Rider grad to preview CNN documentary
By Rachel Stengel
Rider graduate and entrepreneur Navarrow Wright ’93 will host a prescreening of his appearance on CNN’s Black in America: The New Promised Land – Silicon Valley on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 11:30 a.m. in BLC’s Fireside Lounge followed by a question-and -answer session with Wright.
Wright graduated with a B.S. degree in computer information systems. His technological skills paved the way for the development of the website GlobalGrind.com with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. The site features news on aspects of hip-hop culture including entertainment, style and music. Wright has also worked as the vice president of technology at 360HipHop.com and the president and CEO of GlobalGrind.com.
He is currently the chief technology officer of Interactive One, which is the largest media company that serves African Americans in the United States, according to its official website. He also is the creator and president of Maximum Leverage Solutions, a social media and Internet consulting site.
“His accomplishments have been superb,” said Rubin Joyner, director of Rider’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). “He has worked with BET and now is doing work with CNN and his accomplishments have made Rider proud.”
While at Rider, Wright was a leader, said Joyner. He was an EOP student, a walk-on player for the basketball team, a brother of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, a member of the Student Finance Board and president of the Minority Programming Committee. Wright also helped to establish one of Rider’s annual traditions, Unity Day, Joyner said.
Like Joyner, Wright’s former basketball coach, Don Harnum, is not fazed by Wright’s success after Rider.
“I am not surprised at all that he is enjoying success because he had an inner drive to him that made it easy to foresee success in his future,” Harnum said.
Wright will appear on CNN’s Black in America documentary, which will chronicle the journey of eight competing African American Internet entrepreneurs who seek startup capital for their businesses.
The eight competitors shared a house for nine weeks from June to August 2011 and were mentored by established African American entrepreneurs in the technology industry. Wright acted as one of the mentors for the show. His appearance will air on Black in America: The New Promised Land – Silicon Valley on CNN Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.
