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Wake up Young lions As we sail into the second decade of THE MANHOOD LINE”, I pause to thank you, the many readers of this column, for making God’s dream for me to come true: To write, circulate, and syndicate a column from a biblical, business, and common sense perspective for men ONLY. As I have maintained--if women understand where I am coming from, then that is a blessing for them. I write for the brotherhood, PERIOD. Ten years is JUST a warm up for a column. I’m looking forward to another ten years, and--to be honest--I’ll only be scratching the surface on topics relevant on the subject of manhood. To you young lions, those young brothers who may be thinking about a career in journalism, broadcasting, or having a talk show, let me break it down this way. Back in the day, one had to have a minimum of five years of solid journalism experience to be considered for better reporting jobs, and a minimum of ten years of broadcast news experience to even be considered as a commentator. That means working every shift, knowing every skill, and having a hand in helping others ‘in the business’ with their various projects and ventures. Oh yes…and taking out the trash and making a good cup of coffee for your boss. If you happen to be young, gifted, Black, and reading my words remember the following: In the view of tradition, one does not even THINK about ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ until there is some gray in one’s temples, and a few aches in the bones. One does not merit a ‘Greatest Hits’ compilation until they have sung for at least ten years, in success--failure--and success again. Lastly, one does not merit consideration, as a ‘living legend’ until the life chances for YOUR PEOPLE is made BETTER by your contribution to the overall community. Young lion; it is not about YOU…it is about US. BETTER STAY AWAY FROM CRIME, YOUNG LION: In moving forward with some realistic and relevant advice to the younger members of the brotherhood, it is my hope and trust that you are going to listen. Had someone taken the time to work with Terrence Owens and Ron Artest, those two young men would still be IN their respective sports professions--and closing in on more records. I’m not saying that they cannot get back into the pro ranks, but there will be folk who will be constantly looking at them for their ‘selfishness’ of their recent years. There IS no ‘I’ in TEAM, young brothers…please remember this. I have more advice for those who think themselves to be the ‘Young Lions’ of our age. The ones who seem to have the mindset that they can play video games all night and get to school on time the next morning. The ones who think they can blunt, screw, drink, curse and chase their way to happiness. The ones who attempt to make fools of the brothers in school who are attempting to make something of themselves, for the betterment of our communities. The ones who are sitting smugly behind their computer screens--paid for by their parents or taxpayers--who think that this ‘Old Schooler’ doesn’t have a clue as to ‘real life’. By just living to my ripe old age of 48…I have ‘beaten’ many of the statistics of the naysayers, and many of the curses of my detractors and critics. I have also set the battle of our lives to verse--just for reflection: We hid Jesus and his Family away in Egypt, While Rome’s minions tried to take him out! That’s Why--I’m Proud To Be A Black Man! We invented the drums, And perfected the Ring Shout! That’s Why--I’m Proud To Be A Black Man! Today, it may seem, That we have fallen off the beam, Hush--don’t fret, The dust hasn’t settled quite yet In spite of the MSM lies; Our marriages are stronger, Our entrepreneurial drive can’t falter, I cling to the one--who makes Wine out of Water, That’s Why--I’m Proud To Be A Black Man! You may count me down, But you can’t count me out! That’s Why--I’m Proud To Be A Black Man! Think you’ve trapped me behind, When I’ve crossed the line ahead! That’s Why--I’m Proud To Be A Black Man! Yeah, you may think that the enemy will win, Better check your history agin’ We were the first to die in the Revolution, Before that, built the Sphinx, created languages and higher math Think I’m afraid of a little ‘rigged’ competition Baby, don’t make me laugh! When all is said and done, I’ll be the one having the fun, I come from the tallest of the Watusi To the shortest of the Pygmy No matter the tricks that are used No matter how I may be abused My face may be marred with blood, tears and sweat But you haven’t gotten rid of me yet! That’s Why--I’m Proud To Be A Black Man! And wait to see what we have cooking on the stove--Tomorrow! YOUNG LIONS--WAKE UP: With a slight amendment to the slogan of Paul Mooney: “Wake UP…Brothers!” Mooney may have his faults, but he has paid his dues. Go on line sometime and check his writing credits, background, and film resume. In a recent interview, Mooney made the following statement, which I will paraphrase: “How are WE gonna have a Revolution, when HALF of our ARMY is locked up in PRISON as POWs?” Say ‘Amen’ somebody! In my neck of the woods, we have juvenile lawbreakers who are racking up misdemeanor and felony counts like grabbing free balloons at a street fair. Never mind the fact that criminal records--even juvenile ones--no longer are ‘closed’ to public view (thanks to the Internet). Never mind the fact that their parents ‘trust’ their public lawyers, but won’t pay for private lawyers to have the system properly explained to them. Doing things on the cheap NOW…will cost you LATER. Any employer can hunt down the most damaging of information on a potential employee with the click of a few keys. That’s why many of us who are employed in the criminal justice ranks have a saying: “THEIR kids get therapy; OUR kids get time!” GET SOME HONEST FIRE IN YOUR SOUL: Over the long haul, young brother, you will have to encourage yourself to get your grades, finish your education, and decide upon an honest career or vocation. This calls for some honest soul searching--and remembering those who came before you. Do not expect a lot of folk to ‘cheer’ you on as you trudge up the honest pathway of life. There are no ‘rewards’ for doing things the ‘upright’ way. As a matter of fact, there will be some lonely times ahead of you, and you WILL have some self-doubts. Once you reach your destination, wipe the sweat from your brow and the tears from your eyes; you will be able to do something that many of your friends will not be able to do. Count yourself…among the Kings…as a M-A-N. MIKE RAMEY is the author of THE MANHOOD LINE. A monthly, syndicated column written for men, from a biblical, business, and common sense perspective. This column appears on fine websites around the world. To correspond, drop an email to the following address: manhoodline@yahoo.com. ©2006 Mike Ramey/Barnstorm Communications International. |