Alexander Robinson
Associate Editor
Like the other students, faculty, staff, and community members in the audience, Jackson State University senior Montrell Williams, an entrepreneurship major from Jackson, Miss., listened attentively to the speaker. But because they came from his brother, NBA star Mo Williams, the words were more special and inspiring.
“Through him I feel like anything is possible,” said Montrell Williams. “My brother is a dream come true.”
Jackson native and starting guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, Maurice “Mo” Williams shared insight into his life experiences as part of the JSU Department of Entrepreneurship and Professional Development’s Entrepreneurship Lecture Series this week.
“Everybody is blessed with something; it’s up to you to nurture your craft. You have to pay your dues, doing things you don’t want to do now to achieve your goal,” said Williams, who recalls going to the YMCA at 5:30 in the morning to perfect his game.
JSU Professor John Calhoun, who was named the 2011 Mississippi Small Business Man of the Year, highlighted the importance of the lecture series.
“We want to expose our students to people who are making adifference in the community. We believe that once students see the best, they understand that they can be the best,” said Calhoun.
The theme of being the best was echoed in Williams’s speech. Williams attended Murrah High School, where he had success, taking the team to State Championships. After two years of attending the University of Alabama and receiving accolades there, he entered the 2003 NBA draft, where he was drafted in the second round by the Utah Jazz with the 47th pick. Since then, Williams has played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Williams also commented on the importance of perseverance, never giving up when times are tough, and of making good impressions.
“You have to carry yourself in a certain way; you never know the relationships you can gain at any age. You always want to leave a good impression of yourself. Being the best you is the most important thing,” said Williams.
Williams believes that anyone can accomplish their goals by taking action.
“People always say dream big, but when you dream, you wake up and everything is still the same. Vision! See the things you wan do in your life, and follow the steps to make it a reality.”
Though Williams used his athletic ability to catapult him to his successes, he doesn’t believe everyone needs to follow his route but find their own way to success. Speaking candidly of his experiences with the National Basketball Association, Williams said: “Basketball has opened a lot of doors for me, and has allowed me to meet a lot of important people.”
He added: “Everything should begin with a good foundation” said Williams. He noted that both of his parents are JSU graduates, his brother Montrell his currently a graduating senior in the College of Business, his sister graduated from Mississippi Valley State University.”
F.W. Aldridge junior, accounting major, from Drew, Mississippi, was in attendance and was impressed by Mo Williams’ speech.
“It was very informative, inspirational, and motivational. Williams reminds me to never give up and to work toward my goals,” said Aldridge.
Courtland White, a senior entrepreneurship major from Houston Texas, has already started many of his own companies, believing in Williams message of “being your own corporation”. His companies include World E-Trade which deals with imports, Hustle Hard Entertainment and Umoja, Inc., an international consultant firm.
“Williams spoke that you can do anything you put your mind to, and I know that with God, anything is possible.”
