#DBWT?

THE CALLING & DIVINE PURPOSE

#DBWT, short for Don't Be Wasted Talent, traces its roots back to the autumn of 2016. It emerged during an exceptional football practice for the Junior Varsity team at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, Arizona. This concept transformed into a tangible entity during a profound conversation between its founder, Coach Jaimel D. Hill, and a group of devoted parents who were truly exceptional in their support.

What initially started as a casual inside joke blossomed into a weekly mantra and eventually evolved into a defining theme for the entire season. "Count On Me" was the first rallying cry, and soon, #DBWT began resonating with both parents and students alike for several weeks. This phrase was not just a celebration but also a tool of accountability, motivating staff and student-athletes to uplift one another, reminding them not to squander their innate talents: Don't Be Wasted Talent!

As the JV football season concluded, #DBWT remained at the core, binding friendships among this band of brothers and forging a powerful fellowship among coaches and parents. At the time, it was just a trendy saying or slogan, but it was a hashtag that was gaining momentum, and regrettably, it was flourishing during a tragic period marked by hashtags representing painful events. These hashtags harkened back to the struggles of past decades, particularly the '60s, '70s, and '80s when Black America faced the scourge of police brutality and the unjust killing of innocent Black Americans.

In the fall of 2016, the world was still reeling from the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile at the hands of the police, as well as the racial tensions that had flared up across the nation. The wounds from Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice in 2014, and Walter Scott in 2015, were still fresh. The trending hashtags were viral expressions of social justice, uniting people against racism and the abuse of power.

#DBWT, on the other hand, aimed to be a beacon of positivity in a time of darkness. It sought to foster hope, faith, and empowerment, aspiring to change the narrative and make a profound impact on the lives of the millennial generation.

We all have unique callings and divine purposes, often overlooked due to fear, negativity, procrastination, and doubt. Coach Jaimel D. Hill took up the challenge to combat these issues and become a stalwart advocate for mental health. He developed a curriculum to empower individuals with the tools to become mentally tough and strengthen their core values, ultimately paving the way for success.

As a result of this mission, #DBWT has co-hosted and been featured at several of Phoenix Valley's premier business networking events and summits, including Smoke & Sip International, M.A.N. C.A.V.E., Alpha Gentleman Lifestyle Development, OBFC, and others.

Fast forward to 2023, and #DBWT is only at the beginning of its journey. There is much more in store, so stay connected, stay inspired, and always remember: Don't Be Wasted Talent!

#DBWT ALUMNI & AFFILIATIONS