MANdatory Awareness: Joshua T. Scott

Philanthropist, author, motivational speaker, pastor, and entrepreneur, Joshua T. Scott, knew at an early age that his mission in life was to leave a positive impact on each person that he encountered socially as well as spiritually. In 2004, he founded The Association for the People and Community (A.P.C. Inc.), a non-profit organization that works across Texas to provide tutorials, enrichment, and social services. During his tenure as Executive Director, the Houston native has overseen initiatives that have assisted thousands in his community such as the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, annual Christmas Toy Drive, and the Get Out and Vote campaign. Joshua answered his calling from the Lord and became an ordained minister at the age of 25 and has been the founder and pastor of Humble Praise Center since 2006. The Prairie View A&M alumni’s messages have reached audiences through DVD, CD, radio, and most recently via live feeds on Facebook and Periscope. Scott is also the C.E.O. of Scott Global, which manages JVS Properties, Elite Driving School, and Rocket Freight. His security company, 1st Response Security, provided security services throughout the city of Houston for all of the Super Bowl LI festivities in 2017. Recently, he and his wife, Veronique, published a children’s book titled Jo-Jo’s Bible Adventure. The book, which takes children on a fun and interactive journey with big brother Jonathan and little sister Jolie, is now Amazon’s #1 children’s book.

Fancy: How would you describe your swagger? What makes Joshua, Joshua? 

Joshua: LOL, my swag is rooted in hard work, dedication, and a commitment to projects that I take on. In this day and time, it’s hard to find people who are committed, and I think my swag comes from my desire to have a ‘get it done’ mentality! Anyone who knows Joshua T. Scott ,knows that if my name is on it or attached to it then it is going to get done and at a high level of perfection! What makes me, me? Not being afraid to fail. Failure is a part of life. Once you fail, you know you have to do it better, and you can be more successful at the next task!

Fancy: We know it was your work that inspired you to start the Association for the People and Community, Inc., while at Morehouse, but what initially led you to study philosophy and religion? How did you know that this was your calling, especially at a fairly young age?

Joshua: My family and I knew at a young age that I would preach The Gospel. I spent many Sunday evenings after church pretending to be my uncle, Bishop Levon Thurman. It was something about inspiring people and giving them hope to fight another day that kept me on that path. I knew I was going to be a business man because it was in my family’s DNA. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. Philosophy and religion were- a just natural fit considering I knew I would at some point preach The Gospel!

Fancy: So tell us a little about Humble Praise Center. What’s it like?

Joshua: Loving, Impactful, Life Changing, and a breath of fresh air!

Fancy: Personally, I have learned that people often choose their church home depending on what they need or are dealing with in their lives. What kind of person do you think will enjoy Humble Praise Center?

Joshua: The working family, the single mother, the AAU family, the Performing Arts family, the Sunday football family, the person looking to serve…I mention all of these families because our church services are one hour. We experience God, worship, hear The Word, and fellowship all while being mindful that families have so many other obligations. HPC is their place to worship without feeling bad because they can’t be in church all day!

Fancy: Being that times and people are changing how does APC find ways to continue advancing and engaging with the community?

Joshua: A.P.C. Inc. is an ever evolving organization. I believe that we have to stay connected to the community and the times in order to know how to best serve the people of the community. Often times, organizations are founded on principles and do not evolve. That’s how they become irrelevant. A.P.C’s original mission was to just feed families for Thanksgiving and here we are 18 years later. We’ve evolved in a number of aspects of the community!

Fancy: You and your wife Veronique, co-authored the children’s book, “Jo-Jo’s Bible Adventures”. How did that come about? 

Joshua: We were out shopping for Christmas books for our nieces and nephews and wanted to purchase biblical books with children of color, but we could not find any in the book store. We knew at that point we had to create something for generations to come!

Fancy: Will you all be releasing any more books in the future? 

Joshua: Yes, Jo-Jo’s volume 2 and 3 are ready to go, but we are still pushing volume 1 since it is the foundation of where the other books are going! I am working on a book for single men titled Bruh, What Are You Waiting For. This book will tackle men’s fear of getting married and being committed. We are also working on producing a few shows in 2019!

Fancy: What is the best advice you’ve received as a Black man and how did it impact you?

Joshua: “A man that doesn’t work, doesn’t eat”! In the culture we live in, many men have a desire to be a boss, but are not willing to put in the work. They would rather stay at home waiting on a golden opportunity. Anything that you receive comes from hard work and consistency which meant every day I needed to work to achieve my goals and dreams.

Fancy: As a man, how do you balance your church, organization, other business ventures and family? 

Joshua: It’s a difficult task; however I have been blessed to have a spouse who works with me in all of my ventures as well as labors with me in The Gospel! Also, I keep in mind every day that the work I do is for my family and the future I hope to create for them, so spending time and enjoying them is second nature! Every man should always remember that without family and loved ones to share success with, your accomplishments will mean nothing to the world once you are gone!

Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share? 

Joshua: Our non-profit organization is hosting out annual toy drive. This year we have a record number of kids that we will be assisting, nearly 85 kids (18 families)! Also during the holidays, we visit the local senior citizen home and pass out snacks bags and talk with them because we know this is a trying time for them during this season!

For more information, visit https://joshuatscott.com/ or find Joshua on social media (FB: Joshua T. Scott, IG: @joshua_t_scott, or Twitter: @joshua_t_scott)