A Living Legacy: Jesse C. Swanigan, Last Living Founding Member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Jesse C. Swanigan, the Last Living Founder of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Jesse shares how he left his small hometown of Cairo, Illinois after high school and moved to St. Louis to find work and save money to pay for college. That decision laid the foundation for his academic success, including earning his MBA and a distinguished career as a Retired Corporate Auditor at The Boeing Company and Senior Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He also reflects on his enduring leadership with 100 Black Men of America, Inc., where he is currently a member of the national Board of Directors and the holds the title Treasurer Emeritus. His story shows that sacrifice and determination can open doors, build momentum and help you Prepare For Takeoff.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Jesse Swanigan and His Background
00:43 - Growing Up in Segregation
02:19 - Transitioning to St. Louis and College Life
05:33 - Navigating Higher Education Challenges
06:38 - Career Path and Achievements at McDonnell Douglas
14:34 - Founding 100 Black Men of America
17:57 - A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
19:21 - Transitioning from Corporate to Academia
22:17 - Staying Active and Engaged in Aging
23:43 - Advice for Healthy Living and Stress Management
26:12 - The Role of Faith in Personal Growth
27:40 - Inspiring Future Generations
28:30 - The Importance of Sharing Knowledge
28:39 - NEW CHAPTER
31:10 - Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Projects
34:52 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing
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In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Jesse C. Swanigan, the Last Living Founder of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. Jesse shares how he left his small hometown of Cairo, Illinois after high school and moved to St. Louis to find work and save money to pay for college. That decision laid the foundation for his academic success, including earning his MBA and a distinguished career as a Retired Corporate Auditor at The Boeing Company and Senior Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. He also reflects on his enduring leadership with 100 Black Men of America, Inc., where he is currently a member of the national Board of Directors and the holds the title Treasurer Emeritus. His story shows that sacrifice and determination can open doors, build momentum and help you Prepare For Takeoff. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Jesse Swanigan and His Background 00:43 - Growing Up in Segregation 02:19 - Transitioning to St. Louis and College Life 05:33 - Navigating Higher Education Challenges 06:38 - Career Path and Achievements at McDonnell Douglas 14:34 - Founding 100 Black Men of America 17:57 - A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship 19:21 - Transitioning from Corporate to Academia 22:17 - Staying Active and Engaged in Aging 23:43 - Advice for Healthy Living and Stress Management 26:12 - The Role of Faith in Personal Growth 27:40 - Inspiring Future Generations 28:30 - The Importance of Sharing Knowledge 28:39 - NEW CHAPTER 31:10 - Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Projects 34:52 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj. Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP to get started.