INTERVIEW
WITH AN ATTORNEY WHO VALUES US:
ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What was life for you as a child growing up? ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: I borrow from Charles Dickens to say my childhood was both “The best of times AND the worst of times.” I grew up with a blessed, albeit somewhat ‘sheltered’ life that afforded me and my siblings, a positive, protected upbringing. But I also was raised in the deep racial unrest of the 60’s in the south. Blacks were still being lynched and oppressed. But our family went unscathed. We and others we knew were passionately engaged in efforts for social justice/civil rights. “Whites Only” signs still adorned water fountains and other accommodations. Yet Blacks we knew, especially my family, were undaunted and determinedly committed to advance, thrive, and achieve. I credit my wonderful parents, especially my mom, Johnnie M. Burgess for rearing us with strong conviction that NO man is superior, nor inferior to others; but ALL are created equal. Christianity was the pinnacle, foundation, and anchor of lives then, as now. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What did you dream of becoming as you were a child growing up? ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: First and foremost, I dreamt of being a mother, with hope and prayer of being even just a fraction of the mother my mother was. GOD blessed me in this regard with my wonderful son, James Matthew Douglas II, 11th grade honor student at Westbury Christian School. I dreamt of being successful and having a positive impact on society and the world. I continue to build upon both of these throughout what I pray and expect to be a very long, successful life -- Cliché, but true. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What is your mission in life? ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: My mission in life is to fulfill the purpose for which my GOD created, sent, called, equipped, and assigned me; including, to provide CHRISTIAN, positive upbringing for my son; to contribute positively to society, the world, and the advancement of humanity by helping establish, secure, and assure that ALL people are “free,” and empowered with access, opportunity, liberty, and justice. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Can you tell us a little about what you do for a living? ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: I “do” law as my occupation; but for my true “ living,” I do all I can to help advance humanity, secure justice, freedom, and equality for ALL by serving GOD and humanity in meaningful ways that advance society. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: Do you have a recent accomplishment you would like to share? ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: When there are so
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many dismal statistics regarding education and our youth, I praise GOD for HIS blessings in raising my son who is wellrounded, Christian, prayerful, conscientious, caring, compassionate, accomplished, academically blessed, self-directed, studious, eager to pursue college and make positive impact on the world. Already sought out by major universities, he again volunteered to me a few days ago how much he looks forward to going to college. I praise GOD I’ve been able to inspire, empower and open doors for many others to achieve as well through my professional work and volunteerism. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What is your outlook for 2015? ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: My outlook for 2015 is again one of unrelenting faith, hope, and optimism as I believe and plead with GOD for a mighty move of HIS hand in my life, my family, sphere of friends; and in the hearts of people around the world. My outlook is fueled by my pleas to GOD for revival of monumental magnitude resulting in true and lasting positive change in society. AUBREY R. TAYLOR: What advice would you give to someone out there striving to achieve their dream? ATTORNEY KERYL L. DOUGLAS: My advice to all regarding their “DREAMS:” A) ALWAYS Have a Current Dream; B) NEVER Give Up on Achieving EACH Dream; C) COMMIT to choosing dreams that HONOR GOD and ADVANCE HUMANITY.
ON THE COVER KERYL L. DOUGLAS, avid volunteer and attorney in private practice in Houston, graduated summa cum laude, with standing of #5 out of 202 students, from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in May 2008. She passed the Bar upon first attempt and is admitted to State of Texas Bar and the Federal Bar. Founder and owner of Advancing America and Optimum Solutions Consulting, she’s experienced in public affairs, political empowerment/voter mobilization strategies, fund development, mediation, advocacy, writing, public speaking, poise and etiquette coaching, business development/branding. Douglas received her M.S. in Chemistry, magna cum laude, from Texas Southern University, B.S. in Biology, cum laude, from Florida A&M University, and completed coursework for a Ph.D. in Epidemiology at UTHSC. She’s served as an instructor and administrator at TSU and HCC. She’s member of numerous legal and community organizations, Counsel for Friends of Emancipation Park Board, Chair of Ready Women, Inc., which assists underprivileged, abused, and/or financially challenged women successfully prepare for integration into work/independence. She has one son, James Matthew Douglas II.