By Edward Henderson
Growing up with as a multiracial child can present a unique set of challenges. The friction from being pulled in a myriad of directions surrounding social, religious and cultural norms is the perfect recipe for stress. Albert Clark has managed to traverse the terrain of his African American and Panamanian background and create a unifying and purpose filled life.
Born in Chicago, Clark spent the first 6 years of his life in the U.S. until he moved to his mother’s native Panama. As a youth, Clark enjoyed the freedom of the South American oasis. He spent many days climbing trees for mangos and swimming in the rivers and beaches. He also became fluent in Spanish and enjoyed the slow pace and lifestyle the country afforded. Clark’s first taste of the business world came from his grandfather who owned a construction company that established affordable housing for families.
Over the summer, Clark visited with his grandmother in Chicago who was superintendent of the high schools in the city. This background in education served as a foundation for him to learn about his African American background on a deeper level.
“Slowly I started learning more about the African American culture as a teenager and as a young adult. My grandmother made me read Roots and was very adamant about learning my heritage,” said Clark. “It was more of how I identify myself and I always say I’m Afro-Latino. I always identify myself as both.”
The blending of cultures instilled great pride within Clark and he’s drawn inspiration from facets of each.
“From the African American side I would say the history in this country from a leadership of change gives me the most pride. When you look at the work the community did for civil rights they did a lot of leg work to be in the position that they’re in. From the Latin side it’s the language and being able to communicate with people from all over the world. It’s a gift to talk one language and switch to another. Both have given me great dancing skills. I can step, cha-cha slide then do a salsa or meringue.”
Clark moved back to the sates after he graduated high school to attend Bradley University to study International Business. The transition wasn’t easy for the young student looking to find his place within the campus culture.
“It was a culture shock coming here. Not only did I speak differently, but I’m fluent in Spanish and it gave me an accent. I also felt uncomfortable speaking Spanish. Getting integrated within the African American community they didn’t know necessarily where I fit in. There had to be somewhat of an education with the students there.”
Over time, however, Clark became embraced who he was and excelled in the classroom and socially as well. After meeting his wife at Bradley, Clark changed his plans from returning to Panama and moved to San Diego after graduation. After receiving recommendations from family members, Clark got into the insurance business. As one of the few multicultural agents at his firm, Clark embraced the challenge of using his heritage as an asset.
“I always look at my background as an opportunity. You can go into a room and know you’re the only person that’s different and choose to go into another room where you feel more comfortable. Or you can go into a room and ask ‘how I can create change.’ If I’m able to change the dynamic of what they perceive, I can become more successful because of that.”
Clark noticed many agents in the firm focused on niche markets to generate business and decided to make insuring Hispanic owned businesses as his specialty. He attended San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce meetings for leads but found an engaging community that made him feel at home instead. Clark started getting more involved with the organization and was eventually asked to run for the board of directors. Six months after winning an election as vice chair of the board, the chair position opened and Clark moved up to serve in the vacancy. As chairman, Clark helped increase membership from 90 to 500 members. His diligence earned him a spot on the state wide Hispanic Chamber and currently serves as the Southern Regional director unifying the 14 chambers in his jurisdiction.
To expand his leadership skills, Clark joined the Rise San Diego Fellowship Program. As an exit project, Clark is working with K-8th grade students at King Chavez charter school to put on a program educating them on the many cultures that are represented in San Diego.
“We have pre disposition to create cultural barriers of what we think people are like. The only way we can change that is if we start at a young age. It starts with affluent cultures being more aware of the similarities and differences in the cultures. You wouldn’t have as many barriers by the time you get into high school or college.”
In the future, Clark has plans to lead at the state level in the Latin Chamber of Commerce in the next 2 to 4 years as well as getting involved in politics.
“I feel like I can be a unifier within communities. That’s what lacks in San Diego today. You can’t get more unified when you represent two tremendous cultures that have an impact like I do.”
