I received a call two days ago from my good friend, founder, pastor and mentor, Pastor Corey Brooks “Hey Kayne, want to join us in NYC on Friday and ring the opening bell?” I am not sure that I allowed him to finish the sentence and interrupted with “ABSOLUTELY!”
Ringing the bell has always been a dream of mine, a bucket list item, etc. Although it wasn’t my company, we weren’t doing an IPO, it exceeded all my expectations.
First, I will say that the NYSE team are true professionals. Before we walked into the building we were welcomed with massive signage. Upon getting thorough security, we were led to an incredible waiting area with breakfast, a ceremony for the Pastor, and picture taking event. We then moved to the floor for more pictures and opening the market with the customary ringing of the bell. Hats off to the NYSE team for a wonderful day.
Most importantly, I want to congratulate the entie Project H.O.O.D. team. Your passion, your effort, your dedication towards building this community center and reducing violence in Chicago is so inspiring. Seeing Hood’s logo on the building and all over the trading floor is a true testament of those that are listening, watching and offering to help.
Finally, I want to share something directly from the Pastor:
“From O-Block to Wall Street. Today, we rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange not just for Project H.O.O.D., but for every block that’s been overlooked, every life that’s been written off, and every dream that refuses to die. Hope has an address. And now, it has a voice on the biggest stage in finance.”
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