Wednesday, January 31, 2007

A Signature of Success

It was not by surprise that one day I called my "Little Brother" to check up on him that the words from his mouth might come by SURPRISE. "I am running for Miss. State SA President." To my array, I paused and thought about it for a quick second, when will this boy ever stop! He just keeps going and accomplishing. What is it that this boy cannot do? What is next on his agenda of many things to do? He has tired to show me up in so many ways... but I think him running for SA President surpasses my many accomplishments in COLLEGE.
Even though he may not be my real brother, I kind of consider him to be. This young man is Jeremy Lamar Johnson. I got the opportunity to meet this guy when I was a Summer Orientation Leader in 2003. From then until today, he has grown into an outstanding BLACK man and leader for Miss. State, his community, and to myself. I cannot say that I did not give him a hard time when we first became aquainted. He, of course, at the time wanted to become an "ALPHA MAN." So, I challenged him quite a bit. I am sure today, he appreciates those moments when I was not so kind. Needless to say, I am so proud of his many accomplishments thus far in his college career. His uses the words, "A Signature of Success" to run his campaign slogan. What a great choice of words to highlight who he is as an individual. It is but with the signing of his name that all can say that he is a story of true SUCCESS.
Elections will be held on Feb. 20th on-campus and I hope that I will make it down for this occasion. Regardless of the final outcome, he will forever be a winner in this great endeavor. I wish you best of luck FRAT.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

How Did You Spend Your MLK Day?

Where do I begin this article? Well here goes... Like many holidays we pay tribute to the symbolism behind each one. For instance, Thanksgiving we reflect on the things we are so blessed to have and we spend the holiday with our loves ones. For many of us, it is a tradition to cook large meals that consist of turkey, dressing, sweet potato pie, mac-n-cheese, and everything that we can IMAGINE.
But what do we do for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day? I noticed in one of my colleague's planner -he wrote "A DAY OFF WORK." I questioned myself and pondered to ask what did u actually do that day? For me, I attended the schedule of events that were planned for the Bowling Green Community. We first started off with the Annual MLK Breakfast, a march through downtown, and finally a church service. It was ironic; well I guess it was not ironic to see the room full of my RACE. What do other RACES do to celebrate MLK DAY? I am not trying to point fingers but is this not an important day to celebrate in the HISTORY of AMERICA. I am one to question the overall purpose of this day? Is it just a day for my RACE to celebrate or is it a day for us all... ALL RACES?? As I marched through downtown Bowling Green, I remember and gave tribute to those individuals who once marched. I gave tribute not only to King, but to Harriet Tubman, Oprah Winfrey, Thurgood Marshall, Sojourner Truth, Jackie Robinson, and the list goes on. Though we do call it MLK Day, I celebrate all the other individuals who fought for OUR civil rights that are not recognized. Even as I marched, people starred in their businesses at ME and wondered WHY WE MARCH ON!
I reminiscence on my childhood days where my GRANDFATHER would let my brother, sister, and me listen to the speeches of Dr. King on A-tracks. My favorite King speech is the "DRUM MAJOR INSTINCT." I grew a greater appreciation for KING and how HE PAVED the way for ME and OTHERS! No matter where I AM in the FUTURE. I will MARCH ONWARD and UPWARD not just on MLK DAY, but everyday! I do question, what did you do for MLK DAY? Is it just a day off of work or a MOMENTUS occasion for AMERICA. But regardless if I march alone, I TOO SING AMERICA!

Friday, January 12, 2007

"My traveler's kit"

Today, well in fact this past week, I wanted to start a change for the New Year! In life, I believe everything happens for a reason. It is important to always have an agenda/plan in mind when starting a change or new obstacle in life. For me it is carrying my "Traveler's Kit." With this kit comes three essential items that will help me on my journey into RECONSTRUCTION/REPAIR, those items are simply: A map, compass, and a final destination. The map I will use as a guide/template that will "map" out where I need to go (It is my beginning - where I am currently and where I am trying to get to ) my Final Destination. The compass I will use to keep my direction. Sometimes when we dream dreams and something can always get in the way. My compass is there to remind me how to stay on track. And finally my Final Destination is my VISION. And once I have reached this destination, I will look back and say JOB WELL DONE.. only to start back on another Journey!!