A Road Less Traveled

A Lesson In Cultural Awareness

By Earl N. Caldwell, II

GLOBAL CONVERSATIONS WITH THE FLY PROF.

As a law professor, I am most often in the role of imparting knowledge to my students. Yet, I am reminded that all of us—even teachers—remain students of life, continually learning.

In my last article on African businesswomen, I made a reference to Susan Gatwiri Kirimi, a member of the Executive Team for the Governor of Kiambu County in Kenya. Throughout the article, I referred to her as Ms. Kirimi, believing I was following convention. However, I later learned something valuable about Kenyan naming culture: the name Kirimi is generally considered masculine, while Gatwiri is distinctly feminine.

Thus, in Kenya, referring to her as Ms. Gatwiri would more accurately reflect both her identity and cultural norms. This nuance may seem small, but it carries important cultural meaning and respect.

I am grateful for this lesson—it reminded me of the importance of cultural humility, of pausing to learn even in areas where we might believe there is understanding. And I thank those who helped me deepen my appreciation of Kenyan culture.

A ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Welcome to Global Conversations With The Fly Prof.  In this edition, you will meet two Black businessmen who are doing innovative, disruptive, and exciting work—but in industries and spaces where Black representation has historically been limited.

Their stories reveal how stepping into less pursued fields creates not only new business opportunities but also meaning and value that ripple outward into culture, family, and the global marketplace. By choosing paths that few have walked before them, they demonstrate how vision, courage, and perseverance can lead to unexpected intersections across business, community, and global impact.

This is more than stories of success—it’s about reshaping what is possible when barriers are challenged, boundaries are crossed, and innovation is pursued with purpose.

Each of them is pushing boundaries—whether through building solutions that address community challenges, leveraging technology to open new industries, or reshaping how business is done. Their journeys illustrate not only the power of innovation but also the importance of representation, creativity, and vision in shaping the future of technology and art worldwide.

MARCUS ROBINSON

EARLY FOUNDATIONS

Marcus Robinson’s incredible journey began in the housing projects on the West Side of Chicago, where he was raised by his single mother alongside his five siblings. Life in those circumstances was not easy, but it shaped his resilience, determination, and hunger to rise above limitations.

A turning point in his formative years came during the time he spent with his grandparents in Mississippi. It was there that he absorbed lessons that would remain with him for life: the value of hard work, the importance of integrity, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. These early teachings gave him not only a moral compass but also the vision to see beyond his immediate environment and believe in the possibility of building something greater. Those experiences—rooted in family, faith, and perseverance—laid the foundation for the bold, innovative and creative path in his personal and business life. 

FROM SOLDIER TO INNOVATOR

Upon completing high school, Mr. Robinson went on to serve in the United States Army, where he enhanced his discipline and resilience, and developed the ability to perform under pressure. After several years of service, he received an Honorable Discharge, carrying with him not only military training but also a sharpened sense of determination.

He enrolled in a community college, where he trained as a technician for ophthalmologists. While the field provided him with technical skills and a steady career path, his heart and imagination remained focused on his passion for art and design.

It was during this same period that Steve Jobs introduced the first Apple Computer—a moment that would spark a transformative shift. The convergence of his interests in graphic design and visual arts with the revolutionary possibilities of personal computing set him on a new trajectory: one that blended creativity and technology. This fusion of artistry and innovation became the foundation for Mr. Robinson’s career as a designer, artist, and technology innovator, positioning him at the intersection of creativity and digital transformation.

THE BIRTH OF GAMETIME

After his early ventures in technology and design, Marcus Robinson co-founded After 10 Inc. in 1985, an events planning company that also specialized in organizing youth community events. Through this work, Mr. Robinson and his business partner, Jimmy Dunlap—a fellow Army veteran and distant relative—began to notice a recurring need: the kids participating in their programs often lacked proper attire for sports and recreational activities.

JIMMY DUNLAP and MARCUS ROBINSON

Recognizing this gap, the pair came up with a solution that would blend Marcus’s creativity with Jimmy’s organizational skills. What began as a simple effort to provide t-shirts and shorts for neighborhood youth soon evolved into something larger: in 1995 the creation of Gametime, a company that would offer sporting and athleisure apparel.

Gametime not only provided practical sportswear but also instilled a sense of team identity and pride for the children it served. What started as a community-driven response quickly grew into a scalable business model, laying the groundwork for Mr. Robinson’s continued trajectory as an innovator at the intersection of entrepreneurship, design, and social impact.

A CREATIVE COLLABORATION: FROM BAT TO COLLECTIBLE

In 2005, Marcus Robinson’s reputation as a designer and innovator caught the attention of Kirk Harrington, an entrepreneur who had developed a plastic baseball bat with a unique construction. Mr. Harrington had successfully secured a patent for his invention, but he wanted to transform it from just a functional product into a coveted collectable for baseball enthusiasts.

That’s when he approached Mr. Robinson. Mr. Harrington’s idea was to add custom imagery to the bat, making it a collectable. For Marcus, this challenge ignited his creative instincts. Drawing on his background in graphic design, art, and technology, he began exploring ways to fuse innovation with aesthetics, elevating the bat beyond its utilitarian purpose and into a piece of art.

The result was a one-of-a-kind product—a baseball bat that blended patented engineering with artistic expression, appealing not only to players but also to fans, collectors, and the sports memorabilia market. This collaboration demonstrated Mr. Robinson’s ability to take an idea, recognize its potential, and apply his creative lens to transform it into something entirely new.

The first iteration of the bat was completed just in time for Marcus Robinson and Kirk Harrington to test their product in the real world-during the 2005 World Series between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. With the completed collector bat in hand, they headed straight to the parking lot at Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox, to introduce their creation directly to baseball fans.

Despite facing a personal challenge—Marcus was in a cast on his foot and leg at the time—he refused to let it slow him down. Together, he, Kirk and Jimmy began selling their newly designed bats, each featuring a custom image, right there among the crowds of enthusiastic fans. Unbeknownst to Mr. Robinson at the time, this was the moment that would lead him to working with Major League Baseball.

BECOMING AN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL LICENSEE

Although Marcus Robinson and Kirk Harrington found early success with their innovative collectible bat, they were unable to fully capitalize on it due to a pre-existing agreement Mr. Harrington had with another company. That agreement delayed their progress, but once it concluded in 2015, the two reunited with a renewed determination to reach greater heights—this time setting their sights on becoming an official Major League Baseball (MLB) licensee.

Mr. Robinson took the lead and began researching the complex MLB licensing process. In the course of his search, he discovered someone on LinkedIn with extensive licensing experience. Taking a chance, he sent her a cold email, not knowing what to expect. To his surprise and delight, she responded.

That connection turned out to be invaluable: the contact was Ms. Goldstein, a former Licensing Attorney for Major League Baseball. Recognizing the potential in Marcus and Kirk’s product, she agreed to represent Marcus in his quest to secure an MLB license. Her experience and credibility paid off. In 2016, Gametime achieved a major breakthrough: Gametime was officially granted an MLB license for the plastic bat featuring custom imagery.

One of the most memorable highlights of Marcus Robinson’s journey came on the very day he signed his licensing agreement with Major League Baseball. That afternoon, he received a special invitation to Guaranteed Rate Field—the newly renamed home of the Chicago White Sox—for an on the field photo.

Standing on the field where he had once sold his first collectible bats in the parking lot, Marcus experienced a full-circle moment. What began years earlier as a grassroots effort, fueled by creativity and determination, was now validated by MLB itself.

Boston Red Sox World Series Plastic Bat

GAMETIME’S TRANSFORMATION THROUGH CHALLENGE

With an official MLB license in hand, Gametime quickly began to grow its customer base, landing marquee clients such as the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Houston Astros. The company was gaining momentum and expanding steadily—until the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. With MLB activities suspended, Gametime faced stalled sales and a large inventory sitting idle.

At this critical juncture, Marcus Robinson’s wife encouraged him to think differently: why not sell the merchandise in a retail setting? This suggestion, combined with Marcus’s years of experience participating in MLB’s RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner-Cities) grassroots youth development program sponsored by NIKE, opened the door to a transformative opportunity.

Gametime secured a grant, which provided the resources which facilitated the reimagined business. Marcus leased a retail space at the Chicago Premium Outlet Mall in Aurora, Illinois—the state’s second-largest city, with annual foot traffic exceeding 8 million people. This move gave Gametime a high-visibility platform to showcase its products directly to consumers.

At the same time, Marcus expanded his community impact by introducing the NIKE RBI program to several Illinois cities. With the grant’s support, Gametime was able to reach more than 1,000 youth, equipping them with life skills, free baseball and softball gear, and access to training facilities.

GAMETIME IN PEORIA, IL DOING AN MLB NIKE RBI ACTIVITY

REFLECTIONS ON RETAIL AND COMMUNITY

Looking back on his journey as a retail owner-operator, Marcus Robinson shared the deeper meaning behind his work:

“It allows me to engage with people and share ideas, stories, and build camaraderie through sports. People may not remember what you did, but how you made them feel.”

For Marcus, the retail space is not just about selling products—it is about creating human connections. Every interaction in his store, every story shared, and every young athlete inspired adds to the larger mission of Gametime: using sports as a platform to foster community, provide access to resources and help to develop major league citizens.

INNOVATING AGAIN: THE WOOD BAT PROJECT

During this same period, Marcus Robinson and his longtime business partner, Jimmy Dunlap, began exploring how to replicate on wood bats the success they had achieved with plastic bats. Their goal was ambitious: to pioneer a method of placing images directly onto wooden bats, transforming them into collectible works of art.

When asked about his creative process, Marcus explained:

“I like solving problems. It is at the core of my creative process. I’ve never considered myself an artist for the fun of it. It’s always about solving a problem. It’s built on that common thread, especially where youth can thrive.”

That philosophy guided their work. For two years, Marcus and Jimmy engaged in intense exploration, research, and experimentation, testing different approaches and refining techniques until they identified a viable process.

SECURING THE PATENT

Once they perfected the method, they moved forward to protect their innovation. In 2024, Marcus and Jimmy were awarded a patent for placing images on a wood bat—a milestone that validated years of persistence, creativity, and problem-solving.

The patent not only solidified their position as pioneers in sports design but also opened new avenues for licensing, collectibles, and youth engagement programs, echoing Mr. Robinson’s lifelong commitment to merging art, innovation, and opportunity for the next generation.

A LEGACY OF WORK, INNOVATION, AND EVOLUTION LED TO-GAMETIME SPORTS TECH

For more than three decades, Marcus Robinson embodied the work ethic instilled in him as a child by his grandfather—an ethic rooted in discipline, perseverance, and integrity. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an ability to discern trends, adapt to change, and use his creativity and innovation to craft practical business solutions.

From his early ventures designing products and apparel, to becoming a MLB licensee and patent-holder, Mr. Robinson has consistently shown a knack for identifying opportunities where others see obstacles. His journey reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurship, artistry, and community commitment.

Building on his legacy, he is charting a new territory at the intersection of sports, design, and technology—demonstrating that his vision, much like his determination, has no limits. Today, Marcus continues to grow, evolve, and innovate, channeling his talents into the Sports Tech space.

GAMETIME’S NEXT EVOLUTION: SPORTS TECH FOR NIL

The initial iteration of Gametime’s Sports Tech platform will focus on the emerging and transformative space of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), particularly targeting high school student-athletes. In many U.S. states, high school athletes are now permitted to earn money through their NIL rights, creating both exciting opportunities and new challenges for young athletes and their families.

Gametime is finalizing the development of a technology platform designed to address these needs in a holistic way. The platform will help high school athletes:

• Better Manage Their Time – by offering organizational tools tailored to balancing school, sports, and NIL-related commitments.
• Learn Life Skills Through Multi-Media – interactive content covering areas such as personal development, mental health, and career readiness.
• Gain Financial Literacy – ensuring student-athletes understand contracts, budgeting, saving, and long-term planning as they begin to generate income.
• Earn Money as Remote Brand Ambassadors – creating structured opportunities for athletes to partner with brands in ways that are compliant, accessible, and rewarding.

This model does more than simply give athletes a way to profit from NIL. It provides a comprehensive educational and support system, helping them build the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive both on and off the field.

IN THE PIPELINE: GAMETIME SPORTS TECH COMPLEX

Looking ahead, Gametime envisions the creation of a Sports Tech Complex—a state-of-the-art facility that seamlessly integrates technology, training, and youth development.

The complex will serve as both a physical hub and digital ecosystem, designed to:

• Integrate Technology with Training – leveraging Gametime’s NIL platform and future innovations to help young athletes track progress, learn life skills, and connect with opportunities.
• Provide Elite-Level Training – offering access to high-quality coaching, modern training methods, and sports science resources that allow youth to train and develop at a high level, regardless of background.
• Foster Community Engagement – creating a safe, inspiring environment where young people, families, and local organizations can gather for sports, education, and mentorship.
• Create Scalable Impact – establishing a model that can be replicated in other cities, positioning Gametime not just as a business but as a movement for youth empowerment through sports and technology.

This next step builds directly on Gametime’s legacy: from uniforms and community programs to MLB licensing, retail, and now Sports Tech. The Sports Tech Complex is the natural evolution—a space where the future of sports, innovation, and education converge.

In closing, Marcus Robinson shared his final thoughts.

“The core of my ‘why’ is Helping Youth Pursue Excellence. I tell young people that preparation plus opportunity equals success. I grew up in a household with a single mother raising six children on welfare. There were no excuses. We had to find a way, and that taught me one of life’s most important lessons: grit. Go make it happen. I remind them, be ready to take advantage of opportunity. Don’t be afraid to fail, or fail forward, it helps your development. Hopefully, that journey will put you in a position to give back. This uplifts others, just as someone once helped them and this is how excellence becomes a cycle, carried forward from one generation to the next.”

You can find Mr. Robinson on LinkedIn. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gametimecorp?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN, PUPPETEER, ARTIST & AMATEUR ANTHROPOLOGIST

A LEGACY OF EDUCATION AND EXCELLENCE

The story of Samuel Jackson Lewis II is one deeply shaped by a legacy of both education and resilience. His father, a brilliant young man from Tennessee, was among the first in the family to attend college—enrolling at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. Yet, despite his intellect and promise, life’s circumstances prevented him from completing his degree and fully realizing his potential.

For Samuel II, this absence left a profound mark. Without his father’s intellectual presence to guide, shape, and mentor him, there were moments across the years when he wrestled with anger, resentment, and questions of “what could have been.”

But from this struggle, Samuel forged his own path. Rather than being defeated by loss, he allowed it to shape his identity and creative voice. Today, he is recognized as a puppeteer, artist, and anthropologist—a storyteller who weaves together personal history and cultural memory. Through his work, he shares narratives of the impact his family has had, reclaiming the power of his legacy and transforming it into art that speaks to broader human experiences.

THE JOURNEY INTO PUPPETRY

For Samuel J. Lewis II, the road to becoming a puppeteer was not one of formal training or a straight-line career path. Instead, it was a journey decades in the making—driven by curiosity, creativity, research and a relentless desire to learn.

His passion began more than 20 years ago, sparked by a chance discovery in his uncle’s attic: a marionette puppet. That moment awakened something in him—a fascination with the art form and its power to tell stories and communicate and engage through art from years of going through records and going to locations to see and image what a scene looked like during the times when the events occurred. 

          SAMUEL J. LEWIS II and a PUPPET

Without access to structured puppetry instruction, Mr. Lewis leaned on his theater experience and his own determination. He taught himself the mechanics, rhythm, and artistry of puppeteering, combining technical trial and error with an intuitive storytelling style.

His exploration took a more tangible form when he began practicing puppetry at The Link, a cultural and performance space located near Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. There, he found an outlet to refine his craft and to engage audiences with his unique blend of performance and anthropology.

This unconventional journey—fueled by discovery, self-teaching, and persistence—laid the foundation for his evolution into an artist, anthropologist, and puppeteer, one whose work continues to explore legacy, culture, and human connection.

AN INTELLIGENT AND PROMPT NEGRO: PHIL MCBRIDE

In the course of his research into family history, Samuel J. Lewis II came across a name that sparked his curiosity—a possible relative whose story had been lost to time. That name was Phil McBride.

Digging deeper, he uncovered a fascinating and inspiring narrative. Just seven years after slavery was abolished, in a time when Black people were still regarded as “less than” in much of American society, a southern newspaper published a remarkable account praising Phil McBride for his intelligence and quick thinking, crediting him with saving lives. The discovery was profound. This man of extraordinary resilience and intellect was revealed to be none other than Mr. Lewis’s great-great-grandfather.

For him, learning this story was more than uncovering genealogy—it was reclaiming a legacy of courage, brilliance, and dignity at a time when Black excellence was rarely acknowledged, let alone celebrated. Today, Mr. Lewis continues that legacy through his work sharing stories that honor his ancestors and inspire future generations.

MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL ARTICLE AUGUST 28, 1872

CURRENT ROLES AND LEADERSHIP

Today, Samuel J. Lewis II wears many hats, balancing multiple creative and leadership roles. A significant part of his work is with the non-profit Rough House Puppet Arts (formerly known as Rough House Theater), where he serves in a dual role as both Program Director and performing artist. You can see Samuel J. Lewis II perform in Exquisite Corpse, a creative and artistic Halloween production presented at the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Space, located at 1624 N. Halsted Street in Chicago. The show typically runs around Halloween, offering audiences a unique blend of puppetry, artistry, and theatrical innovation.

This dual position allows him to guide organizational strategy while also remaining actively engaged in the artistry of puppeteering itself. For him, it is the best of both worlds: shaping the direction of the organization while continuing to tell stories and connect with audiences on a personal level.

PROGRAMS AND IMPACT

Rough House Puppet Arts operates two cornerstone programs that Mr. Lewis is not only deeply proud of, but also sees as powerful vehicles for:

• Puppeteering Development – nurturing the next generation of puppeteers by providing training, mentorship, and creative opportunities.
• Community Engagement – using puppetry as a medium to foster dialogue, connection, and shared cultural experiences.
• Artistic Expression – giving artists the space to experiment, innovate, and bring new voices and perspectives into the art form.

PUPPETS IN PROGRESS & NASTY BRUTISH SHORTS 

One of the most impactful initiatives at Rough House Puppet Arts is Puppets in Progress, an every other month program designed to nurture, educate, and support emerging puppeteers. The program provides a safe and constructive environment where artists can experiment, refine their concepts, and grow in both the business and the artistry of puppeteering.

The goal is to guide participants in developing their work from early ideas into performance-ready productions. Once artists reach that level, they have the opportunity to audition for Nasty Brutish Shorts, a Cabaret style performance where they present 5–8 minute short pieces before a live adult audience.

Together, these programs form an essential pipeline for the continued growth and vitality of puppeteering. They offer not only creative development but also professional exposure, ensuring that new voices and innovative approaches continue to push the art form forward.

Mr. Lewis closes with this: “Find your joy and find your purpose. That’s the whole discovery: find your lane, find your passion, find your purpose and that is the path of least resistance. Whatever that is, I suggest people find that, because that’s what I’m finding out and it’s taken me a long time to figure that out.”

You can find more information and contact Mr. Lewis at https://linktr.ee/samueljlewis.

If you have comments, suggestions, or ideas for future topics or individuals to feature in the upcoming editions of Global Conversations, I’d love to hear from you.

Prof. Earl N. Caldwell II
The Fly Prof.
 theflyprof5@gmail.com

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