Social Emotional Intelligence

Just as the attacks of September 11th provoked multiple law enforcement agencies (SS, FBI, DEA, ATF, etc) to re-evaluate their tactics for effectively protecting our country, I believe the same needs to be done with our public school systems. LA County systems leaders can better coordinate public services to support our children through stressful times. 

Inner City Industry is seeking your support to advocate for social emotional learning in schools.  Secondary to reading and writing education places emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  With nearly 49“%” million American’s living in poverty, we must better prepare future youth generations about themselves, their peers and the 21^st century as it awaits them.  As a tried and tested nation, we must begin to better assess the mental health needs of children and youth beginning with those who reside in historically low income communities. As we are firmly positioned in the “Knowledge Age” with ongoing technological advancements, our children will best excel academically in a student-centered education system.  

This paradigm shift comes at a time when our country is in political turmoil with no clear direction toward a United States of America. The conflicting views are complex and multifaceted as you have a mix of rich vs. poor, established vs. emerging and tradition vs. non-traditional ideas competing for superiority.  Individuals that accumulated their wealth from initially flawed systems seek to maintain the status quo and the often younger, unemployed yet inspirational new leaders represent the Occupy Movement. Increased to 99%, all citizens now acknowledge and endure the inequality of America’s unjust systems.

   The reality: African Americans are disproportionately represented in nearly every adverse statistical category and numerous barriers continue to weaken our legacy. Parallel the 80's crack cocaine epidemic to today's crystal meth epidemic and its severe effects on family structure and clearly, all citizens must unite for change to revive the American Dream.

The solution: Your support is imperative for Whole School-District Systemic Change to establish a Continuum of Healthcare and Education Systems to ensure all children and youth have access to comprehensive health coverage and social emotional learning while enrolled in school. Every culture begins with one child, which in turn contributes to the big picture of living a prosperous life with cultural understanding. Regardless of ethnicity, young, old, middle class or working poor, our time for action is now!

Since 1999, Inner City Industry (ICI) has continued its commitment to inspiring children and youth to reach their full human potential through social, emotional and professional development learning programs. ICI combines three inter-linked mandates with focus on education reform, economic empowerment and cultural understanding to reverse generational poverty as a bottom up strategy toward establishing a level playing field in which all American’s can fairly compete.

Reform of our nation’s education system is the essential component to  establishing economic opportunity that will empower communities by        simultaneously providing culturally competent services and jobs. My prayer is that you join this social change call to action and become a part of our movement to support youth development and community well-being. We must will to win! 

In Spirit, Bruce Wheatley

As I monitor the Occupy Wall St. movement taking place across this country and sure to extend into the 2012 elections, Americans are clearly disgruntled about inequality in Americas systems. Blacks have been oppressed by Americas unequal systems since we fought for and helped build this country.  Propelling their revolt, middle class America is feed up with the disrespect of inequality resulting from the very systems Blacks have endured for centuries.  America is at a cross roads and only two paths lay ahead. Maintain the status quo representing old political ideology or renew the American Dream by making its systems fair and equal to all who breathe within the borders of our great country.  

The United Sates of America has become a diverse marketplace.  People from around the world have migrated to America for a sample of the non-existent American Dream. As a result, the inequality resulting from Americas systems, we've reached a breaking point and its final collapse is occurring with the Occupy Wall St. Movement.  Our political leaders offer no clear strategic direction and refuse to compromise.  Americans are rightfully disgruntled.  Blacks gained their resilience in part due to preserving through centuries of financial hardship.  Until Black Americans have basic health, education and employment needs met a “wait and watch” disposition is justified as the events of Occupy Wall St. continue.  For truth is it told; Blacks were never culturally inducted into the financial systems structure and far too many are holding jobs they can’t afford to lose. Given the adverse health, education and unemployment statistics, the plight of Black Americans at this point in human history is literally for survival.

Bruce M. Wheatley

Tomorrow is too late..

A few months ago Californians headed to the polls to select our current Governor Jerry Brown. During the selection process debate, I spoke with and heard from a many people who were undecided about selecting either Meg Whitman who dumped $150million of her own money into her campaign to buy the Governor’s chair vs. the ailing former California Governor Jerry Brown.  As there was no clear standout, I heard a comment "we must chose the lesser of two evils".

Obviously Jerry Brown is now Governor of California facing the states most challenging budget deficit to date. In selecting the lesser of two evils, I point out an evil decision currently playing out.  Governor Brown has decided to eliminate the State Department of Mental Health and establish a State Department of Hospitals which is likely to be under the authority of the State Department of Corrections.

In eliminating the State Department of Mental Health, individuals and families facing and living in poverty lose a strong advocate for increasing support and funding in these vulnerable communities.  Our Jails are currently considered the States Mental Health facilities since Former President and then Governor Ronald Reagan deinstitutionalized Mental Health Facilities in California leaving many clients homeless or facing incarceration with currently over two-thirds of inmates in jeopardy of facing a mental illness.

Oh, and 33,000 inmates will be release back into the community beginning October 1st due to overcrowding. While there is a scramble to decide the authoritative agency to facilitate this transition with limited funding support it’s not been determined who will be assessing these individuals prior to release. An inmate’s mental state must be determined prior to release to ensure their willingness to comply with the law.

It’s not anticipated these inmates will return and seek mental health services and if they do it puts a strain on an already fragmented system. Not to mention their release at a time jobs are few and far between and the community has already suffered economically.

I point this out because were such a reactive society. Once the back door dealing is done we then will raise hell for a few minutes and quietly comply. While this decision is already made, you can support Mental Health by sending an email to:
dhcsmhmedi-caltransfer@dhcs.ca.gov indicating your displeasure with this new realignment and that mental health should operate and function as its own separate entity to ensure the voice of individuals and families who require these services are not suppressed and lost in the bureaucratic shuffle.

FYI - Governor Brown has also taken $840 million of Mental Health Service Act dollars further decreasing resources to individuals and families in need.  And please understand mental health services are not simply for poor Blacks and Mexicans. What crack cocaine did to the inner city during the 1980's, Crystal Meth is doing to White America today.

If you've read this far please send an email. Thank you!

Independence My Azz!

With today being “Independence Day” and following a comment made yesterday about waiting for “Christ Return”, I woke this morning with multiple thoughts running through my head about what the future of American looks like for African Americans.

As an optimistic person who maintains prayerful hopes that I celebrate my 90^th birthday, I also keep in mind tomorrow is not promised.  I’m certainly no Holy Roller but I love, trust, fear and serve the Lord with all my heart despite my constant failure to avoid temptation. However, I don’t anticipate being around when Christ Returns.

In today’s America, it’s hard not to include racism with Independence as an African American Male.  As a result of the Civil War, Mexican America War, Civil Rights as examples; we will always favor our own race.  

These historical turning points in individual cultures united each to stand strong behind their fight for independence, equality and unity.  As a result we often hold our own race to a higher standard than anyone else because of the selfish pride we wish to see maintained through that which bonded us.

I recently read an article that suggested the federal deficit is the equivalent of our economy being inflicted with HIV.  Given that African American’s have the highest reported HIV cases the writers comment was very insensitive. However, that’s the America we live. Every man for himself!

Well, the better man is one who does not judge another based on their race.  The powerful man is one that seeks to understand the cultural perspective of another’s race without malice.

As America celebrates its Independence today, we have yet to achieve our Independence. Reliant on foreign oil, manufactured good from other countries and an outdated education system that does not prepare our youth for emerging opportunity; I ask what are we celebrating?

America has transformed clearly indicated by the increasing wealth and achievement gaps and African Americans have no agenda for success while one of us holds the most powerful position in the world as POTUS. Despite politics there is a reason, season and time for everything. This may be our first and final call.

By grace as a professional athlete, I’ve traveled the world and met some great friends of English, Mexican, Filipino, Latino, Asian, French, Turkish, Argentinian and Middle Easter descent to name a few.  I’ve learned much from each of them and respect their heritage, commitment to one another and conversations but today I’m mostly concerned about African Americans and the divide within our race at a time we need to be in unison to be united.

We have no collective vision for our families and future existence and we all know it.  We hold one another to an unfair standard as if we’ve forgotten we’re all the same.  In my studies related to System Oppression unfair treatment of people of color; it’s nothing compared to Black on Black Oppression in which Blacks hold one another back.  If we don’t turn our etiquette, mannerisms and attitudes around immediately “Independence Day” will represent nothing more than a back yard Bar B Que among a select social class of friends.

I don’t believe I will be here for “Christ Return” because I know he’s already here and represented in each one of us.  Once we recognize the Spirit of GOD in us as oppose to waiting for his arrival, GOD will immediately manifest.  As African American’s our divine calling is our Spirit which is how we receive our unduplicated rhythm.  

I believe GOD is waiting on us now. Run tell that!

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged"

I have recently received several inspiring emails from people who appreciate the work I an attempting by integrating education and mental health systems.  Although in one email it was asked, Why would you put so much of your personal business out there for others to judge?  For whatever reason that question has been on my mind for several days...Since, I have come across a quote that says...

"If people don't see your failure, they will never appreciate your success."  I live my life believing "No weapon formed against me shall prosper" I have a profound testimony in that when you can make it with little to nothing, you made it!  I'm not rich and I'm not poor, but I am incredibly happy representing my truth and shame on those who would attempt to disrespect it or me. And, believe me, I have been disrespected in my face and behind my back.  But there is also something to be said about "you shall reap what you sew."  I am no Holy Roller, but I will certainly allow the Lord to fight man's battle with himself. 

I feel as though I am no different than the homeless man on the street with the exception I have a resilient fight in me that will never die. Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift are a few of my basic strengths.  I have a supportive family that doesn't judge me and have supported me even when they didn't understand the work (or calling) I am pursuing. They have made sacrifices for kids they have never and will never meet. I am blessed to be Bruce M. Wheatley. Son of a Saint in Mary Ann Wheatley.

I also believe such thinking is why many of our young and old people are stagnant in life.  So concerned with what others think, they will not vent or explore the best in them. Its similar to the criticism given to men who are seen crying.  Kiss my azz...I cry whenever I'm moved emotionally!  ALL 6'9" 265lb, drop step will dunk on yo azz at 40 plus right now...shut up!  You got all these young men particularly, young Black and Hispanic men walking around with their fist balled up scared to be vulnerable for fear of being called out there name.  Would you rather have a young many cry to you or rob your azz? 

That's why I do what I do with conviction and I have no shame with it.  I'm human. Us men must stop pretending we're so daum strong we can't shed a tear.  Being strong and emotionless is why our women have lost faith in seeking an practical man...Shut up!

I have tears of frustration, tears of joy, tears of pride, tears of strength and tears of both happiness and sadness. So what!?  The jails are full of black and brown men who were too daum scared to cry. Guess what, I bet they've shed a tear or two behind bars...too late now.  We must become a proactive society because we are too far behind... Particularly Black people! We have spiraled downward economically, socially, and emotionally since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King...shut up!  We're at the bottom and If I said this once, you'll hear it over and over and over again... If you're black and you think because you got a little something in your checking account then shame on you, you are part of the problem.  Talk about crabs in a barrel.  We need to start pulling each other up instead of holding each other down!

Here's the thing..stop thinking about yourself and begin to focus on the next generation of Gods children who are looking for some insight because we are already screwed up and they know it.  Yes, me too but I've already started to do something about it.  And if it takes the rest of our life time, this is the unselfish commitment we must make to our kids kids.  And if you don't have any kids you need to be the first in line. My God, I think I've digressed from my initial question.

Let me say this before I get close.  Men both younger and older than me, have come to me over the years and said...I want to be like you when I grow up. Always flattered but curious as to why one would say such a thing because, one step inside these size 16's and you'll change your mind. Its not cute, its not comfortable, its hard work being me.  What you simply see is a man of high moral character with fortitude and unwavering faith.  What I believe these men meant....is that they want the Spirit of GOD thats in me.  They don't want to be like me once they realize, "the one who is in you is greater that the one who is in the world" then you will be The Man you see.

I doubt I will blog next Sunday evening as I will be returning from a leadership retreat. This may give me time to figure out were we go from here. Good night. 

Many are called yet the chosen are few...

Hello Family,

It's Monday.  I mentioned I would blog every Sunday and then truth set in. The truth is big fella took the night off to reflect on my past 10 years of building Inner City Industry as I strategize for the next 10.  Yes, ten. Without vision people lose hope and far too many of us during these challenging times believe the glass is half empty.

Say What, Speak Up! Here's a lesson learned...Having been a one man team for nearly 10 years, I have had to move each stage of ICI in small parts. Its like having four one hundred pound bags and having to move each bag 1 mile down the road by yourself, walking, with no help... You carry one bag 100 yards and go back to get another...over and over and over until you reach your point of destination. Say What, Speak Up! was a culmination of getting that last 100 pound bag, the last one hundred yards to the finish line and I made it with unfortunately little to no help.  Oh what a feeling of accomplishment!

Thing is...there was little help because the shape of the bags we're unfamiliar to most, HEAVY and folk didn't want to get involved with something they didn't fully understand.  Each bag represented a different industry, style and shape causing confusing, so folk who would otherwise would assist watched and couldn't figure how they could help or improve the move to nowhere.

The complexity of carrying four one hundred pound bags in an uncertain direction learning as you go is NOT going to influence people to help you.  So, I understand why people have sat on the side lines and watched. It was a relief crossing the "finish line" Saturday albeit bitter sweet.

I thought more people would welcome me across the finish line simply because I had been planning and moving this journey for over 10 years.  The people in attendance upon hearing of why this journey was important discovered why my efforts have been unwavering. Once fans, they have become committed supporters as we prepare to return to make repeat the journey with know-how, now that the foundation has been laid.  I attest this could only have been accomplished through grace.  A God fueled mission in deed.

The journey continues

My learning experience is that you can commitment and still make last second changes along the way. Case in point, that last bag....come to find out...while it also had to cross the finish line, I could have dumped 75lbs lightening my load because of earlier successful execution I overlooked while being in a zone to completing the mission.  But me being me, I was going to carry it anyway.  That's what Champions do, carry the load till the end regardless.

What an incredible learning experience about becoming efficient, strategic and embarking on a journey to lay a path few will ever pursue. I'm happy to say ICI has paved the way with deep tracks in the sand for others to follow as we will need as many warriors available to continue paving way for future generations.  If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about...follow the journey over the next few years.   Inner City Industry is a positive trend for youth to follow. B.

Game Time!!

Well...It's Sunday evening and I'm wrapping up the day's work toward production of ICI's Community Forum being planned for next Saturday, March 19. I feel good.

It's an incredible feeling to say after nearly 12 years, we're just getting started however, we are.  I've mentioned my experience as a former athlete as I compare both journeys to be similar in strategic nature.  You train all summer and year long for the big game or season and this is no different.  I just had no idea it would take twelve long years of practice to feel comfortable enough to share what I have discovered.

There are several moving part to our strategy to reform the education system as I have discovered one size does not fit all.  One of the major challenges and there have been many, was educating educators about the importance of mental health and educating mental health about the importance of integration into the education system.  Both systems are currently under duress and the leadership can only focus on the issues at hand as oppose to innovation as a solution. And, this is all the while both systems face fiscal deficits.

There is something to be said about the squeaky wheel getting the oil. (I'm going to expand on this concept later as it relates to the big picture) I believe some signed off on agreements just to shut me up!  What they didn't realize is I DON'T QUIT until the job is done! Thats how champions get down and I certainly play to win.

I look forward to telling my story about how I reached this point of discovery which has ultimately transformed my life to champion for the disadvantaged.  As I reflect back over my life, I'm not surprise to be pursing the work that I am. This is a side bar but certainly important because I believe we're all seeking to identify with something or someone that has influenced our being. Without getting long winded, I'll just say....MOSES.

I'm not even sleepy!  While I have outlined my key note presentation which is titled "Too Far Behind - Reversing  the cycle of generational poverty in America, I'm most excited about the press conference which will bring insight and clarity to why social and emotional learning is critical in education.  Let me just break that down real quick....What crack cocaine did to the inner city during the 80's, crystal meth is doing to middle America right now. No one is exempt from social and emotional learning at this time in our country's history. It's through my journey and many conversation, I've coined the term...."Education has no Face"

OK, its now midnight.  I'm going to sign off for now...My goal is to blog every Sunday for the week. I'm sure to write more as my time free's up a bit.  Just wanted to share my thoughts for the week really to say....It's game time baby!!!!  Let's roll. Beazy...