Some black men are starting to believe their bad press, so a Chicago author offers this tip.
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As a new year approaches, I’ve begun reflecting on everything my black brothers in America had to endure in 2014.
Whether it was stories of black men avoiding or promoting the increasing gun violence in parts of our communities, or the American system of justice denying them due process in high profile murder cases involving police violence, 2014 was a hell of a year that will not only be remembered for the headlines, but for a paradigm shift that will impact countless generations to come.
The paradigm shift I speak of can be either good or bad; it’s completely up to us to decide how we’ll leverage this unique – yet weirdly familiar – moment in history.
A good portion of the public has already written black men off, acknowledging what they perceived to be an “open season” on our lives and doing nothing to mitigate it. And what’s worse is, many of us are buying into the public’s misguided sentiment.
Don’t believe the hype! Allow me to encourage you my black brothers: no matter where you are in life and no matter how life is treating you, be optimistic; respond to life positively, and never give up on yourself or your fellow black brothers.
This past weekend I watched Chicago, my hometown, erupt into havoc. In 36 hours, there were three, separate bloody brawls taking place at popular sites in the City. In the aftermath, I witnessed people stating: “black men belong in the zoos” and “black men should be shipped back overseas” and “all black men should be arrested on site.”
I was already saddened by the public’s remarks towards my community, but to hear my brothers and sisters agreeing was heartbreaking.
As your brother, I urge you to see the good in yourself, even if the world stays blind.
Moving into 2015, we must promote our positive images and take control of our narratives. As I said before, the paradigm shift can go either way depending on our actions and how we perceive ourselves.
Let 2015 be the year we put our worldly titles down and pick up our God given gifts to create a positive impact in the world.
But before we as black men can create impact the lives of others, we must first find healing within ourselves; we must transform our pain into power.
Today, I renounce every demeaning and dehumanizing thing that was ever said and/or done to you. I speak healing and power into your life; you weren’t just called to be great, you are great; you are beautiful; you are intelligent, and you are destined for things beyond your imagination.
As you go into 2015, walk in your true calling as a king.
We are not a lost cause; our future as black men in America is very bright. We are not losing; we are not failing; we are simply “between the dream.”
Thanks for reading!
B.O.L.D member Richard Taylor, considered the voice of Chicago, is an activist, best-selling author and motivational speaker. Mr. Taylor’s newest book, entitled “Between the Dream,” is available for purchase HERE.
This past weekend I watched Chicago, my hometown, erupt into havoc. In 36 hours, there were three, separate bloody brawls taking place at popular sites in the City. In the aftermath, I witnessed people stating: “black men belong in the zoos” and “black men should be shipped back overseas” and “all black men should be arrested on site.” I completely agree with you about the hyped. I know many good, hard working black families who live in these areas. I’ve been there, I have broken bread with them. I meet them at family visits and in family sessions. Getting these… Read more »