Written by Jess Ardrey and Ryan Orr
With a self-given nickname like “Frosty the Black Man,” it’s easy to believe that Lovell Craig is no ordinary Harding student.
Craig is a senior studying for his bachelor’s in general education with an emphasis in music. He graduated from ASU Beebe with an associate’s in liberal arts.
Originally from Kansas City, Mo., Craig wants to pursue a career in music or ministry.
“I would also like to be more of a humanitarian in the sense that I want to reach out to those who don’t have any way to reach out for themselves,” Craig said.
But he has a special gift. Craig cooks free meals regularly for students at area colleges, including ASU Beebe and Harding. He views it as his personal ministry.
“I’ve been inspired by the grace of God, not of men,” Craig said. “I want to help as many people as I can, and that’s why I cook.”
Craig is retired from the United States Navy, where he was a cook and a fireman.
Fresh out of high school, Craig joined the military because he needed a job.
“It wasn’t necessarily what I was looking for,” Craig said. “Nevertheless, it taught me some values. It taught me tradition. It taught me how not to beselfish, but to look after others. As a result, it finished raising me.”
Apart from cooking, Craig’s hobbies include basketball and anything outdoors, but his real pas- sion lies in service, much of which is rooted in his past.
“I didn’t have a lot,” Craig said. “As poor as we were, you don’t know how the grace of God abides with you until you can give of yourself as a sacrifice tosomeone else.” When it comes to hisnickname, Craig acknowl- edges that he’s a long-time fan of classic Christmastime cartoons. He thought it would be funny, considering he had “a couple gray hairs,” to dub himself Frosty the Black Man.
“It gives people a chance to look at how silly it is to put others in categories when you can just make fun of yourself,” Craig said.
“I’m not ashamed of who I am, but I want other people to have fun in knowing that there are people who really love life, and that’s what I do.”
Craig said he loves being a student here and considers it a blessing to be at Harding, especially because he didn’t graduate from high school. But being the first of his generation to go to college, while already an accomplishment, isn’t the last of his aspirations. Craig’s new goal is to attend Harvard Law School.
However, no matter where he ends up, Craig will certainly continue to work for the betterment of everyone around him.
“As I am educated, I educate others,” Craig said. “I want to be all things to all people. I want to give of myself in such a way to where they’re not just looking at me, but they’re looking at the contributions of how I’ve changed the lives of others.”
