About
Russell Drake is a Christian Man, Community Advocate, and Determined Contributor to Civic Causes. He is a native of Gary, Indiana, an Alumni of Howard University, a Dale Carnegie Trained & Certified Black Belt and a Dynamic Public Speaker & Writer; as well as an Engineering Professional of over 20 years.
Mr. Drake has been instrumental in reaching, teaching, advocating and empowering the
community for betterment and upward mobility. He is the founder and CEO of Build Black Daily, LLC – an empowerment agency dedicated to Building Up Communities in the Economic, Social, Educational and Civic senses; through a commitment to Supporting Black and local Businesses daily. His efforts fueled a Central Florida movement of Supporting and Highlighting a Different Black Owned Business EVERYDAY for an entire year ~ 366 straight days (#BHMUpgrade).
Russell has a passion for uplifting the community; active in mentoring, feeding & clothing the homeless, advocating for equity & unalienable rights, and linking people to foster better relations! In his own words “In order to Reach the Community, you must be IN the
Community”. Russell is a part of the African American Chamber of Commerce, Howard University Alumni Association , Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (State Civic & Community Affairs Chair), Orange County Black Caucus (Past President), NAACP, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). He further serves on the Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Initiative, FL Congressional District 9 Justice Advisory Committee; and previously on the Orange County Charter Review Commission.
A respected voice of Impact and action, Russell Drake is often sought out for public commentary on current event and community issues. He has been featured on TV News Programs, Local & National Radio, Podcasts, Panels, Political Forums and more.
Mr. Drake's community outreach has earned numerous accolades, including: the Honorable John H. Lewis Good Trouble Award for Black Business development (2023), City of Orlando Juneteenth Champion for Justice (2023), African American Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advocate Eagle Award (2021), Orlando MagicSocial Justice Game Changer Award (2021), National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Chairman's Award for Leadership Excellence (2020), Orlando MLK Commission & Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Martin Luther King Jr Drum Major for Justice Award (2020), City of Orlando Black History Month Honoree (2020), Orange County Democrats - Dr. Alzo L. Reddick Grassroots Award (2018), Congressional District 9 Distinguished Leader in Central FL Award (2018), Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Citizen of the Year (2017) and Man of the Year (2012 & 2005), Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority EMBODI Mentor of the Year (2016).
In spiritual life, Russell is a devoted member of Saint Mark AME Church active on the Trustee Board (Chair), Usher Board, Praise Team and Men’s Choir. With a basis in service, he practices the concept of servant leadership in walk, talk and deed. For the Bible says, "To whom much is Given, Much Is Required".
Last but not least, Russell Drake puts Family First. He is blessed to be the son of two loving parents, brother to seven siblings, and proud Father of a Beautiful 17-year-old daughter.