MUC Presents: White Grandmother Called Me the N-Word

On this episode of The Man Up Club Presents on Holy Culture Radio, host Cross (aka Mr. Dean) sits down with Moses Azad, owner of Golden Touch Mobile Detailing, for a powerful and transparent conversation about resilience, faith, and personal growth. What unfolds is not just a story of overcoming adversity, but also a reminder of how unconditional love and second chances can transform lives.

Growing Up Between Struggles and Strength

Moses opens up about his childhood, revealing that while both his parents were in his life, he and one of his brothers were primarily raised by their grandmother. His mother struggled with drug addiction, which forced their grandmother to step in and take responsibility. For Moses, that shift shaped much of his early outlook on life.

Though his father remained a presence, the stability of living with his grandmother gave him a foundation he didn’t realize the importance of until much later. At the same time, growing up in that environment meant Moses often acted out, lacked guidance, and found himself labeled by systems that didn’t fully understand him.

As he recalls, much of his school life was overshadowed by medication and misdiagnosis. Teachers and administrators labeled him as a “special needs” student, but Moses later realized it wasn’t about intelligence—it was about behavior, restlessness, and the effects of being medicated. That realization became a turning point: he refused to let labels define his future.

The Role of a Grandmother’s Love

One of the most moving parts of Moses’ story is his deep gratitude for his grandmother. She not only raised him, but also defended him against critics who suggested she give up and put him in foster care. Despite his rebellious years—cussing at her, throwing tantrums, and constantly testing boundaries—her love never wavered.

Moses acknowledges that her unwavering commitment shaped him more than he realized at the time. He calls her his “angel,” crediting her for instilling lessons of resilience, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Even though she came from a different cultural background—being a white woman raising black children—she taught him to see beyond race and to focus on character.

That unique dynamic also brought challenges. His grandmother sometimes used language that, to outsiders, seemed racially insensitive. But Moses insists it was more generational than malicious. Her intent was never to degrade—rather, it was her unfiltered way of speaking, influenced by the era she grew up in. While others, including his father, took offense, Moses chose to focus on the heart behind her words. To him, her actions spoke louder than anything else.

Wrestling with Faith and Identity

Faith played a complicated role in Moses’ upbringing. His grandmother was deeply rooted in church, insisting on weekly attendance and warning of hell for those who stayed away. Moses, however, wanted something deeper than ritual—he longed for a personal connection with God that wasn’t based on fear.

As he grew older, he recognized that while he no longer fit the mold of “church every Sunday,” the seeds his grandmother planted gave him a foundation. His name, Moses, became a constant reminder of his purpose. Today, he emphasizes that God isn’t confined to a building; true faith is lived out daily, through choices, relationships, and integrity.

From Reckless Teen to Responsible Business Owner

Moses’ teenage years were marked by parties, skipping school, and experimenting with freedom. But he eventually “woke up,” realizing that many of his peers who stayed on that path ended up in prison or worse. That awareness sparked his transition into adulthood.

Today, he channels those lessons into his work as an entrepreneur. Golden Touch Mobile Detailing isn’t just a business—it represents his commitment to discipline, responsibility, and building a legacy. It also serves as an example to other young men that change is possible, no matter how reckless your past may have been.

The Power of Music and Influence

As an artist himself, Moses also reflects on the impact of hip hop culture. While music inspired him, he warns of the dangers of taking every lyric literally. He challenges artists to use their platform responsibly, pointing out that young listeners often imitate what they hear without realizing the consequences.

Citing influences like Tupac, Moses believes music can balance raw honesty with positive messages. His hope is to see more artists share stories of real emotions—sadness, joy, growth—rather than simply glorifying drugs and violence.

Final Reflections

Moses’ story is ultimately about transformation: from a boy raised in chaos, to a man shaped by unconditional love, to an entrepreneur determined to make a difference. His testimony reminds us that labels don’t define destiny, trauma doesn’t have to dictate your future, and with faith and perseverance, growth is always possible.

For young men facing similar struggles, Moses’ journey is a beacon of hope. As he demonstrates, it’s never too late to step into manhood, embrace responsibility, and carve out a path that honors both your roots and your future.

Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction to The Man Up Club Presents
01:00 – Meet Moses Azad of Golden Touch Mobile Detailing
02:00 – Childhood and being raised by his grandmother
04:30 – His mother’s struggles and the impact on family life
07:00 – School struggles, medication, and breaking free from labels
10:30 – Growing up in a multiracial household
14:00 – Lessons from his grandmother’s unconditional love
18:00 – Wrestling with church, faith, and finding a personal relationship with God
22:30 – Developing his own identity outside of tradition
26:00 – The meaning of unconditional love and never giving up on kids
30:00 – Navigating race, family tensions, and cultural understanding
36:00 – From rebellion to responsibility: stepping into manhood
40:00 – Street smarts vs. book smarts: lessons beyond the classroom
42:00 – The influence of hip hop lyrics on youth
46:00 – Music, culture, and the responsibility of artists
50:00 – Closing reflections and connecting with Golden Touch Mobile Detailing

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