Rising Stars: Meet Samuel Mays

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Mays.

Hi Samuel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I am a husband, a father, and a son. My story, briefly, is one of evolution and restoration. Going through life unaware of my history and uninvested in my potential, I entered a career in human services.

My professional experience includes:
-Working with prison inmates.
-Teaching “inner-city” school students.
-Helping people with disabilities improve their lives.

My entrepreneurial path began with a birthday gift. I engaged my community as a DJ in the local artists’ scene, playing with poets, musicians, and community activists. Learning about this enhanced level of existence activated my activism and need to do more. The culmination of everything happening in the world, the currency of my connections, and focusing on increasing my knowledge created my radio show, Punctuation With 1period. My current calling and passion are creating opportunities for others. My platform allows space for people to tell their stories. We aim to uplift, inform, educate, and entertain.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to 2022 has not been smooth for most of us. The struggles are countless. Personally, the most challenging aspect of my recent journey has been the balance of cultivating my voice and aligning my calling while needing help and collaboration from and with others. Booker T. Washington” said, “If you want to lift yourself, lift someone else.” Part of the problem is that not everyone wants the same level of awareness. Not everyone agrees on the things needed. Not many will share your passion and priorities. Understanding that we are all suffering from trauma and seeking healing, the post-pandemic and post-Summer-Of-George-Floyd era has made me acknowledge how little I know about people and myself.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a radio show host, I strive to specialize in creating quality content. We want to become a dependable resource for Our community. Behavioral health issues, employment, finance, relationships, parenting, education, etc., are all areas where the information we get can be misguided and full of distrust. I believe that I’m becoming known for consistency. My approach is trauma-informed and Sankofa-centered. As I mentioned, I’m blessed to be connected to a great variety of powerful, strong, wise, and needed individuals. I’m proud to be able to bridge some of the many prevalent gaps in our area. I’m different from others in my belief that there is “No I – We Is The Way,” meaning that I endeavor to promote others versus myself with every opportunity.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I would love to grow my network further to increase the reach of the tribe we’re creating. You may reach us via email: punctuation@dj1period.com or our show line: 855-422-PW1P (7917); call or send a text message. We are constantly exploring ways to share the mic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pw1pshow.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punctuationwith1period
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/punctuationwith1period
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/PW1PShow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV78WDgupsLQS4l7yHF9rwg