A Family of Proud Sons
By Rubie Carlis McKelvey
Idris McKelvey, Esq., Najeel McKelvey, Terrence A. McKelvey and Kareem McKelvey (left to right)
When we were asked by the Criterion staff to submit an article regarding our four adult sons and their achievements as part of their Black History Month publications, our initial reaction was “should we do this” since we have proudly announced their successes from time to time in community publications as well as social media platforms. After careful consideration, we said “why not” because many who may not have seen prior coverage, could find our story a source of inspiration.
We decided early on that each of our children would attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Our first-born son, Terrence A. McKelvey, is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and graduate of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania majoring in Economics. He is a Partner & Wealth Advisor with Stratos Wealth Partners which is a registered Investment Advisory firm that manages over $16 billion in assets. He has close ties with the Buffalo Bills organization and has conducted seminars on financial planning for Bills players.
Son #2, Idris N. McKelvey, Esq. attended Howard University and majored in Chemistry. He went on to Howard Law School and is Vice-President & Lead Patent Counsel with Estee Lauder Corporation in New York City. He recently became a member of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Idris oversees a global team of Intellectual Property attorneys and other professionals across China, Latin America, and the United States.
Son #3, Kareem E. McKelvey, attended North Carolina A & T State University and majored in Broadcast Journalism. Kareem graduated with honors and was immediately hired by ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut where he was part of the production team for SportsCenter. During his tenure at ESPN, he worked with numerous professional athletes and celebrities, like David “The Rock” Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Phelps, and Michael Jordan. He made a career move to MSNBC network at Rockefeller Center where he is part of the production team for Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
Son #4, Najeel I. McKelvey, attended Howard University and majored in Mechanical Engineering. Najeel’s high aptitude for mathematics and science was realized by his teachers at an early age. In fact, he obtained high school math and science credits while still at Amherst Middle school. He is currently a project manager in the Maryland/DC area and recently launched his own private company called the McKelvey Group, LLC…Engineering Redefined.
Their proud, loving parents are Mrs. Rubie Carlis McKelvey, School Psychologist, and Attorney Terrence D. McKelvey.