Monday, March 21, 2011

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.

Monday, March 14, 2011

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...

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Poverty in America is Real

Hello and Welcome:

While poverty in America is real, poverty in California is out of control.  Given this has become the most profound time in human history as our country's entire infrastructure supporting our very existence is transforming.  I look to the issue of poverty as this may be the idea time to address the needs of the most vulnerable.

I recently read an article suggesting the American Dream has vanished. That may be the understatement of the decade.   Camouflaged by steady growth during the 1990's, America has taken an incredible hit during the launch of the 21st century. As a former professional athlete, I realize you're only as strong as your most vulnerable player.  In this case, America will not foster the type of innovation when many of the most creative people are being left behind in this capitalistic society that was never intended to support non whites.

US Poverty All Too Real

Poverty in California is recorded at slightly above 15%.  Fact of the matter, the poverty line is set just below $20,000 per year for a family of four.  This is very misleading given the cost of living is not factored in this number.  Therefore, in California the poverty rate may be twice as high representing a number closer to 30%. Yes, roughly a third of our state citizens could be living in poverty weather we/they will admit to it or not.

Think about it.  A family of four could spend $1000 per month, eating up more than half of their yearly income.  The outlook for jobs are slim to none and corporate America is sitting on more that $1 TRILLION in profits and 1% of the country made 50% of the revenue in this country last year. This is all cause for concern.

This being my first blog outside of face book, I will begin to share my thoughts not only about how we can collectively, operative word COLLECTIVELY reverse the cycle of generation poverty through innovation and integrating systems so that they support inclusion and represents a diverse population.  Our country has become a beautiful melting pot of folk from all over the world and I believe we are all simply looking for a fair shake at reviving what once was considered the American Dream.

There is much to be said about where we go from here.  My comments will be genuine as I seek insightful responses that help stimulate conversation about doing the right thing at the most critical time in our country.  Some folk will undoubtedly feel a bit uncomfortable as they sit comfortably wondering how poor people survive in America.

No worries...we all must be made uncomfortable before deciding when enough is enough.  Together we stand, divided we fail. Looking forward to sharing my thoughts and hearing yours.