photo by steed media service

Usually, when people think of Ford Motor Company, the first thought that comes to mind is American made vehicles built with exceptional quality. For this year’s annual Ford Black College Road Trip, the automaker continued its effort to bring more exposure to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Ford selected Jamal Lateef Wallace as the male counterpart and Ford Roadie for the 10-city, 10,000 mile tour that includes 10 different HBCU classics and homecomings during a 13-week period.

“Ford wants people to know that they’re making a connection with our communities and they’re making a connection with our black colleges, because HBCUs are ‘built Ford tough,’ ” says Wallace, who will be traveling in a 2008 Ford Expedition EL that was customized by Funk Master Flex.

“[Funk Master Flex is] the first African American to have his own limited edition car mass-produced; he’s about to have the Funk Master Flex Expedition,” reveals Wallace. “He’s known as the hip hop guru of car customization; that’s why Ford has linked with Flex to really reach out to the community to show that they have a connection with our community and with our black colleges.”

Wallace, who is a Livingstone College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, has worked with young people in the juvenile justice system. He seeks to inspire youth and provide them with an example of success that they can follow. - jason thompson

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