Success Revisited

In a previous post entitled “In Success I will not Stray” I received a lot of  criticism for statements made regarding African Americans leaving urban Dallas  for the comfort of the suburbs.  Some felt that I was being hypocritical because I personally don’t live in the neighborhood I referenced.  The criticism didn’t bother or surprise me, but  the fact that my message was totally lost did.

If you revisit the original  post  you will find that I clearly  stated people cannot be blamed for wanting to live in safe neighborhoods and send their children to  good schools.  That desire is completely understood and I  seek the same things for my family.   What I was hoping to do in that post was provoke thought that would lead to dialogue around creative solutions to “Black Flight”.    I presented the theory that in order to attract successful African-Americans back to the inner city we have to find ways to improve  the schools.  Apparently that point was lost because I did not receive a single comment that made reference to that rationale.

Instead,  some chose to focus on the fact that I don’t currently reside in South Dallas.  Do I have to live  in the heart of South Dallas  in order to have an opinion on how to improve it?   I don’t think I do.  If that were the case every editorial written on the War in Iraq would have to come from someone on the front lines and every political pundit would have to walk side by side with the President  in order to have any credibility.  Was I pointing the finger at others?  That wasn’t  my intention but it seems some readers perceived it that way.  To those readers let this serve as my sincere apology.   My opinions are derived from my own personal experiences and struggles.  Having lived in South Dallas/Fair Park  for over 20 years it pains me that I cannot find a place there that my family can call home,  so I am seeking answers as to why that is the case.

Most of the issues that plague the African American community in South Dallas  don’t have easy solutions.  I think that finding the solutions might require us to  examine our personal and collective value systems.  What is really important to us?  But who wants to have their value system challenged?  The simple fact of the matter is that many of us have adopted lifestyles that don’t allow us to  consistently impact impoverished and crime ridden neighborhoods.  I believe that’s because the things we value don’t include the “have nots”.   (Unless you count the few hours we manage to squeak out during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.)

In spite of the  criticism I’m sure to receive I won’t be deterred  from giving my opinion on the state of the African American community in Dallas.  I’ll also continue to offer up what I believe are solutions.  Whether you agree or disagree isn’t important.   I’m optimistic that we,  being the God fearing, thinking people that we are, can move past the discomfort of self-evaluation and move toward formulating and executing  solutions that will give all of us the chance to overcome in this city.

Angry Black Man

CNN.com recently published an article entitled “Why Obama doesn’t dare become the ‘angry black man’.”   The article illustrates the fine emotional  line President Obama walks because of the color of his skin.  Voice displeasure with someone or something and he’s “angry black man” (i.e. referring to actions of the police officer in the Henry Louis Gates incident as “stupidity”) .  Show no emotion and attempt to make rational decisions and he’s “passive, indecisive black man” (see BP oil spill.)

It’s unfair, but it’s a battle I think most, if not all, African American men fight daily.  What other group of people are asked to suppress their emotions and opinions more?  We celebrate in the end zone after scoring a touchdown and it’s showboating.  Voice  displeasure with poor service at the restaurant and you’re  an unruly customer.  Disagree with decisions made at work and now you’re a disgruntled employee.

In his memoir “Days of Grace” , Arthur Ashe described it as the “burden of race.”  Mr. Ashe, after being asked by a reporter if AIDS was the heaviest burden he ever had to bear replied “No, it isn’t……… You’re not going to believe this but being black is the greatest burden I’ve had to bear.”  Just think about that for a minute.  Here is a man battling AIDS and recovering from a heart attack and the biggest burden he has ever had to bear is his race?

As African-American men how do we handle it?  How should the President handle it?   It seems that no amount of tact is enough to ease the fear,  suspicion and lack of trust that some people have of African-American men.  Maybe President Obama doesn’t openly display anger because that’s just not who he is as a human being.  Maybe it has nothing to do with race or ethnicity.  On the other hand maybe it has everything to do with race and ethnicity.  Maybe African American men have learned to suppress outward displays of emotion and minimize outspoken opinions  in order to acquiesce.

The sad thing is that racism is at the root of it all.   Arthur Ashe went on to say in his book,  “My potential is more than can be expressed within the bounds of my race or ethnic identity.  My humanity, in common with all of God’s children, gives the greatest flight to the full range of my possibilities.  If I had one last wish, I would ask that all Americans could see themselves that way, past the barbed-wire fences of race and color.”   What makes this black man angry is how far removed we are from that ideal.

Memorial Day

God-fearing, hard working, independent, opinionated, passionate, outspoken………….Those are just a few of the words I can think of to describe my mom,  Etta Nell Hubbard.  The strongest, most loving and caring woman I’ve ever known.  She worked as a Scrub Nurse at Parkland Memorial Hospital for over 40 years, but that’s only  what she did.  Who she was so  much bigger than that.   She was my biggest fan whether it was encouraging me from the front row of a school play,  or yelling at referees at one of my  football or basketball games.

Being an only child with an absent father, my mom and I spent a lot of time together.  I’ll never forget 1976, the year she took me to every Dallas Cowboys home game.  That was the year O.J. Simpson came to Texas Stadium as a Buffalo Bill and that night was one of the most exciting nights of my life.   She loved the Dallas Cowboys,  Roger Staubach and Denzell Washington.

It’s funny how we don’t fully grasp the lessons our parents try to teach us until after they’re gone.  Her work ethic and loyalty to friends and family helped shape who I am today.   She was the picture of self-sacrifice and the year before she died all she could talk about was what she was going to do for her then newborn grandson,  Elijah.  What I wouldn’t do for just one more hug.  Etta Nell Hubbard, I love you,  I thank you and I miss you.  This is your memorial.

Etta Nell Hubbard, March 12, 1932 - January 3, 2001

In success, I will not stray…..

You don’t have to look  far to see successful people “stray”.   Tiger Woods, Kwame Kilpatrick, Don Hill, Rod Blagojevich and the list goes on and on.  It’s not hard to identify moral and ethical failures of others, but today’s excerpt from the St. Philip’s Creed goes deeper than that.

In today’s society success has become  synonymous with separation.  The more successful we become the further we remove ourselves  from those that could benefit from the residual effects  of our success.   We become successful (in this context  success equals earning more money)   and immediately seek better neighborhoods, better schools, better places to go to church, better places to shop etc.   In seeking this “better” way of life we nullify the impact we could have politically, economically and socially on the communities where the need is greatest.  The communities that we once called home.  In other words in success we stray.

It isn’t a crime to desire life  in a safe, clean neighborhood with high performing schools and a Starbucks on every corner, but if we are truly concerned about the community at large we have to find ways  to reverse the “flight” trend.  The solutions are not simple.  “Successful” people are drawn to planned developments and good schools like moths to a flame,  but how do you develop neighborhoods that exist in areas overcome with  poverty, poor schools and crime?   Is it even possible?

Gentrification is the strategy used most often, but displacing people is not a strategy I’m particularly fond of.  I would like to suggest that we start with improving the public schools.  The common denominator for thriving neighborhoods and communities are high performing schools.   Maybe if we dumped more money into science and math and less into athletics we could begin to see  an improvement in the quality of our public schools and student performance.  What if for one year the DISD suspended all of it’s  spending on athletics and allocated that money for teacher raises, computers, textbooks, science labs, etc.   What would the results be?   I know that sounds extreme but wouldn’t the payoff be worth it?

Ignoring  problems won’t make them go away.  Eventually they will find us.  We have to do something.  In our success we cannot continue to stray  from our communities, our churches and our schools.

Happy Birthday Malcolm

Malcolm Little aka  El-Hajj Malik El- Shabazz better known as Malcolm X would  have turned 85 years old today.   For me he remains  the ultimate symbol of self-determination.  Considered a controversial figure by some,  he can be credited with sparking self-pride among African-Americans during a time when we were searching for a collective  identity in this country.   His sincere quest for the “truth” continued until the day he was assassinated.   Going from a low level street criminal to one of the most sought after speakers at this countries most  prestigious colleges and universities, his life journey was an amazing and inspirational one.   He is  remembered as one of the most influential African-Americans in history.

If It Is To Be It’s Up To Me…………..

“If it is to be, it’s up to me….”.  A simple yet profound statement. These words are about assuming personal responsibility for our circumstances.  They suggest that with God’s help we can make a difference.  They implore us to shed the victim mentality.  They should motivate us to do something.

Organizing for America, the successor organization to Obama for America is about individuals getting involved on the local level, taking it upon themselves to help bring about change.  At one time the  African American community was the symbol of this philosophy.  We’ve lost that fire somewhere along the way.

We can seemingly be  bombarded with a  variety of issues everyday,   but we can’t  allow ourselves to fall into a mindset of helplessness;  we have to  adopt the mentality that we are change agents.   I’m not  promoting a “Pull yourselves up by your bootstraps” philosophy.  I’m not that naive or idealistic.  Some things are simply out of your realm of control.  But the majority of the problems I see on today’s landscape are completely within our power to resolve.

If you’re dissatisfied with your child’s school join the Parent School Association or volunteer in your child’s  classroom.   If crime in your neighborhood is spiraling out of control start a neighborhood watch group or join an existing one.   If you’re dissatisfied with your city council representative or school board trustee, vote them out in the next election. The list of problems that we face can be a long one,  but so is the list of solutions.  ‘If it is to be, it’s up to me.”

It’s almost as if  we  have  a co-dependent relationship with the ills of  society.  We scream that we want things to change and get better but our actions don’t support that longing.  It’s  become much too easy to complain and point fingers, but in my 46 years I have never seen a problem resolved that way.    Mahatma Gandhi said “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”  In other words “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”

P.S. In a previous post I confessed that I have not been a responsible voter.  I made a commitment to improve my voting record and took the first step by voting this past weekend.   They wouldn’t allow me to take pictures inside the polling location so the picture below will have to serve as proof.

Words to Live By

The St. Philip’s School and Community Center’s Creed reads as follows:

Look at me. I am more than what you see.
Destiny is mine! If it is to be, it’s up to me.
Society will condemn, but only I determine my path.
My people have suffered and died for my chance to read and do math.
Just as sacrifices were made to make my future bright,
It is my responsibility to do things that are right.
I must start today to pave the way.
The community and the world need my contributions.
In success, I will not stray.
The bias, the rumors, nor the stereotypes will hinder my growth;
I claim dignity and prosperity. My God promises both.
Look at me! I am sharp, empowered, talented and proud without limit.
I will use my education to explore new heights.
The sky is the limit, if I just put my mind in it.
When I say, “stick it out,” I don’t mean a hand.
I will persevere to play my role in God’s omniscient plan.
I will live by “put ups, not put downs” for my sister and my brother.
I care for you; I respect you.
If I don’t, why should another?
Success is my right – failure my option. I have the voice.
The consequences I will accept, for I made the choice.
Look at me! Great things lie ahead.
Judge me not by what you’ve been told,
But by what’s in my head.

Over the next few weeks I will expound on portions of the St. Philip’s creed,  highligting how these principles can be applied throughout the community and are not restricted to the halls of St. Philip’s.   Stay tuned………………….

Confession

There is an old R & B classic whose lyrics go something like this:  “Sweep around your own backdoor before you try and sweep around mine…….”   Well,  let the sweeping begin.  Two weeks ago I served as a chaperon for my son’s 5th grade Civil Rights trip.  We spent a week traveling through Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia visiting all of the famous Civil Rights landmarks.  From the 16th Street Baptist Church to The Rosa Parks Museum.  From Spelman and Morehouse to Tuskegee University.  We walked in the footsteps of the brave men and women who suffered and died so that we could enjoy some semblance of freedom today.  As I was reflecting on our trip a thought suddenly invaded my mind……”When was the last time I voted?”   The sad answer to that question is during the last Presidential election.

Being a firm believer that local politics have a greater impact on individuals and communities than national politics, I can’t  believe that I haven’t participated in a local election for over a year!  This is something that has to change immediately!  It makes me ashamed.  By not voting regularly I have in effect squelched my political voice. By not participating in the political process I  I have forfeited my right to criticize and  analyze all things political.   By not taking advantage of my right to vote I  have nullified the lives of all of the Civil Rights martyrs.

The Civil Rights Memorial at the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, AL   honors the achievements and memories of those who died during the Civil Rights Movement……..those who died so that we could have the right to vote.  One of the most emotional moments came when we had the opportunity to run our hands over the engraved names of  those that lost their lives fighting for Civil Rights.

The next election in Dallas County is this Saturday May 8th.  I plan to cast a vote. Because it’s important.  Because it can make a difference.  Because it is my right that has been paid for with  the blood, sweat and tears of others.

Los soles Protestan la Ley de Nuevo

The Phoenix Suns will wear their “Los Suns” jerseys tonight in protest of the Arizona immigration law.   The law, which goes into effect in August, allows Arizona police to demand proof of residency.  Not sure how I feel about this protest.  I wonder how many Suns players have actually read the Bill?  If you haven’t read it either click the following link.

http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.pdf

Countdown To The North Texas $uper Bowl

The countdown to the first ever Super Bowl in North Texas has begun and the excitement is beginning to build.   I’m not referring to enthusiastic fans who all feel their teams will take the field on that historic day.  The excitement I’m talking about surrounds what will happen off the field and the economic boost this game will provide for North Texas.

According to a study produced by San Diego based Marketing Information Masters Inc.,  Super Bowl XLV is expected to have an economic impact of $612 million on North Texas.   Please take note that the study did not limit the economic impact to Arlington and Ft. Worth, but references North Texas which I believe includes the city of Dallas.

When the decision was made to build Cowboys Stadium aka Jerry’s World aka The Death Star in Arlington,  many people in Dallas were outraged and couldn’t believe we let this cash cow get away.   The mayor at the time, Laura Miller, was criticized mercilessly for turning her back on the millions and millions of dollars that would fall from the sky by the mere presence of the stadium in the Dallas city limits.  The Super Bowl will be the litmus test for how good or bad that decision was. It will be interesting to see how much of  the Super Bowl XLV windfall will flow through Dallas businesses.  I’m no economist, but I’m guessing Dallas’ share of the pot will be substantial.

If you were traveling from out of town to Super Bowl XLV what city would be your first choice to stay in?  Dallas, Ft. Worth or Arlington?  I think it would be Dallas hands down.  When people see Cowboys stadium on TV what city do they associate it with?  Again, I think the answer is Dallas.  Where are the nicest hotels and restaurants in North Texas located?  Arguably in Dallas.

So at the end of the day what did Dallas lose by not building Cowboys stadium?  I don’t think Dallas lost very much.  Look at it this way.  If your neighbor bought a new car and assumed all of the responsibilities for maintaining that car but allowed you to drive the car 50% of the time with no financial obligation who is getting the better deal?

Arlington got the stadium and along with it the expense of  helping to  build it and improve/ maintain  the roads around it.   What did Dallas get?  Free money every time a major event comes to  Cowboys Stadium.  That sounds like a pretty good deal to me.