Young & Successful, Black & Professional: Bro. Jerrod Owens

The  title "Young, Successful, Black, and Professional" are four words usually associated with today's superstars: LeBron, D.Wade, and any other NFL and NBA player our kids idolize. Speaking of idolization, we can throw in guys like Lil' Wayne, Drake, Gucci Mane, and Young Jeezy in this category as well.  The media has created an overrepresentation of our "Young, Successful, Black, and Professional" entertaining brothers an underrepresentation in the of successful, young brothers in academic community, or even in the fine arts. Through the lenses of some of our younger brothers, success is equated with superstardom, money, clothes, girls, a ball in one hand, and/or a microphone in the other. 
A couple of weeks ago, I brought in a good frat brother of mine and fellow AAMU Bulldog, Bro. Jerrod Owens.  Jerrod, originally from Atlanta, GA., came to share some insighful words of wisdom to our brothers as a representative of what I call the "I'm a part of the 25+ NOT Still Trying to be a Rapper or Athlete Club." [Disclaimer: I have no problem with men pursuing rapping or athletic careers. I just wish we would all put more time, money, and energy into giving more academically-related options to young people (or skills-related oppotunities)]  
Jerrod is an engineer for one of the most successful techonology companies in the country, Lockheed Martin.  He talked about the true value of an education, the fact that he cannot respect a man that doesn't respect his teachers and parents, and the importance of a presentable image.   See pics below:

This is Bro. Khalil waiting for his food. Mr. Owens brought hot wings for everyone!

Notice the quote on the board that I make ALL my students write down.

Bro. Owens had the complete attention of everyone in the room.

An egaging speakers interacts with the audience.

My namesake, Jermain (without the "e") is awarded with the "Call Me Mister" Award which recognizes brothas who exhibit certain qualities such as leadership, a strive towards acdemic excellence, and committment to community service.