Question 1

What is the first step an individual should take to stop a negative generational pattern?

Accepted Answer

The essential first step is to acknowledge that you do not want to allow those generational things to continue (0:00). These negative patterns can be subtle, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, constant swearing, or raising your voice, which a person might have normalized because they grew up accustomed to it. The key is to identify that the behavior didn't work well for you and be willing to do the hard, intentional work required to stop it at your generation (20:03, 20:30).

Question 2

What is Alvin Hicks' official role and how long has he lived in Sugar Hill, Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Alvin Hicks is a dedicated advocate and city councilman for Sugar Hill, Georgia (0:45). He has been a resident of the city since 2014 (0:45).

Question 3

What are Alvin Hicks' main focuses as a city councilman?

Accepted Answer

As a councilman, he is focused on bridging generational gaps in the community (1:04). He is the city liaison for the Sugar Hill Youth Council, ensuring young voices are heard, and is also a strong advocate for the wisdom and well-being of the seniors (1:04).

Question 4

What are the details of Alvin Hicks' background and upbringing?

Accepted Answer

He is originally from Richmond, Virginia, where he grew up in the inner city (1:45, 2:20). He was born to a single, teenage mom and was mostly raised by his grandmother while living in government-subsidized housing. Though he did not describe his life as "rough" because it was the only life he knew, he acknowledges the lack of a father figure as a challenge that ultimately shaped who he is today (2:20).

Question 5

What was the reason and timing of Alvin Hicks' move to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

He moved in 1996, leaving Virginia for the metro area of Georgia (3:19). The move was largely catalyzed by a cousin who offered him the opportunity to visit and potentially stay after the cousin had moved for a job. Alvin had no clear path or goal at the time, so he took a "leap of faith" and drove down with everything he could fit in his car, arriving during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics (3:49, 4:50, 8:26).

Question 6

How did faith and his grandmother influence Alvin Hicks' life?

Accepted Answer

His faith was the "foundational" piece that got him through his time in Virginia and the 29-30 years in Georgia (5:39). His grandmother, who was always in church, was his primary religious influence. He recalls waking up to hear her praying for him on her knees, often in the living room or a closet (5:39). When he moved, she would call him every day and end the conversation by saying, "I'll be praying for you," cementing his foundation (7:06).

Question 7

What is Alvin Hicks' perspective on the role of intervention in changing someone's life trajectory?

Accepted Answer

He believes that "everybody is placed into your path or your life for a reason," whether the interaction is positive or negative (7:57). This "divine intervention" is super important, as it helps us learn and grow from the opportunities presented. He notes that without the opportunity his cousin gave him, he likely wouldn't have left his hometown (7:25, 7:57).

Question 8

What was Alvin Hicks' vocational path and his career at AT&amp;T?

Accepted Answer

He did not finish college after graduating high school and initially just looked for work to provide financially, not a career (10:47, 11:17). He eventually got connected with Bell South (which became AT&amp;T) 22 years ago, starting as a field technician who would fix issues at people's homes, dealing with dial-up and copper lines (11:58, 12:25). He now serves as a network operations manager (2:13).

Question 9

What is Alvin Hicks' definition of "living better"?

Accepted Answer

He believes living better means making choices that align with my values and improving quality of life (24:05). This could involve health and well-being, financial stability, stronger relationships, or simply having peace of mind (24:05).

Question 10

What advice does Alvin Hicks offer to someone who is living in contradiction to their values?

Accepted Answer

He advises them to self-evaluate and talk to someone (25:11). This conversation doesn't necessarily have to be with a friend, but someone who can help shape misunderstandings and directionally guide them back onto the path (25:11). In situations of external pressure, such as in politics, he stresses the importance of understanding the other person's perspective&mdash;cognitive empathy&mdash;by setting your own thoughts aside and listening to grow and learn (27:51, 28:26).

Question 11

What is Alvin Hicks' view on "working smarter"?

Accepted Answer

Working smarter is about aligning effort with strategy (28:55). Instead of just "working hard," it means making decisions that move us closer to the goals with less wasted time (30:06). In his role managing a diverse team, it also means being intentional about articulating strategy across all generational breakouts, from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers (29:54).

Question 12

Why is mentoring important to Alvin Hicks?

Accepted Answer

Mentoring is a big piece for him because he feels it was missing from his own upbringing (32:58). He wants the youth to have inspiration that they can put their hands on within their own neighborhoods, not just from celebrities or social media influencers (33:45). He emphasizes that it takes a "village" because studies show that older kids are often more receptive to listening to an inspirational voice outside of their own family (34:30).

Question 13

What is a foundational concept Alvin Hicks values from a book he reads often?

Accepted Answer

He often reads the non-fiction book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind (37:06). The core idea he draws from it is that what you think about, what you say is actually what comes alive (37:34).

Question 14

What is Alvin Hicks' stance on broken systems and why they persist?

Accepted Answer

He believes people keep using broken systems because they are afraid to change them (40:45). They may feel the system has "been working" or believe they aren't smart enough to add enough value to change it (40:45). He challenges this, reminding his team that just because something has been done a certain way doesn't mean it has to continue (40:45).

Question 15

What is the most important message Alvin Hicks would give his younger self?

Accepted Answer

He would tell him, "The future's bright" and "Don't give up" (41:48). He acknowledges there were times he felt despair and hopelessness, but the early morning prayers of his grandmother provided the hope that ultimately sustained him (42:35, 43:22).

Question 16

What is the most important political privilege Alvin Hicks encourages people to use?

Accepted Answer

He encourages people to exercise their ability and our privilege to vote (44:45). To the cynic who claims their vote doesn't matter, he challenges them to be quiet after the vote if they are unwilling to participate (45:27).

Question 17

What is Alvin Hicks' vision for Sugar Hill at the end of his next four-year term?

Accepted Answer

He wants the community to be strong enough, safe enough so that the younger generation, after finishing college, will want to come back to plant roots and to start their families (51:19). He also wants to ensure the community has diverse housing options so that seniors are able to downsize and stay in Sugar Hill without having to move away (52:29).

Question 18

What makes Sugar Hill, Georgia a unique place to live?

Accepted Answer

Despite its population growth, Sugar Hill maintains a small town feel (53:37). He highlights the unique dynamic where the churches, schools, and government all work together for the benefit of the residents and their children (53:37). The city has great local schools (three elementary, a middle, and a high school) and an amazing mayor (53:37).

Question 19

How can interested people connect with City Councilman Alvin Hicks?

Accepted Answer

He can be found on Facebook on his personal account, Alvin Hicks, or on his campaign page, Alvin for City of Sugar Hill City Council post four (55:31). He can also be reached by email at his city address or by calling the personal information provided on the city's website (55:31).

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