B.O.L.D member Andrea Lawful-Trainer offers tips to inspired black men seeking greatness.
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It’s no secret that with my work in child advocacy, mentorship, and professional development that I’m passionate about the conditions of young men of color. So with the popular research and data saying black men are shooting and killing each other, with no real hope for a bright future, what if I challenged your thinking to see an asset framed scenario?
Picture a world where young black men are doing awesome things like creating successful businesses, graduating from college, excelling in schools, and quietly making a name for themselves through service to their community.
If you don’t think that world exist you’re wrong! The truth is they’re everywhere; inspired black men live among us like alien life forms, almost invisible. And in large part they remain invisible, as black men doing good never sold well to the mainstream media.
But I digress … my reason for writing this post isn’t to lambaste the media for inaccurate depictions of black males; instead I want to talk to those young promising black men directly.
As an established black female entrepreneur—and a mother of black boys—heed my words when I say: don’t drink the Kool-Aid!
Getting a buzz and creating a name is one thing—it has its role in the business/nonprofit ecosystem for sure—but consistently doing work of purpose that will enable the public to perceive you as great takes commitment, drive and time; a year of activism, service or social entrepreneurship will not make you great, but dedication will.
Great people who succeed in their efforts are developing strategy long after their peers have gone to sleep. They can usually accomplish more by 6am than the average Joe will all day.
Great people see opportunities in the midst of adversity and seize the moment. They’re humble; constantly learning; and are always building meaningful, strategic relationships. But more importantly, great people keep their word.
Another thing great people do is embrace their uniqueness, so I challenge you all not to walk in the path of those who came before you, but be the kind of thought-leaders that run outside the box, blazing new trails to success.
But that can’t happen if your eyes are always on the same people; doing the same things; getting the same results; so expand your network, and don’t drink the Kool-Aid!
The Kool-Aid will make you become a shell of yourself, and that’s counterproductive to greatness. Dare to stand out! Dare to struggle for a brighter future, even if that means struggling alone. And dare to be heard; but remember your loudest voice is consistent work that yields results.
Thanks for reading!
A proud mother of black boys, Andrea Lawful-Trainer is the Principal/CEO of C.A.P.E.S, Chairperson of SE PA CARES, an Affiliate of the National CARES Mentoring Movement, and Chair of the Montgomery County Advisory Council to the PA Human Relations Commission.
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Photo: kowarski/Flickr