ROCK
Joseph"Rock" Roquemore, a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and youth advocate, hails from the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. He was born and raised there, ingrained with a deep sense of community and a drive to make a difference. For nearly two decades, Joe has owned and served as the Master Barber of Rock Boyz Barbershop, formerly known as AJ's Barbershop, which has become a cherished institution at the heart of the city.
It was within the walls of this beloved barbershop that the seed of inspiration for Rock-In-Hood was planted. One fateful day, while Joe was cutting the hair of a regular client's grandson, a conversation unfolded that struck a chord within him. The grandmother shared that her grandchildren would be starting school late, missing the crucial first weeks because they lacked the means to purchase essential clothing and supplies in time for the first day. These words halted Joe in his tracks, evoking vivid memories of his own childhood.
In that moment, the reminiscence of being that child who had to begin school late resurfaced. Joe vividly recalled the struggles his mother faced, torn between paying rent and acquiring school supplies. The weight of his own experiences coupled with a heartfelt desire to be the support he wished his mother had received ignited a profound realization. Joe yearned to extend a helping hand to that family, embodying the role of a caring benefactor that he had wished for in his own past.
Motivated by the deep empathy he felt for the families facing financial challenges, Joe "Rock" Roquemore decided to take action. Determined to alleviate their burden and empower the children to embark on their educational journey with confidence, he extended a generous offer. Joe provided not only haircuts but also clothes and shoes to the struggling family that had sparked his compassionate drive. His intention was to offer a small respite, ensuring that these children could not only commence school on schedule but also do so with a renewed sense of self-assurance.
This act of kindness didn't stop there. Over the course of a few years, Joe's commitment to supporting families in need attracted the attention and involvement of his dear friends Fred Weary and Chris Boykins. Together, they formed a formidable team, united in their mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of these deserving families.
Traci
Tracina Morris is a remarkable woman who has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of real estate. As the founder and principal agent of The T Morris Group, a dynamic real estate team, she operates under the esteemed brokerage EXP Realty, renowned internationally for its excellence. While real estate serves as her primary professional pursuit, Tracina dons multiple hats, showcasing her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. She also co-owns an esteemed Tax Company, boasting a remarkable 15-year tenure as a leader in the tax industry. Through her extensive network of Tax affiliates, Tracina provides invaluable tax assistance and software services throughout the vibrant city of Houston.
While achieving remarkable success as an entrepreneur and businesswoman remains a top priority for Tracina, her true passion and purpose lie in giving back to her community. She has always possessed a profound desire to forge a path dedicated to helping others, and she discovered her true calling in serving the youth of the Sunnyside community. Over the past several years, Tracina has held the esteemed position of Vice President within the Rock n Hood Organization, an initiative founded by Joseph Roquemore. This influential organization has consistently devoted eight years to giving back to underprivileged students in south Houston, ensuring they are adequately prepared to embark on each new school year.
Tracina Morris stands as a shining example of a compassionate leader, combining her entrepreneurial prowess with a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact. Through her unwavering dedication and tireless efforts, she continues to uplift and empower the youth in her community, fostering a brighter future for all.
Tunde
Olatunde "Tunde" Idowu, a highly accomplished individual hailing from the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. Born and raised in this dynamic metropolis, Tunde attended James Madison High School, where his athletic prowess shone through as he excelled in various sports. His exceptional abilities on the football field earned him a coveted scholarship to Prairie View A&M University.
At Prairie View, Tunde pursued a degree in accounting, showcasing his intellectual acumen alongside his athletic pursuits. Recognizing his commitment to excellence, he obtained a Master's degree in accounting while simultaneously showcasing his skills on the collegiate football stage.
During his time at PVAMU, Tunde was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Collegiate 100, an extension of the esteemed 100 Black Men of America. Within this organization, he took on the role of mentoring the youth at various elementary schools, demonstrating his dedication to uplifting and empowering the next generation. Tunde also pledged and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., fully embracing their motto of "First of all, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All," which deeply resonated with his mission of community service and connecting with the younger generation.
After college, Tunde seized an incredible opportunity to continue his passion for service and youth engagement by joining the organization Rock in Hood. Moreover, Tunde deeply appreciated the Moran Norris Foundation for providing him with a scholarship that enabled his college education, further fueling his drive to join and contribute to the Rock In Hood organization.
Tunde eagerly joined the effort to organize and empower the community. Within Rock in Hood, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Tunde assumes the role of Vice President of Finance and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing corporate sponsorships and ensuring the financial success of the organization.
Currently, Tunde serves as a Senior Financial Analyst at Occidental Petroleum Corporation, contributing his expertise to the Oil & Gas division. His professional accomplishments reflect his ability to navigate the complex financial landscape while maintaining his unwavering dedication to community service and empowering others.
Tunde Idowu's journey embodies a remarkable blend of intellectual prowess, athletic achievement, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society. With his diverse skill set, indomitable spirit, and innate leadership qualities, Tunde continues to leave an indelible mark in both the corporate world and the communities he serves.