking mixers, business clinics, and courses on public speaking, consulting and event planning, as well as two festivals, including “A Soulful Christmas,” where more 2,000 toys were given away last year. This year because of the pandemic, the organization has switched to live trainings via Zoom. “We teach them to go from brick and mortar to click and order,” Williams said.
The organization has also kept up with philanthropic events, such a turkey drives and forming partnerships with nonprofits for free food distributions so badly needed during these times.
One of the organization’s top projects is poster that highlights 100 community pillars and industry leaders — a who’s who in San Diego County. The latest edition of the 24-by 36-inch poster, called “Black Faces in High Places,” is set for release in February. Williams said he looks to have it hanging on walls at schools, barber shops, offices, storefronts, community gathering places, and at home offices so it’s visible during Zoom meetings to reach a wider audience.
Williams now lives in Rancho San Diego with his wife and high school sweetheart, Traci Alina Williams, and their two children, Alina Rose, 2, and Roosevelt IV, 3 months. He grew up in the Valencia Park neighborhood in southeastern San Diego. He attended Valencia Park Elementary School, O’Farrell Middle School and Lincoln High School. When Lincoln was closed for renovation, he went to Patrick Henry High.
He spent a lot of time with his great-grandfather, who at 93 still lives in Valencia Park. He saw him at work and with the family, and his actions and attitude left an imprint on the young Williams. His great-grandfather worked two, sometimes three jobs. He worked at North Island naval base and as a cobbler.
Williams picked up the trade and started Sole Cobbler repair shop, which he ran for a while before turning his attention to YB&NB full time.
His great-granddad was married for 65 years to Grace Darlene Cook. He set the example for family life for Williams, and sees he and Traci being married for just as long. They have 16 years under their belt so far. Just like his great-grandfather did, Williams plans to “ the baton” for an even more successful life to their children.
In addition to his work in the business world, Williams has devoted time to the community. He has served as president of the Urban League’s 21st Century Youth Leadership Team from 2000 to 2003; president of the Urban League’s College Career Club from 2005 to 2007; liaison for the San Diego Youth Commission from 2009 to 2012. During that time he also was a City Council representative and community liaison to 18 communities within Council District 4. In 2011, he was inducted into the Walls of Excellence on Imperial and Willie James Jones avenues.
He said he looks to elders, like his great-grandfather, for leadership skills. “He told me it’s not about me; it’s about we.”
Williams share that outlook with the entrepreneurs he reaches through his community work and YB&NB. “I’m old school with a new attitude.”
About this series
Clovis Honoré is a member of the U-T’s Community Advisory Board. He is a community organizer and social justice advocate. He has served San Diego’s Black community as staff, executive director and on the board of directors of numerous community-based organizations. He currently works for GRID Alternatives and advocates for environmental justice issues.
Someone San Diego Should Know is a weekly column about local people who are interesting and noteworthy because of their experiences, achievements, creativity or credentials. It’s written by of the U-T’s Community Advisory Board.
If you know of someone you believe San Diego should know, please send your idea to [email protected]
