65-Elvis Akpla, on being more than a black athlete, overcoming poverty, and racism in sports (part 2)

In this episode, we are keeping it rollinnnnnn with part 2 of the interview with deep thinker, incessant learner, former NFL player Elvis Akpla. 

Last week, Elvis gave us a look into the neglected parts of American history and how he believes we can end racism (Listen to Part 1 HERE). 

Today, he tells his fascinating personal story from growing up in poverty to finding a way to be successful and happy.  

Elvis has a pretty incredible and challenging background that has helped shape him into the man he is today. 

In this episode, Elvis talks about: 

• The stark differences in racism between his home town and Africa and the United States

• Why he frequently slept over at 10+ different family friends throughout high school 

• The key ingredient that helped him overcome poverty and be successful

• How being an athlete protected him a bit from racism

• The last minute track and field scholarship her earned that eventually led him to the NFL 

• The importance of athlete’s using their platform to share their voice 

And more.

Listen on iTunes HERE 

Resources

Follow Arrow Living on instagram

Be the first to know when a new podcast or article drops, and receive other magical content HERE 

A list of the 11 books that have had the biggest impact on my life as an athlete HERE

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If you feel compelled, I would be so very grateful if you took two minutes to leave me a review of the podcast. Here’s what to do.

1. Click HERE

2. Click “view in itunes”

3. Click the “ratings and reviews” tab

4. Click “write a review” and show me love <3

   Thanks for being here <3

64-Elvis Akpla, on racism, Black American history, and dealing with different viewpoints than your own (part 1 of 2)

New podcast episode with the deep thinking, passionate, former pro football player Elvis Akpla. 

 Elvis is one of the most curious, intellectual, constantly-expanding guys I know. Like, we’re talking photographic memory, constantly engaging in thought provoking convos, and will talk your ear off-in the best way- about the stuff that lights him up.  

 Today he brings that fire to offers his unique perspective on the neglected parts of American history, and how he believes we can end racism and reconcile people who have different opinions than our own. 

 Elvis was born in Dakar Senegal on the west coast of Africa. At a young age, his single mom and him moved to the United States-the first place he ever experienced racism. 

 Elvis’ mom made sacrifice on sacrifice on sacrifice to ensure he received a good education. He ended up earning a last minute scholarship for track and field at University of Oregon. Freshman year, he walked on to the football team. He later transferred to Montana State where he became an All-American and graduated with a degree in cellular biology and neuroscience. After college, he had a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, b and is currently earning two masters degree in Special Education and Biomedical Sciences. 

 Elvis is full of knowledge and is just getting started. Shoutout to his beautiful fiancé Kara who low key to high key is his better half :) . 

 This interview is split into two parts.

 In this episode (Part 1), Elvis talks about: 

• The, often neglected in school, historical context that has led black people to be so oppressed today

• How the American constitution was created by slave-owners and was built for English slave-owning settlers 

• Why blaming others for oppression is the worst way to create change 

• The slogan “Make America Great Again,” and poses the question when was America ever great? 

• Why educational opportunities is a key component to ending Black oppression 

And more!

Listen on iTunes HERE 

Resources

Follow Arrow Living on instagram

Be the first to know when a new podcast or article drops, and receive other magical content HERE 

A list of the 11 books that have had the biggest impact on my life as an athlete HERE

Share the love

If you feel compelled, I would be so very grateful if you took two minutes to leave me a review of the podcast. Here’s what to do.

1. Click HERE

2. Click “view in itunes”

3. Click the “ratings and reviews” tab

4. Click “write a review” and show me love <3
   

   Thanks for being here <3