"Can't lead without love and you can't save people without serving people." (Smiley)
Tavis Smiley who is a renowned philanthropist and host of his own television show, spoke at McNight Hall on the campus of UNC-Charlotte. Mr. Smiley began his discussion by voicing his concern about the lack of black leadership in our community. His motivating words and quirky sense of humor, seemed to keep the audience engaged. But can his message be linked to other speakers? Was his message something that we have heard before? It seems as if every time we look up, there is a new book, CD, DVD or conference geared to motivate you to get up and MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
The link that I chose to include in this particular blog, was a conversation between Tavis Smiley and hip hop mogul Jay-Z. In the interview Tavis asked Jay-Z about how he started his fashion line "Rockawear", which is a multi-million dollar company. Jay-Z explains his forward thinking. He was thinking beyond what people were seeing. "Greatness"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YcSuHNCCVY
Mr. Smiley asked the question, "Are you chasing success or greatness"? Jay-Z to me was chasing greatness. In his songs he compares himself to Jesus (Hova) as well as other great leaders. Jay-Z started off selling drugs in the streets of Brooklyn, NY. HE managed to use his metaphorical genius to propel himself out of his environment. Instead of becoming a victim his circumstance he became the culprit of his success. Many young and old people look up to Jay-Z. But how many potential Jay-Z's do we have in our neighborhoods and classrooms? The money was Jay-Z's motive. Quick money became sluggish wealth. Mimicking the route that Jay-Z took, may not be the legal and best way, but it was his way. We must find our own way to become great through our own gifts. Smiley said "when our gift connects with the need, it equals our purpose." That was the most profound statement that stood out to me. I would include in that equation the love of the gift. Some don't like their gift enough to fulfill the need to embrace their purpose. When are we (including me) going to stop listening and start acting.
My final thought: Love God then accept the gift, fulfill the need and walk in your purpose.
Ni
How do you see this relating to social justice. Begin making connections between the theoretical ( what we see presented in class and the practice - practice ie Tavis' talk, the musuem). Use the entries to reflect not just on the personal Niesha but how the personal connects to professional and scholarly Niesha.
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