So, I am in my office, thinking what should I blog about next while in Wilmington, and I began to think about how far I have come in the short 23 years on this Earth. I think about all the people I have met, interacted with, had class with, relationships, relationships that failed, that worked, colleagues, etc. I thought about all the experiences just in the last six years and all I have accomplished.
I say all of that just to say, I am not content with where I am. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but now is not the time to sit back and not continue to grow as a person and professional. I truly believe that I am living for somebody else. I was put on this Earth to educate and provide opportunities for others to learn and grow. To be able to give back to so many who have less than I did. It's almost as if I carry the weight on my shoulders to build a bridge and bring as many brothers and sisters over to where I am.
This is not a post to glorify what I have done or who I am, but a realization that I have put myself in a position that so few (especially African-American males) have access to get to. I am not content with having two degrees, becoming financially stable, succeeding in an arena with few African-Americans, or having access to continue my education. I want to have more degrees, continue to be educated, build a fortune, living happily and healthy, and provide access to ALL people to be educated. I realize now is not the time to sit back and celebrate my accomplishments, so I ask myself "What Now?" Now is the time to be more vocal, be engaging, find those avenues to get more youth from the inner-city and poor areas in classrooms learning. It's time to be an advocate for those less fortunate. For me, it's time to continue to be educated because knowledge is power. Sure, I will have my share of fun, but really my work has just begun.
This is not about being the smartest person in the world, its simply about having the opportunity to be educated and taking FULL advantage of that. I can not begin to describe how many gates have opened for me because I was properly educated. Furthermore, I have learned how to fully utilize and expand my skills, traits, and knowledge which allows me to be able to interact with people of all walks of life. When you know how to communicate and interact with ALL people, the possibilities are endless.
THIS IS a message to all my African-American males. GET UP, GET OUT. I know this will not get out to everyone, but to the few who read it, be a light for somebody else. Do not be content with being the "Man" in your hood. There is so much more to life than hanging out at the same clubs and malls every weekend, buying and then returning the clothes you really can't afford. Being educated does not mean "you are acting white." I guess this turned out to be more of a vent session, but I get so upset to see the same people back home doing the same shit we did in high school. Better yourself so you can better your community, which I am learning myself. I'm sure some of you reading this are thinking, "well some people don't want to change, some people like that lifestyle" blah blah blah. Well, fuck that.
I think black people, in particular males, look for the excuse not to do something or change, rather than look for the answer to learn something and grow.
So I sat, and I thank God for all my blessing and getting me to this place, but I am not content. I am prepared and equipped to make my life the greatest experience ever!
B.R.D.
