We had the good fortune of connecting with Joshua Okpara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joshua, what inspires you?
I am inspired by the many in my state of Lagos Nigeria who didn’t get the chance and opportunity i got to be here in the United states. I am inspired by my upbringing; growing up in a family where we had to share meals and wear the same worn out clothes and shoes to school. I am inspired by my mom who died 2 weeks before i turned 8, leaving a legacy so her life doesn’t be in vain. I am inspired by the thousands who die FULL daily. Full of ideas, visions, dreams and goals they never achieved because they didn’t try. I am inspired by the thousands like Chadwick Boseman Myles munroe, etc who left a legacy on this earth and a standard for people like me to follow! I am inspired by God who in His creative nature placed creativity in me and gave me the mandate to be fruitful and multiply. I am inspired by the black boys and men killed daily whose dreams were never achieved because their Iives were cut short. I am inspired.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My creativity is meant to Push people towards purpose. It is my gift to bring out of people what God placed in them,and that vision has led me to publish books, host conferences, launch ministries and even released music! One lesson I’ve learned along the way is consistency. It was never easy, there were many moments when i wanted to give in and give up, but i had to remember my why and remain consistent! One thing I want the world to know about me is i LOVE people and love to push others to see a better version of them in all i do, if you encounter me, you will leave better!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely take them to La sabrocita in Denton, LSA Burger and RG burgers. We would definitely rotate and go find new places to eat! We would go on a tour to all the top rated black owned restaurants in Dallas, check out comedy shows, and get a word from the potters house!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
HUGE shoutout to God for being the REAL MVP! Big shout out to my amazing father for raising me right and showing me who a real man is! So thankful for the best wife in the world for her love, kindness and faithfulness in pushing me towards destiny! Big shoutout to Faith Filled Church members for being the best members any pastor could ask for! And big shoutout to my mentors, mentees, friends and associates who push me in public and in private to be who God has called me to be!

Website: Joshuaokpara.com
Instagram: @joshua_o_okpara
Linkedin: http://LinkedIn.com/in/joshuaokpara
Twitter: @joshua_o_okpara
Facebook: Facebook.com/joshuaookpara
Youtube: Pastor J

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.