Community Wealth Creates

I have been taking a class in this semester titled African American Family. I wasn’t sure how this class would be because I knew it was the first semester that this class has been offered. There are many aspects that have resonated with me but one thing that we covered that really caught my attention was when we went over wealth in the African American community. It was interesting to me because I have been, in the last year or so, looking for ways to increase my families’ wealth not just the income. I have gotten involved with a couple businesses that encourage training and changing the way we think about obtaining wealth.

One thing that really stood out to me was this idea: To obtain individual wealth, it requires community wealth. I had even asked one day in class why was it important to that African Americans “reach back” when they become successful and then something was explained. The reality is somebody who has become successful did not do it without the help of someone or many people. An example that was given: If Tom, a successful Caucasian CEO, has a position available within his company, he will most likely tell his family and friends before he tells a stranger or even releases it to the public. But if James, a successful black CEO, has a position within his company, he is more likely to release it to the public so that a complete stranger will have the opportunity to get the job before someone he knows will. At first, I was a bit offended by this statement but when I sat down and really looked at this objectively it turned out to be true. Of course, not in all situations but it occurs quite often. Why do we (African Americans) feel that it is not appropriate to help our own?

Do we think it is showing favoritism? Tom is not worried about how it appears so why should we? Why not give someone you know the opportunity to better themselves or provide a better living for their family? I mean really is that so wrong? I don’t know but I can be honest and say that I have thought sometimes about not helping someone in my race because I felt that they wouldn’t appreciate it or capitalize on the opportunity. That is so wrong but I can honestly admit that I have thought it.

So I know its cliché, but I am going to say it. I am starting with me. As Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” So I am making the effort to volunteer and work to actually improve my community and not just complain about the problems. It is easy to sit and say that there needs to be some improvement within the community but it would make more sense if I contributed to the solution. I am not real sure how I will do this but I do have some leads and will make the effort to improve my community and not just my immediate family. I want to be an example and provide my community with a true role model.

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think!

 

 

Building My Confidence

So this year I would like to do something that I always seem to avoid. I am going to work on my confidence. Let’s see if I can explain my dilemma. I know that I am capable of doing certain things but I am afraid that when it comes time for me to perform that I won’t be up to par. My latest lack of confidence in myself is applying for a job that actually has to do with what I am going to school for. I was a little intimidated when I begin to apply for the job because of the questions that they asked. They begin to ask my experience with the programs that will be heavily relied on to do the job. I guess it’s the way I work. I learn how to do things through trial and error but if I was asked specifically how to do something it may take me awhile to explain. I know that I can do it but I become so unsure about myself. This is how it has always been. I have always been unsure about myself when “people are looking”. When there is no one looking at me, I can do what I need to do with no problem and feel confident about the quality of my work. I don’t know how I am going to build my confidence but I think I will start by applying for the job.

Real Mothers

Okay so I have not made a post in awhile. I will be working on improving that once the semester is over. I wanted to address this topic though so I wouldn’t forget.  I admit that sometimes I waste my time and watch Teen Mom and Pregnant at 16. They are really a shame to me that these girls continue to have children at such young ages. But I don’t understand is them making it harder than they really have it. Now not all of them have true family support but most do. On Friday on Good Morning America, I watched them salute a mother who begin being a mother when she was 18 to her brothers and sisters after their mom passed away. Her mom asked her to keep the family together and I believe that it was a total of nine and then she got married and had six of her own. That would be a total of 15 children that she raised and did without a whole bunch of money or anything out of the ordinary.  I watch as these girls complain about everything from not being able to go out or something petty and I think really? You are getting paid to allow cameras follow you around and yet you still complain about petty crap.  I know motherhood at a young age is hard but you guys are ahead of the game by getting paid the amount of money it takes most of us years to get to and at 16 you are getting paid for not making good choices.  I really would suggest these girls really take time to look at their situations objectively and realized how blessed they truly are.  Motherhood is not an easy job by any means but you laid down knowing what could come of it so stop whining and do what you have to.  I am now stepping down off my soapbox and would like to wish everyone a HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!!