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Grandmaster Freddie R. McNeil was raised in Durham, North Carolina to Douglass and Alice McNeil and is an ordained AME Zion Church elder. Master McNeil is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law and, later, a Master’s Degree in Education.
Master McNeil currently resides in Mebane, North Carolina where he is the husband of Tammy McNeil, father to son Tyler, who recently graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and daughter Morgan, who is currently an eleventh grader in Durham Public Schools. Master McNeil retired from working in Durham Public Schools in October 2019, after serving as its Executive Director of Human Resource Services after serving 32 total years in Public Education.
Master McNeil also has a deep passion for shaping Triangle-area youth around the pillars of focus, discipline, and community service. He presently works as CEO, Founder, and Senior Master Instructor of Master Freddie McNeil’s Academy of Champions and SIDEKICKS Academy, Inc.
Master Freddie McNeil firmly believes that only what you do for Christ will last, and he remains grateful for the opportunity each day to serve the students of Durham, Triangle-area residents at-large, and partner with people and places across North Carolina to bring about lasting change centered on compassion, courage, and a commitment to justice.
Greear Webb is a dedicated warrior for justice who cares deeply about bridging North Carolina’s racial divide. A native of Raleigh, NC, Greear is currently a first year student at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta. At age 17, Greear co-founded the NC Town Hall and Young Americans Protest (YAP!)—two youth-centered nonprofits. He is a committed student and fierce advocate, striving for progress in gun violence prevention and police accountability legislation. Greear has been recognized state- and nationwide for his social justice efforts, because he knows that our diversity as people is our strength and that reflective representation matters.
Greear was a leader of his peers while an undergraduate at UNC-Chapel Hill, having served in executive roles within the Black Student Movement and student government, notably as a Senior Advisor to UNC’s 100th Student Body President, Lamar Richards. Greear is firmly devoted to service, working now as Senior Advisor to the SIDEKICKS Academy Executive Team. Greear is a passionate leader always eager to collaborate, and dedicated to making change.
“We must be fair, equal, and consistent” with the work we do. John was born in Durham, NC and raised in Oxford, NC. John studied at the University of Phoenix. John has the passion to help build wealth for not only his family but the community as well. In 2009, John went back to school to obtain his degree while working two jobs. John loves various genres of music such as gospel, jazz, R&B, “real hip-hop,” pop, Latin, African, as well as some rock and some country artist music. John likes lifting weights, doing martial arts, coaching (when time allows), dancing, and singing a little.
John has a very diverse background, working in the medical field (rehab skilled nursing facilities know the health institutions and various hospitals as a CNA/Lead) for over 16 years. John managed construction job sites as well as own my own business, however, John’s primary field of expertise and love is working in Human Resources and interacting with those that drive North Carolina’s businesses forward.
Kelsey is a recent graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, with certification in Marriage & Family Counseling. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate (LCMHCA). Kelsey began as an intern/mentor alongside Master Freddie McNeil with the SIDEKICKS Academy program. She realized this was an opportunity to work with many elementary aged students who may not have direct access to mental health services, as well as informing their families on the mental health services that may be available to them. Along with this, she also discovered her passion for tutoring and organizing proper assistance for students who may need help in certain areas of their education. This being the case, Kelsey has taken on the role of Assistant Director of Mental Health Programming, under her current supervisor Mr. Steven Riley, LCMHC, and Director of Academic Services. Kelsey also works as a clinician with Family First Choice, INC and as a competitive cheerleading coach in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
Fred Poteat was born in Durham, North Carolina but raised in Hillsborough, NC by his grandmother, Shirley Johnson. Fred graduated from Orange High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Fred is a successful businessman known for creating the Successful Young Blessed Individuals (SYBI). Not only does Fred help and support the surrounding communities but he's the owner of SYBI Music and SYBI Sports. Fred received a scholarship from Master Freddie McNeil to join the SIDEKICKS program back in 1990 (Orange County Iteration) and has been partnering with him ever since. Fred credits the SIDEKICKS program as being an instrumental factor that helped him to improve his attitude, behavior, confidence, and focus!
The Reverend Dr. Earl Christopher Carroll was born in the city by the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, Maryland. He is the son of Hubert and Deloris Carroll. He is married to the most interesting and insightful lady of unquestionable beauty, Dr. Andrea D Carroll. They have five children between them who are all grown and doing well. He received his undergraduate degree from Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, His major was Religion and Philosophy. He has also received his Master of Divinity Degree from the interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Campbell University Divinity School. The Reverend Carroll believes in Servant Leadership and as Paul the Apostle said, but I am what I am by the grace of GOD! It is only by the Grace of GOD!
Morgan McNeil was born in Durham, North Carolina but was raised in Mebane, North Carolina. Morgan will be graduating in May 2023 from Durham School of Technology. Morgan is a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and is responsible for SIDEKICKS’ Lady Warriors division. She started and operates a successful company called Surreal Customs. In her free time, Morgan loves to dance, listen to music and eat Chick-Fil-A.