The State of The Black Union and Other Stuff................

The State of the Black Union was held at Hampton University, my alma mater, and I had the pleasure of being able to attend. I'm still taking it all in, and I may post again. Let's just say that I feel even more motivated to be of service to all mankind. The dialogue between the panelists was great.

I feel that the media often portray Al Sharpton as a loud mouth who is always ready to start trouble, and I can admit that many times I would get tired of listening to him speak. HOWEVER, after seeing him in person and listening to his perspectives on Obama's run for president, areas of our past that we need to leave behind, race relations, classism in the black community, and leadership among our youth, I enjoy listening to him and appreciate his zeal for the people. I appreciate anyone who isn't afraid to make others uncomfortable in the pursuit of equality. I'm sure many of you watched it on C-Span, so I don't need to go into detail about all of the panelists.
One thing that stuck with me was the notion of being DIGNIFIED. I thought about ways I could be more dignified. Do I downplay my dignity in order to not make others feel less than?

As many of you know I want to teach special ed. (emotional and behavioral disorders) as soon as possible. Most of these children aren't bad. They just need someone who actually cares to empower them. I know there will be tough days, and I am alright with that. Unfortunately, many of the students in special education classes are mislabeled African American youth. Last night I thought about my future students. I pondered over ways to give them a sense of dignity. I brainstormed tactics I need to use in order to make African American history real to them. How could I get them to see that they are more than what others tell them they are, and that they are more than what they see. How could I show them the things that they can't see right now....like if they just press forward and hold on they'll get over this mountain. How could I do all of this with while sticking to a rigid school district or state curriculum? I planned to teach in a "safe" school district. Maybe I need to teach in Newark, New Orleans, or Houston....places that are in need of teachers who can teach and who actually care about the well-being of students traumatized by natural disaster. Teachers who actually care about the well-being of students who act out by trying to control other students and teachers with threats and violence simply because on inside they feel out of control due to what's going on in their violent environment. I don't know.......... But I do know that I have great work to do................... Want to join me?

The comments that I get from people when I tell them that yeah I work here, but I really want to teach are crazy......

Oh, you must really be looking for a rich husband

Why, I mean Why?

Just a teacher?

After a long pause while trying to figure out why....Umm, I think you'll make a great teacher

Are you sure?

How much do they make now?

Kids are bad. Are you sure?

So I mean, I bet you are looking for a rich husband

You're too nice and soft to deal with those type of kids {one day people will stop mistaking grace for weakness and understand the true definition of an effective leader}

You are going to need a rich husband!

You are going to need a rich husband!!

You are going to need a rich husband!!!

This just in.....some of the freakiest women are church girls who are teachers, and I have friends who have been with them.... they act one way and do another and no one really knows. [I wondered why that conversation with his friend was the first thing that came to his mind when I said I wanted to teach. I told the people that I lead by example. People who aren't living according to the word of God are ineffective in bringing others to Christ. I'm not going out like that. I won't give you the joy of calling me a hypocrite. You can't have it. The games were over once I gave my life to God, and I am reaping so many blessings, including peace. Just because people go to church does not mean they are moral or are submitted to God. In many cases it just means they are "churchy" ].

I guess you just have to love people, even when they think like this. What cracks me up even more is that some of the people who make these comments earn the same salary as a first year public school teacher. They are just able to mask it under their job title. There are others who make these comments, but they hate their jobs. I've also been blessed to receive TONS of love, encouragement, and prayer that I am in my purpose. Thank you!!!

My response to these crazy questions and comments is derived from the rules of the little red rubber ball.....

We all have a big bouncy neon ball in our life. I like to think if it as a big bouncy neon ball rather than a little red rubber ball. Big, because I only think in terms of greatness. Bouncy, because it will take me from one domain to the next. Neon, because it signifies brightness.

My dear, think back to being in K-mart or a toy store when you were little and seeing the cage full of those huge neon balls. Do they even make them anymore? Our ball is the thing that we do that doesn't feel like work, because we love it so much. It's also the thing that we would loose sleep over and work extra hours for because we are so passionate about it. That ball bounces us into different domains, with each domain being greater than the last. Success isn't an option when we stick to our big bouncy neon ball. My ball (purpose) is youth. I will be happy and great, as long as I focus on educating and motivating youth. During one season of my life I may teach, followed by a season of administration. During the next season I may bounce into motivational speaking. After that I may bounce into establishing a leadership program or even a school of greatness for youth who others gave up on. Later, I may bounce into child advocacy. I may even bounce into motivating and encouraging parents. My dear, I will be happy as long as I center my career aspirations on youth. I'm not concerned about money, because I know I'll be just fine. Although to others things in my life may look bleak, I can see where I'm going to be (faith) and that is one of the greatest feelings!!! Lord, I thank you for the things you've already done.

Let your purpose bounce you into GREATNESS!!!

I love you!!