Meet Blake E. Odum, a true community champion and native of Flint, MI, who has dedicated his life to empowering and educating young people.

From an early age, Blake knew that he wanted to make a difference and was inspired to take action when he joined the Gamma Delta Kudos male youth mentoring program as a high school sophomore. His former elementary school principal, John Rhymes, became a father figure in his life and headed the program. When Blake speaks, he has a unique ability to touch hearts, open minds, and stir souls, inspiring all who listen.

Blake's wisdom comes from the teachings of his late grandmother, Mary Peoples, and late great-grandmother, Estella Price. He also attributes his many accomplishments to his strong spiritual background and favor with God. At Eastern Michigan University, Blake pursued a dual major in Film & Media Production and African American Studies, envisioning himself as the next Spike Lee. He was also actively involved in various student organizations, including the Black Student Union, the NAACP, and the Poetry Society.

After college, Blake worked for the public school system in Michigan, spearheading groundbreaking work centered around reducing the suspension rate of children of color, particularly black males, by approximately 86% in one Flint area school district. In 2010, while touring the Atlanta University Center with a group of high school students, Blake founded The Motivational Foundation, a youth-based advocacy, education, and community organization. Through his work with the organization, he has become a successful advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, providing resources for students seeking to attend college.

Blake is a gifted orator and has received national accreditation and recognition for his talent in oratory as a medal recipient for NAACP's ACT-SO youth program dedicated to the performing arts. He has been honored with the Community Partner of the Year Award, presented by Communities In Schools, for his passionate work through The Motivational Foundation while advocating and working for underserved students in Guilford County Schools.

As a change agent, Blake lives by the words of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Blake has been called upon to ignite a burning fire of change through his words and has had the opportunity to lecture and engage in important conversations all over the country. He was even bestowed the high honor to serve as the preliminary speaker for the iconic Civil Rights leader, Congressman John Lewis, while on his tour advocating for the right to vote in October of 2018. In all his endeavors, Blake is determined to be his ancestor's wildest dreams.