Adams presents Graves Lecture

Adams, a former Nebraska football player, said he gets to do what he loves every day by working for Teammates. The organization was started 32 years ago by former University of Nebraska-Lincoln football head coach Tom Osborne and his wife, Nancy.

“When my former coach and mentor chose me to serve as CEO for his organization, he simply said, ‘Demoine, I don't want you to try to be like someone else. I want you to be yourself. That's why we hired you.’ He told me he believes in me and in my heart. He sees my potential, and trusts me,” Adams said.

Adams said his parents were teenagers when he was born so his grandmother and great-grandparents helped raise him.

“They taught me agape, or unconditional love. Open yourself up to learning and embracing other cultures. Take care of your business on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Take care of your business when it comes to leadership. That's the only way you can be an all-around person,” Adams said.

Growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, he was a youngster tempted by gangs and drugs, when an English teacher stepped in and helped him direct his energy in a positive direction.

“Mrs. Houston asked me to stay after class. She threw me off because instead of asking, ‘What are you doing?’ she asked, ‘How are you doing?’ I'm so thankful she put on her mentor hat and was more than a teacher. She met me where I was at. She helped me fit in regardless of my weaknesses. She helped me to focus on my strengths and get on another path,” Adams said.

He expressed his gratitude for multiple mentors who encouraged him.

“I had people give me hope and a lot of those people did not look like me. If I hadn’t had examples to see and follow, I would have given up,” he said.

He said he plans to use his role with Teammates to help young people learn that education is important.

“In this game called life, we're losing right now because we're choosing to be negative, we're choosing to be rude, and we're choosing to be divided,” Adams said. “We can be civil. Civil is a word we don't use much anymore. Everyone wants to make up reasons and excuses as to why they are so angry because of the injustices and inequalities out there. We're playing the same game that was played decades and centuries ago. We need to stop feeding ourselves with social media that influences negative thoughts and actions.”

He recalled a challenge from his mentors to give his best efforts instead of excuses.

“I've learned how to embrace all people and learn from all communities. I want to be culturally competent. To be an all-around successful leader, cultural capital is a game changer. Try to understand other people, their perspectives, and where they come from,” Adams said.