Michael L PinkardMichael. L. Pinkard Jr. was born and initially raised in North Omaha, Nebraska. From early on, his mother, renowned coach Wanda West, instilled in him the values of handwork, fair play, and sportsmanship. She discovered, when he was young, that he wa gifted in sports, martial arts, and leadership. This gift he possessed resonated with his younger cousins that became more like siblings to him. My Big Cousin Mike stems from reflective stories narrated by Michael's younger cousin, Vernon Alexander West (AKA 'Vee'), referencing how Mike protected and positively influenced him and the other cousins.