The Grand Rapids Times
8-21-2009
Adult's Walk
By Marcel Gamble
Part I
Every day, every hour, every minute another human is brought into the world.
A number of these babies leave their birthplaces and enter loving homes where they live healthy lives.
Some of these babies are adopted into loving homes where they have the opportunity to live comfortably.
A majority are released into foster homes where they are more likely to grow up not feeling loved because they don’t have stable parents, and they are passed from family to family.
Unfortunately, other babies are born and left to fend for themselves in the streets.
These babies are left in dumpsters and various other places that seem vacant.
Why is it possible for people to continue to have children when they are aware that they are incapable of providing for them?
It saddens me a great deal to see an individual brought into this world only to experience suffering their entire lives because of their parent’s poor decisions.
However, neglect of babies isn’t only an issue among the human species it is also problematic with animals.
They say that a dog is a man’s best friend, but with the pet overpopulation increasing this saying doesn’t seem true.
It seems that as the numbers of irresponsible pet owners grow the number of neglected pets increase simultaneously.
Thousands of dogs and cats die on daily bases after being born in the streets and not in loving homes.
They become ill, they are euthanized by shelters, or they become road kill.
People have to realize that euthanizing isn’t the only solution to pet overpopulation.
The solution that gives cats and dogs the opportunity that they deserve to live is fixing them.
Overpopulation wouldn’t be an issue if pet owners understood the importance of spaying and neutering.
If more cats and dogs were spayed and neutered, deaths wouldn’t occur on a frequent basis amongst healthy animals.
If more people become responsible pet owners, taxes wouldn’t have to be raised to fund the shelters that house most animals for a few days only to euthanize them.
Continued next week
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Stuck In The ‘60s Or Race Relations Realists
The Grand Rapids Times
8-14-2009
By Peter Bailey, NNPA Columnist
Numerous times since the emergence of President Barack Obama and “Transracialism” on the national scene, my skepticism about the whole process has led people to label me as “stuck in the ‘60s” in regards to race relations in this country.
This labeling has come mostly from young Black folks, though even a few from my generation have joined in.
Well, after several recent incidents, including the banning of 65 Black and Latino youngsters from a swimming pool run by the Valley Swim Club because their presence “would change the complexion… and the atmosphere of the club,” I wonder if those same people still consider me “stuck in the ‘60s.”
Is it being stuck in the 60s to believe that a White Harvard professor would not have been arrested as was Henry Louis Gates, Jr. at his own home, following his confrontation with White police officer, James Crowley?
I am not a card-paying member of the Skip Gates fan club but it is obvious that he was arrested for being what many Whites call an “uppity” Black person who had the nerve to not be more deferential when addressing his “superior.”
What fascinates me the most about these and other such incidents is the number of Black folks who express “shock” that such things can happen in this country in 2009.
It is understandable that young Blacks under 30 may be shocked because they have basically grown up in a fantasyland in regards to race relations.
For those over 30, one can only wonder why they are shocked at expressions of White supremacy/ racism when that condition is an integral part of the country’s past and present. No, it is not as overt as before but it is still there ready to rear its ugly head at any given moment.
Those shocked Black folks should be made aware of a survey done by a University of Michigan professor which came to my attention in a 1991 editorial in the Richmond Afro- American newspaper. When asked what they considered true integration, Whites said 85 percent White, 15 percent Black with a White person always in charge; Blacks said 50-50 with a Black or White person in charge.
This explains why Whites such as Pat Buchanan, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingram, Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, and all their viewers, readers and listeners responded with such venomous hysteria when President Obama said that the police officer acted “stupidly” in the Gates case. Which, by the way, is not the same as saying that the cop is stupid.
It absolutely outrages such people that a Black man is in the White House, even a safe one like President Obama. And the fact that his wife is dark-skinned just adds to the outrage.
Every time they see the Obamas in the White House carrying out their official duties, they simply lose it. The result is incidents such as the two mentioned above.
It is highly likely that such expression of overt white supremacy/racism will become increasingly bolder. Which raises the question as to whether we Black folks are prepared to defend ourselves.
Journalist/Lecturer A. Peter Bailey, a former associate editor of Ebony, is currently editor of Vital Issues: The Journal of African American Speeches. He can be reached at apeterb@verizon.net
8-14-2009
By Peter Bailey, NNPA Columnist
Numerous times since the emergence of President Barack Obama and “Transracialism” on the national scene, my skepticism about the whole process has led people to label me as “stuck in the ‘60s” in regards to race relations in this country.
This labeling has come mostly from young Black folks, though even a few from my generation have joined in.
Well, after several recent incidents, including the banning of 65 Black and Latino youngsters from a swimming pool run by the Valley Swim Club because their presence “would change the complexion… and the atmosphere of the club,” I wonder if those same people still consider me “stuck in the ‘60s.”
Is it being stuck in the 60s to believe that a White Harvard professor would not have been arrested as was Henry Louis Gates, Jr. at his own home, following his confrontation with White police officer, James Crowley?
I am not a card-paying member of the Skip Gates fan club but it is obvious that he was arrested for being what many Whites call an “uppity” Black person who had the nerve to not be more deferential when addressing his “superior.”
What fascinates me the most about these and other such incidents is the number of Black folks who express “shock” that such things can happen in this country in 2009.
It is understandable that young Blacks under 30 may be shocked because they have basically grown up in a fantasyland in regards to race relations.
For those over 30, one can only wonder why they are shocked at expressions of White supremacy/ racism when that condition is an integral part of the country’s past and present. No, it is not as overt as before but it is still there ready to rear its ugly head at any given moment.
Those shocked Black folks should be made aware of a survey done by a University of Michigan professor which came to my attention in a 1991 editorial in the Richmond Afro- American newspaper. When asked what they considered true integration, Whites said 85 percent White, 15 percent Black with a White person always in charge; Blacks said 50-50 with a Black or White person in charge.
This explains why Whites such as Pat Buchanan, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingram, Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, and all their viewers, readers and listeners responded with such venomous hysteria when President Obama said that the police officer acted “stupidly” in the Gates case. Which, by the way, is not the same as saying that the cop is stupid.
It absolutely outrages such people that a Black man is in the White House, even a safe one like President Obama. And the fact that his wife is dark-skinned just adds to the outrage.
Every time they see the Obamas in the White House carrying out their official duties, they simply lose it. The result is incidents such as the two mentioned above.
It is highly likely that such expression of overt white supremacy/racism will become increasingly bolder. Which raises the question as to whether we Black folks are prepared to defend ourselves.
Journalist/Lecturer A. Peter Bailey, a former associate editor of Ebony, is currently editor of Vital Issues: The Journal of African American Speeches. He can be reached at apeterb@verizon.net
Number #1 Evangelist
The Grand Rapids Times
8-14-2009
Adult's Walk
By Marcel Gamble
Yes, I have been through some life threatening storms.
Yes, I have been dragged through some of the most treacherous lands.
Furthermore, I have learned some of life’s hard lessons.
However, my experiences don’t make me a stronger evan¬gelist than the person who has been sheltered their entire life.
This week after walking, I learned that saving others becomes a competition when people boast about their testi¬monies.
No one can be the number evangelist because we are all on the same mission.
Being a gunshot victim doesn’t make you a stronger evangelist than someone who has never been shot.
Being a victim of divorce doesn’t make you the number one evangelist because there is someone that is married that is just like you.
To put it in better terms that everyone may understand, the only # 1 evangelist is Jesus Christ.
If a person has experienced trials and tribulations that person does not become the number 1 evangelist, they become a strong Christian.
There was a time when I believed just because I grew up in the inner city and was never blinded from life that made me the number one evangelist.
I believed that if people wanted to hear a true testi¬mony they should come to me.
I thought that nobody else’s testimony mattered.
There was a time when I was self centered and believed that I was the number evangelist, but now I know among the hu¬man species such an individual doesn’t exist.
I now know that there is only one person from a higher power that is the number 1 evangelist and this person is Jesus.
I’m not saying that people’s testimonies are unworthy of saving others.
I’m saying testimonies shouldn’t be used in competi¬tion because God’s servants shouldn’t battle.
As real talk God’s servants should join together and create unity to succeed in the mission of serving the Lord. This week’s column was inspired by Rev. Howard C. Earle, Jr.
8-14-2009
Adult's Walk
By Marcel Gamble
Yes, I have been through some life threatening storms.
Yes, I have been dragged through some of the most treacherous lands.
Furthermore, I have learned some of life’s hard lessons.
However, my experiences don’t make me a stronger evan¬gelist than the person who has been sheltered their entire life.
This week after walking, I learned that saving others becomes a competition when people boast about their testi¬monies.
No one can be the number evangelist because we are all on the same mission.
Being a gunshot victim doesn’t make you a stronger evangelist than someone who has never been shot.
Being a victim of divorce doesn’t make you the number one evangelist because there is someone that is married that is just like you.
To put it in better terms that everyone may understand, the only # 1 evangelist is Jesus Christ.
If a person has experienced trials and tribulations that person does not become the number 1 evangelist, they become a strong Christian.
There was a time when I believed just because I grew up in the inner city and was never blinded from life that made me the number one evangelist.
I believed that if people wanted to hear a true testi¬mony they should come to me.
I thought that nobody else’s testimony mattered.
There was a time when I was self centered and believed that I was the number evangelist, but now I know among the hu¬man species such an individual doesn’t exist.
I now know that there is only one person from a higher power that is the number 1 evangelist and this person is Jesus.
I’m not saying that people’s testimonies are unworthy of saving others.
I’m saying testimonies shouldn’t be used in competi¬tion because God’s servants shouldn’t battle.
As real talk God’s servants should join together and create unity to succeed in the mission of serving the Lord. This week’s column was inspired by Rev. Howard C. Earle, Jr.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
President Obama And Media Leadership: A Teaching Moment
The Grand Rapids Times
8-7-9
By Lawrence N. "Larry" Redd
The arrest of a citizen by a Cambridge, Maine police officer, James Crowley, became major news when too many people not present began to take sides in the matter.
News reports via telecommunication media carried the story about Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ arrest to millions of people around the world.
America’s own national news media solicited and then widely disseminated President Obama’s assessment that the police “acted stupidly” in arresting Dr. Gates, a handicapped Harvard University scholar, in his own home; after his identity had been established.
The President’s remarks sparked a national uproar.
The negative reaction to Mr. Obama, largely from entrenched conservative forces, made the President of the United States later modify his own comments.
It was not the first time that President Obama, an African American, had been publicly subjugated. Arizona State University did it in May 2009. It happened again on his African trips.
In each event mainstream media leadership was unprepared, stumbled, ignored or missed golden “teaching moments.”
Now, Dr. Gates, also an African American, and President Obama comprise a unique confluence. They can teach the nation a great lesson if American media leadership is open to change.
Some standardized media language, generally accepted by the public, was developed historically by conservatives.
Other language terms often aid powerful forces that are aligned to subjugate African Americans, including President Barack Obama.
A case in point was made manifest by media coverage of President Obama’s July 2009 trip to Ghana. CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper reportedly said it was the President’s first trip to Africa.
Mr. Obama’s first visit to Africa as President of the United States was made a month earlier to Egypt; June 2009. What accounts for CNN’s error? More than two centuries ago, a now nearly invisible code, “white supremacy,” was formalized by some academic scholars; led by Johann Friedrich Blumenbach. The code was widely adopted among universities, business practices, conservative politicians, and used to separate Egypt from Africa.
Over a period of time Egypt has been psychologically relocated to a mythical post WWII creation called “The Middle East.” Ghana and selected other African nations have been labeled “sub-Sahara Africa.”
The terms “Middle East” and “Sub-Sahara Africa” function successfully, singularly or in tandem, to help officially eliminate any black connection to Egypt or Egypt to Africa.
Recognition of the black connection to Egypt would destroy the fundamental basis of “white supremacy” because Egypt’s ancient culture is the basis for Western Civilization; especially black mastery of science, mathematics and astronomy.
When media, political and academic institutions support the concept of Ghana being President Obama’s first trip to Africa they are protecting the code of “white supremacy;” not dismantling it. In public schools some standardized multiple choice tests require that children select the Middle East, not Africa, as the correct location of Egypt.
On July 8, 2009, Anderson Cooper’s blog site was ostensibly shut down in response to messages that reminded the anchor of President Obama’s first trip to Egypt, Africa.
President Obama’s blackancestry is directly linked to ancient Egypt and represents to date the most powerful philosophical challenge of black subjugation by the “white supremacy” code.
Obama is related to Africa’s “Mountain of the Moon” people, the Luo Tribe, a black Nile River population that significantly contributed to the development of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt.
In other words, Obama’s black ancestors were the first to master science and “code” astronomy; movement of the stars, moon and earth around the sun. Coming full circle, “a sun” of ancient Egypt returned to the great Nile Valley as head of the most powerful nation on the planet; itself a descendant of Egypt.
Following true tradition, Obama has helped redirect America’s focus on world leadership to ancient Egypt’s foundation, the mastery of new cutting edge science, green energy, one of the main tenants of his Presidential Administration.
Media leadership missed a teachable moment.
The state of Arizona is home to America’s leading academic organizations that are dedicated to the study of astronomy: NOAO (National Optical Astronomy Observatory) and AURA (Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy).
Among American colleges and universities, the most powerful set of telescopes are located in Arizona; Kitt Peak National Observatory and The Large Binocular Telescope; ten times more powerful than Hubble. So, it is interesting to note which institution of higher education attempted to publicly subjugate a direct descendant of ancient Egypt.
The conservative academic leadership at Arizona State University, a leading astronomy school, refused to award Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, an honorary Doctoral Degree after he spoke at its May 2009 Commencement.
That underhanded gesture signaled the embrace of the “white supremacy” code and rejection of even a notion that black people first mastered astronomy and used the discipline to build Egypt; located in Africa.
Those who control American media must discover for themselves the core of “white supremacy” and eschew it for the good of U.S. world leadership. Otherwise, Blumenbach’s racial inferiority membership will continue their subjugation “hit parade,” even against President Obama.
Euphemisms aside, Henry Fonda’s southern white character in “Roots” called it; “out niggering each other.” However, the new reconstruction choices remain the same; new quest or old legacy.
The arrest of Dr. Gates by police officer Crowley has placed “on the table” for America, a mystery that is wrapped in a conundrum. That is, multiplying “1/2” of the arrest story (Dr.
Gates) by the other “1/2” of the arrest story (officer Crowley) leads into an infinite set of fractional numbers to which there is no answer.
When “The Sun of Ancient Egypt” wisely modified his statement about “police stupidity” he sealed off entry to that endless pit.
His declaration for a national “teachable moment” signifies his understanding of the stars; not a debate over their English, Greek or African name pronunciations.
It is a good thing that the election of Barack Obama to the Office of President of the United States of America, the actions police officer James Crowley, and the African scholarship of Dr. Louis Henry Gates are now aligned in history; as if they are the sun, moon and earth.
For in a rapidly changing world, a “dark eclipse” represents a great teaching moment about the core of “white supremacy,” especially for American media leadership.
8-7-9
By Lawrence N. "Larry" Redd
The arrest of a citizen by a Cambridge, Maine police officer, James Crowley, became major news when too many people not present began to take sides in the matter.
News reports via telecommunication media carried the story about Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ arrest to millions of people around the world.
America’s own national news media solicited and then widely disseminated President Obama’s assessment that the police “acted stupidly” in arresting Dr. Gates, a handicapped Harvard University scholar, in his own home; after his identity had been established.
The President’s remarks sparked a national uproar.
The negative reaction to Mr. Obama, largely from entrenched conservative forces, made the President of the United States later modify his own comments.
It was not the first time that President Obama, an African American, had been publicly subjugated. Arizona State University did it in May 2009. It happened again on his African trips.
In each event mainstream media leadership was unprepared, stumbled, ignored or missed golden “teaching moments.”
Now, Dr. Gates, also an African American, and President Obama comprise a unique confluence. They can teach the nation a great lesson if American media leadership is open to change.
Some standardized media language, generally accepted by the public, was developed historically by conservatives.
Other language terms often aid powerful forces that are aligned to subjugate African Americans, including President Barack Obama.
A case in point was made manifest by media coverage of President Obama’s July 2009 trip to Ghana. CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper reportedly said it was the President’s first trip to Africa.
Mr. Obama’s first visit to Africa as President of the United States was made a month earlier to Egypt; June 2009. What accounts for CNN’s error? More than two centuries ago, a now nearly invisible code, “white supremacy,” was formalized by some academic scholars; led by Johann Friedrich Blumenbach. The code was widely adopted among universities, business practices, conservative politicians, and used to separate Egypt from Africa.
Over a period of time Egypt has been psychologically relocated to a mythical post WWII creation called “The Middle East.” Ghana and selected other African nations have been labeled “sub-Sahara Africa.”
The terms “Middle East” and “Sub-Sahara Africa” function successfully, singularly or in tandem, to help officially eliminate any black connection to Egypt or Egypt to Africa.
Recognition of the black connection to Egypt would destroy the fundamental basis of “white supremacy” because Egypt’s ancient culture is the basis for Western Civilization; especially black mastery of science, mathematics and astronomy.
When media, political and academic institutions support the concept of Ghana being President Obama’s first trip to Africa they are protecting the code of “white supremacy;” not dismantling it. In public schools some standardized multiple choice tests require that children select the Middle East, not Africa, as the correct location of Egypt.
On July 8, 2009, Anderson Cooper’s blog site was ostensibly shut down in response to messages that reminded the anchor of President Obama’s first trip to Egypt, Africa.
President Obama’s blackancestry is directly linked to ancient Egypt and represents to date the most powerful philosophical challenge of black subjugation by the “white supremacy” code.
Obama is related to Africa’s “Mountain of the Moon” people, the Luo Tribe, a black Nile River population that significantly contributed to the development of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt.
In other words, Obama’s black ancestors were the first to master science and “code” astronomy; movement of the stars, moon and earth around the sun. Coming full circle, “a sun” of ancient Egypt returned to the great Nile Valley as head of the most powerful nation on the planet; itself a descendant of Egypt.
Following true tradition, Obama has helped redirect America’s focus on world leadership to ancient Egypt’s foundation, the mastery of new cutting edge science, green energy, one of the main tenants of his Presidential Administration.
Media leadership missed a teachable moment.
The state of Arizona is home to America’s leading academic organizations that are dedicated to the study of astronomy: NOAO (National Optical Astronomy Observatory) and AURA (Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy).
Among American colleges and universities, the most powerful set of telescopes are located in Arizona; Kitt Peak National Observatory and The Large Binocular Telescope; ten times more powerful than Hubble. So, it is interesting to note which institution of higher education attempted to publicly subjugate a direct descendant of ancient Egypt.
The conservative academic leadership at Arizona State University, a leading astronomy school, refused to award Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, an honorary Doctoral Degree after he spoke at its May 2009 Commencement.
That underhanded gesture signaled the embrace of the “white supremacy” code and rejection of even a notion that black people first mastered astronomy and used the discipline to build Egypt; located in Africa.
Those who control American media must discover for themselves the core of “white supremacy” and eschew it for the good of U.S. world leadership. Otherwise, Blumenbach’s racial inferiority membership will continue their subjugation “hit parade,” even against President Obama.
Euphemisms aside, Henry Fonda’s southern white character in “Roots” called it; “out niggering each other.” However, the new reconstruction choices remain the same; new quest or old legacy.
The arrest of Dr. Gates by police officer Crowley has placed “on the table” for America, a mystery that is wrapped in a conundrum. That is, multiplying “1/2” of the arrest story (Dr.
Gates) by the other “1/2” of the arrest story (officer Crowley) leads into an infinite set of fractional numbers to which there is no answer.
When “The Sun of Ancient Egypt” wisely modified his statement about “police stupidity” he sealed off entry to that endless pit.
His declaration for a national “teachable moment” signifies his understanding of the stars; not a debate over their English, Greek or African name pronunciations.
It is a good thing that the election of Barack Obama to the Office of President of the United States of America, the actions police officer James Crowley, and the African scholarship of Dr. Louis Henry Gates are now aligned in history; as if they are the sun, moon and earth.
For in a rapidly changing world, a “dark eclipse” represents a great teaching moment about the core of “white supremacy,” especially for American media leadership.
Star Struck
Adult's Walk
The Grand Rapids Times
8-7-2009
By Marcel Gamble
Many individuals rrepeat the saying, “It’s not where you are from; it’s where you are going.” But, many seem to forget about where they are from.
Like the Jeffersons, when a person is down in life, the only way to go is up.
Once up, however, people should never forget about their surroundings and people that made them who they are.
It’s evident that this happens all the time with music artist, movie stars, and political figures.
As soon as fame and money mold their lives, they quickly forget where they are from.
This is why it’s noticeable when performers put forth their best effort in the beginning of their careers and begin to relax and put forth minimal effort in the middle.
I call this star struck; a lot of people get star struck.
Regular common people get star struck on a daily basis.
It is okay for people to progress in life, and improve their living conditions; but it is not okay for people to gain the mindset to forget where they are from.
Once they forget where they are from, then they forget what God has done for them to get them to where they are.
I’m not saying that you should hold on to the memories of gang involvement, drug addiction, or any other negative activity.
I’m saying that once you improve and get beyond your past life, don’t forget the steps that you had to take.
Once people make decisions that they have to make to better their lives, they become star struck.
After being star struck, people become blinded and they head right back to where they started — because they forget where they are from.
Nice cars and big houses don’t change the way God’s hands molded you.
Money and fancy clothes don’t change the number of chances God has given you.
With this said, I want to say
it’s about where you are from; and it’s also about where you are going. I wish everybody could walk and realize that it doesn’t profit anyone to become star struck.
One for the week: “Those who make peace are happy, because they will be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
The Grand Rapids Times
8-7-2009
By Marcel Gamble
Many individuals rrepeat the saying, “It’s not where you are from; it’s where you are going.” But, many seem to forget about where they are from.
Like the Jeffersons, when a person is down in life, the only way to go is up.
Once up, however, people should never forget about their surroundings and people that made them who they are.
It’s evident that this happens all the time with music artist, movie stars, and political figures.
As soon as fame and money mold their lives, they quickly forget where they are from.
This is why it’s noticeable when performers put forth their best effort in the beginning of their careers and begin to relax and put forth minimal effort in the middle.
I call this star struck; a lot of people get star struck.
Regular common people get star struck on a daily basis.
It is okay for people to progress in life, and improve their living conditions; but it is not okay for people to gain the mindset to forget where they are from.
Once they forget where they are from, then they forget what God has done for them to get them to where they are.
I’m not saying that you should hold on to the memories of gang involvement, drug addiction, or any other negative activity.
I’m saying that once you improve and get beyond your past life, don’t forget the steps that you had to take.
Once people make decisions that they have to make to better their lives, they become star struck.
After being star struck, people become blinded and they head right back to where they started — because they forget where they are from.
Nice cars and big houses don’t change the way God’s hands molded you.
Money and fancy clothes don’t change the number of chances God has given you.
With this said, I want to say
it’s about where you are from; and it’s also about where you are going. I wish everybody could walk and realize that it doesn’t profit anyone to become star struck.
One for the week: “Those who make peace are happy, because they will be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Keeping Young Black Professionals in Grand Rapids: Whose Job Is It?
The Grand Rapids Times
7/30/2009
By: Yvonne Smith, Philana Greene & Chelcee Johns
The ability to retain its young black professionals is an issue that has been under emphasized in Grand Rapids for years. In the midst of the recession, this problem has become more obvious; yet, it has continued to worsen.
A few corporations, businesses — and even some young professionals — have taken steps to address the issue. More needs to be done.
The black community as a whole must see this as a serious issue, must take on more of the responsibility for addressing the problem, and must also contribute to the solution.
Perhaps our efforts should begin with attention to the lack of connectedness between generations.
A better understanding between younger and older generations of professionals in the community can help make the necessary change.
Young adults have to do their part to engage with the community and connect with experienced black professionals.
Many of the young professionals who say opportunity does not exist fail to look for it to begin with. For instance, we personally had not heard of organizations as GRYP and BLEND, but we did not bother to look for them either. Used to things always being readily available to us; especially as college students, young adults assume everything that is out there will be advertised. If an opportunity is right in front of many young adults faces on a silver platter, then they assume that opportunity must not exist.
As young professionals, we have to make the effort to exhaust all possibilities before saying there is nothing here. Before deciding Grand Rapids is not a suitable place for career and personal growth, first determine what change you can make.
It is not just up to young professionals. Experienced professionals, who are established in Grand Rapids, must take an interest in their younger counterparts and make aggressive efforts to attract and retain them.
Most young professionals want to stay in their comfort zone. The ideal situation would be to maintain a career and life in the city where their family and friends are; however, opportunity has got to be present. Young professionals did not go to school to be placed on a waiting list for success, and are anxious for opportunity.
While it is okay to encourage us to go to other places and gain experience, you have to be willing to welcome us back home. Grand Rapids does need new energy in order for the city to further develop, but what is being done to attract that energy?
Many young professionals are taking the initiative; however, no one person canbe successful without the help, or mentoring of someone before them. Businesses and organizations started by young adults have to be backed up and supported. Their efforts made towards improvements have to be accepted; opportunity for advancement has to be available to them; and their “young” voices need to be heard. Most importantly, the change they seem to naturally bring to situations has to be welcomed and encouraged.
Older members of the community must be more open to cultural change. Cultural diversity attracts larger businesses, with more job opportunities, which in turn attracts more young professionals.
You can’t hate on the fact that we’d rather live in cities like Atlanta and Chicago if you’re not willing to compete with those cities, which are the homes of major corporations, colleges/universities, hospitals, law firms, and entertainment industries.
Where do these efforts start? The community must strive to work together. By bridging the gap between the old and the new. Both sides have to come together and express their expectations of one another. If that bridge is built and maintained, even for years to come Grand Rapids will continue to grow.
Whose job do you think it is? Give us your opinion.
7/30/2009
By: Yvonne Smith, Philana Greene & Chelcee Johns
The ability to retain its young black professionals is an issue that has been under emphasized in Grand Rapids for years. In the midst of the recession, this problem has become more obvious; yet, it has continued to worsen.
A few corporations, businesses — and even some young professionals — have taken steps to address the issue. More needs to be done.
The black community as a whole must see this as a serious issue, must take on more of the responsibility for addressing the problem, and must also contribute to the solution.
Perhaps our efforts should begin with attention to the lack of connectedness between generations.
A better understanding between younger and older generations of professionals in the community can help make the necessary change.
Young adults have to do their part to engage with the community and connect with experienced black professionals.
Many of the young professionals who say opportunity does not exist fail to look for it to begin with. For instance, we personally had not heard of organizations as GRYP and BLEND, but we did not bother to look for them either. Used to things always being readily available to us; especially as college students, young adults assume everything that is out there will be advertised. If an opportunity is right in front of many young adults faces on a silver platter, then they assume that opportunity must not exist.
As young professionals, we have to make the effort to exhaust all possibilities before saying there is nothing here. Before deciding Grand Rapids is not a suitable place for career and personal growth, first determine what change you can make.
It is not just up to young professionals. Experienced professionals, who are established in Grand Rapids, must take an interest in their younger counterparts and make aggressive efforts to attract and retain them.
Most young professionals want to stay in their comfort zone. The ideal situation would be to maintain a career and life in the city where their family and friends are; however, opportunity has got to be present. Young professionals did not go to school to be placed on a waiting list for success, and are anxious for opportunity.
While it is okay to encourage us to go to other places and gain experience, you have to be willing to welcome us back home. Grand Rapids does need new energy in order for the city to further develop, but what is being done to attract that energy?
Many young professionals are taking the initiative; however, no one person canbe successful without the help, or mentoring of someone before them. Businesses and organizations started by young adults have to be backed up and supported. Their efforts made towards improvements have to be accepted; opportunity for advancement has to be available to them; and their “young” voices need to be heard. Most importantly, the change they seem to naturally bring to situations has to be welcomed and encouraged.
Older members of the community must be more open to cultural change. Cultural diversity attracts larger businesses, with more job opportunities, which in turn attracts more young professionals.
You can’t hate on the fact that we’d rather live in cities like Atlanta and Chicago if you’re not willing to compete with those cities, which are the homes of major corporations, colleges/universities, hospitals, law firms, and entertainment industries.
Where do these efforts start? The community must strive to work together. By bridging the gap between the old and the new. Both sides have to come together and express their expectations of one another. If that bridge is built and maintained, even for years to come Grand Rapids will continue to grow.
Whose job do you think it is? Give us your opinion.
Paw Over My Life
The Grand Rapids Times
7/30/2009
Adult's Walk
Marcel Gamble
While I was walking this week I ran into a very unique individual that said, “let me tell you the story of my life.”
For some reason I gave this guy my undivided attention as he projected his story with calm hand gestures.
He said, “I was born in the streets; and while I was growing up, the streets were all I knew.
He said, “My two brothers were always my providers and guardians.I have lived a rough life and have lived in many ghettos across the United States. I have seen things with my eyes that others would go blind from seeing with theirs. My life has unquestionably been a roller costar but I am still here at the age of 20.”
Although this guy is Caucasian and taller than I am, I saw a reflection of myself in another light.
While he continued with his story, I thanked God for saving me when He did.
The man went on to say, “In the streets I watched one of my brother’s die from being shot to death, and I watched the other get his throat slit over drugs.”
Personally, I have seen others get stabbed before and have heard about others being shot; but for some reason, my stomach caved in when this man told me that he watched the only family he had die as they were murdered.
As I closed my eyes in shame the man continued with his story.
He said, “I was left to fend for myself in the streets and that’s what I did.I got a hold of some drugs and I began to sell. Money was coming but my curiosity began to grow about why so many people wanted the drugs that I had.”
He continued, “So one day I decided to try my own product, and I regret it till this day. The day I sampled my drugs was the day I became an addict. I started just by sampling a little bit a day then a little bit turned into large amounts three times a day.”
His life changed drastically.
“After I began using my own product I was unable to make money. As a lonely and unprotected teenager in the most dangerous streets I found shelter under a bridge. I lived day by day searching for food, and looking for little jobs to support my addiction.”
I thought about this man as my reflection again and realized that I have been blessed.
I have been blessed to know both, and have relationships with my biological parents.
I have been blessed to have a home to go to everyday.
I have been blessed to have money for things that I need and a majority of the time for things that I want.
Then I began to wonder. This man and I were both born into ghetto environments. Why has God directed us to go into two different directions?
I asked the man the question and he told me, “Wait because God hasn’t placed us in two different directions, let me finish the story.”
He went on to say, “As I was living life under that bridge one night, I got a visitor that wouldn’t go away. I tried my best to scare the visitor away; but it didn’t work, this cat was stubborn. I woke up the next morning and the cat was still lying next to me and I realized that this cat was just like me. He was lonely, with no family, and no place to go. So I decided that I was going to be family to the cat. However, there was one problem. Because I used money from the odd jobs that I did to support my addiction, I didn’t have any money to provide necessities for the cat. So that day for my new family I had to make a decision —to continue to be a drug addict or support my family. I decided to support my family and right then and there I dropped the drugs because I knew my family had to eat.”
At this moment in the story I thought to myself, this man is right. God never did send us down different directions, He gave us the same routes He just let us decide on which one to take.
The man went on to tell me that he and his family progressed in life the next couple of years.
He said, “With my family, I became a fully recovered drug addict. With my family, I was able to find my fiancé. My cat helped me begin a family of my own. Sadly, shortly after I got back on my two feet, my family was hit by a truck and died instantly. Because of my family I was able to turn my life around.”
When the man finished his story, I took a long hard sigh and I pondered on the thought of Jesus and how He sacrificed His life for us to live.
I wonder if Jesus was in the form of the cat the night when He found the cold boy under the bridge.
This week’s column is dedicated to Kevin.
Words of wisdom for the week: “Never under estimate the power of God when He wants to reach out to you He will in any shape or form.”
7/30/2009
Adult's Walk
Marcel Gamble
While I was walking this week I ran into a very unique individual that said, “let me tell you the story of my life.”
For some reason I gave this guy my undivided attention as he projected his story with calm hand gestures.
He said, “I was born in the streets; and while I was growing up, the streets were all I knew.
He said, “My two brothers were always my providers and guardians.I have lived a rough life and have lived in many ghettos across the United States. I have seen things with my eyes that others would go blind from seeing with theirs. My life has unquestionably been a roller costar but I am still here at the age of 20.”
Although this guy is Caucasian and taller than I am, I saw a reflection of myself in another light.
While he continued with his story, I thanked God for saving me when He did.
The man went on to say, “In the streets I watched one of my brother’s die from being shot to death, and I watched the other get his throat slit over drugs.”
Personally, I have seen others get stabbed before and have heard about others being shot; but for some reason, my stomach caved in when this man told me that he watched the only family he had die as they were murdered.
As I closed my eyes in shame the man continued with his story.
He said, “I was left to fend for myself in the streets and that’s what I did.I got a hold of some drugs and I began to sell. Money was coming but my curiosity began to grow about why so many people wanted the drugs that I had.”
He continued, “So one day I decided to try my own product, and I regret it till this day. The day I sampled my drugs was the day I became an addict. I started just by sampling a little bit a day then a little bit turned into large amounts three times a day.”
His life changed drastically.
“After I began using my own product I was unable to make money. As a lonely and unprotected teenager in the most dangerous streets I found shelter under a bridge. I lived day by day searching for food, and looking for little jobs to support my addiction.”
I thought about this man as my reflection again and realized that I have been blessed.
I have been blessed to know both, and have relationships with my biological parents.
I have been blessed to have a home to go to everyday.
I have been blessed to have money for things that I need and a majority of the time for things that I want.
Then I began to wonder. This man and I were both born into ghetto environments. Why has God directed us to go into two different directions?
I asked the man the question and he told me, “Wait because God hasn’t placed us in two different directions, let me finish the story.”
He went on to say, “As I was living life under that bridge one night, I got a visitor that wouldn’t go away. I tried my best to scare the visitor away; but it didn’t work, this cat was stubborn. I woke up the next morning and the cat was still lying next to me and I realized that this cat was just like me. He was lonely, with no family, and no place to go. So I decided that I was going to be family to the cat. However, there was one problem. Because I used money from the odd jobs that I did to support my addiction, I didn’t have any money to provide necessities for the cat. So that day for my new family I had to make a decision —to continue to be a drug addict or support my family. I decided to support my family and right then and there I dropped the drugs because I knew my family had to eat.”
At this moment in the story I thought to myself, this man is right. God never did send us down different directions, He gave us the same routes He just let us decide on which one to take.
The man went on to tell me that he and his family progressed in life the next couple of years.
He said, “With my family, I became a fully recovered drug addict. With my family, I was able to find my fiancé. My cat helped me begin a family of my own. Sadly, shortly after I got back on my two feet, my family was hit by a truck and died instantly. Because of my family I was able to turn my life around.”
When the man finished his story, I took a long hard sigh and I pondered on the thought of Jesus and how He sacrificed His life for us to live.
I wonder if Jesus was in the form of the cat the night when He found the cold boy under the bridge.
This week’s column is dedicated to Kevin.
Words of wisdom for the week: “Never under estimate the power of God when He wants to reach out to you He will in any shape or form.”
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