A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Derek was the first African-American male from that city to receive Congressional nominations to attend The United States Naval Academy, West Point and the United States Air Force Academy. He attended the U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School for one year before deciding to pursue his interest in entertainment and accepting a scholarship to Florida A&M University, which is where he started his radio career.
In 2005, Derek assumed the title of Program Director for WAMJ and in 2007, he was given the additional responsibility and title of Program Director for WPZE.
With all the duties that are required of him in his current capacity, he still does his own airshifts on WAMJ and finds time to help charity organizations such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center and the South Dekalb YMCA. The father of four visits schools throughout the Atlanta area when time permits.
