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| Sir Kendall Parks and some young, positive B.R.O.T.H.A.S. |
I've gotten up in age now and I'm starting to witness the generational gaps that exists between us. These kids are different then we were, culturally, that is: they wear "snap back" baseball caps, we wear the "fitted"; they wear "Vlados" and Vans (sneakers), and we wear Jordans, Air Force Ones, and Tims; they like Drake, Lil Wayne, and Young Money, we like Nas, Jay-Z, and Roc-A-Fella. This is why I had to bring in "one of them" to bring the point home.
Kendall Parks is a currently attends Kennesaw State Univesity, majoring in Public Relations, and a member of the track team. He is also a member of group of gentleman known as D.B.G. (Distinguished Black Gentleman), a social club dedicated to empowerment of fellow Black males on college campuses. One thing I admire about DBG is the term of endearment they use towards one another. Each member is addressed as Sir "So and So", not n**** this, n**** that. I address each one of my guys as Bro. "So and So". Parks gave the boys a glimpse into his life: the struggles of balancing academics with athletics, the college social life, and motivation. We enjoyed how he didn't paint himself as "Mr. Perfect." He unashamedly exposed his biggest flaws and encouraged the boys not to make the same mistakes he did. It was good for them to hear some of the same stuff I preach coming from "one of them." Here are some of his quotes:
"Everybody talking about their swagger when you all look the same. You have to have your own DIFFERENT swagger."
"You are NOT n*****. You are positive African-American males!"
"1 in 2 million people make it to the NBA. You have to have something in between your ears!"
Positive role models is what our young men need to see and hear. Changing their attitudes about the way they approach others, respect others, speak to others, and behave around others especially when at school and out in public has to start somewhere(if the role models are not in the home). Hats off to Mr. Parks!
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