About this user
Hope...Faith...Adversity...Victory. These four words embody the core of who Cory Blackwell is and the message he so passionately delivers to audiences all over the world. Whether speaking to top executives in corporate America or to the youth in our schools, Cory Blackwell has a message that is applicable to all. Your organization will be empowered and enriched by the message of Hope and Desire, the message of Cory Blackwell. Here is a look at the man behind the message...
In 1984, in the company of college juniors Akeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley, Cory Blackwell was drafted by the NBA. Cory's attitude and perspective on life defines the term "team-player" not just in his career as a professional athlete but as a successful entrepreneur, spiritual leader, corporate manager, counselor, spokesman, and devoted single father raising four children.
Speaking to audiences across the globe as a well-known and respected spiritual leader for over 10 years, his presentation is energetic, captivating and inspiring to the youth and adults alike.
Cory has personally experienced success and failure in the game of life. Contrary to what his large physical stature might imply, Cory shares a warm and sincere heart with those facing the challenges of life.
At the tender and impressionable age of six, Cory began to learn the realities of the real world when his younger brother was murdered before his very eyes. Through the comfort and healing touch of his mother, a single parent, Cory and his sisters overcame the trauma and tragedy. Growing up in what many would call an underprivileged environment, sports became Cory's sanctuary. Although he stood out on the basketball court, he admits to being cut from at least six teams before he was finally successful.
While growing up in Chicago, he aspired to be a professional athlete. He learned about the importance of positive attitude, teamwork, performance and the value of competition on and off the court. With a yearning to do better and be better, Cory developed his skills to earn the distinction of High School All American for three years. Focus and hard work took him to the University of Wisconsin where again, he was a three time All American.
Cory's internal drive to provide a better life for his family pushed him to forgo his senior year in college and enter the NBA. Unlike his stellar performance in college, the word of professional basketball was not as kind. Short on play time and only averaging five points per game his rookie year, Cory found himself out of the NBA and into the European professional basketball arena just two years after his NBA initiation. With his tenacity and competitive spirit, he became a household name in countries such as France, Italy and Turkey.
It was after Cory retired from professional basketball at the young age of 28 that he realized an even greater talent. He began to speak to anyone who would listen about determination and overcoming hardship. His faith led him to the Church where he eventually became a World Leader. Cory preached the gospel for 10 years in over forty countries around the world. As Cory inspired people around the world, closer to home, he founded Role Models for Life (RMFL), a faith-based organization dedicated to empowering the youth.
Despite his positive impact in public, Cory's private life suffered. His marriage of 15 years ended and he took on the responsibility of raising his four children as a single father. Shunned and maligned by some in his own church, he refused to abandon the beliefs and principals that had sustained him through previous trials. Juggling a career, college courses to earn the degree he sacrificed, the daily challenges of parenthood and directing RMFL, Cory continued to share the "real deal" of life with others going through life challenging circumstances. His own experiences are paramount in his message to inspire people to find inner strength and resolve.
Today, Cory maintains a game winning edge in life because of one important desire - to be his best! With more than 20 years of experience working with people from many different countries, cultures and in different phases of 'life', Cory has developed techniques that inspire human potential, stimulate attitude into action and encourage organizations and individuals to redefine personal excellence.
Cory Blackwell and his wife Charlotte presently reside in Atlanta, Georgia with their seven children.
"I have a story. I have a victory. I have a message of hope in this life!"- Cory Blackwell Sr.
