"Gather 'round party goers as if your still livin" - Slick Rick
Now that the holiday season is over, everyone has stuffed their face and fed their bellies. Break is over, school is in session, so let’s feed your mind.
A few weeks ago a college friend of mine called me after a solo lunch date at Phillipe Chow Restaurant in New York City. I could hear the distress in his voice. It wasn’t because he had food poisoning. As a matter of fact, the food was great, the drinks were tasty and the server was knowledgeable and helpful. The cause of his anguish was rooted in a deeper difficulty.
In the short span of an hour, amidst the jostling and continuous movement that is New York City, 33 East 60th Street & Madison Ave to be exact. My good friend and fellow brother, Paul, came to a conclusion. Unsettling and disappointing as it may be, a conclusion none the less.
On the phone, Paul recounted his mid -afternoon meal with himself at this established eatery. As he sat and enjoyed his velvet chicken over white rice (which he chewed 71 times) he couldn’t help but overhear to his right, an Asian couple discussing plans to expand their franchise, while sharing a batch of spring rolls. To his left a business luncheon between two Caucasians, who are discussing ideas to strength their business strategies. And in the middle sits Paul, a black, ambitious young man at the table… alone. He finishes the last mouthful of chicken, sips down the rest of his beverage, signs the check and he leaves.
Why are we not discussing which banking institution has the best rates for our children’s trust fund? Why are we not devising plans to open business' that benefits the community and not just our pockets? Why are we not at the table together?
… It’s time to eat.
I AM WE.
5 comments:
I have really enjoyed your blogs thus far, particularly this one. This seems to be especially relevant to my latin and african american friends.
I hope that your philosophies and true empowerment ideals are spread beyond your blog and leak onto your everyday conversations not only with people with similar ideals, but people who can truly use the encouragement.
Our minorities aren't equipped to think in terms of the future, neither financially nor a from a social being stand point, so its important that young people like yourself speak to our peers. Especially to speak beyond the blog because lets face it, hardly any non-mathmaticians pick up a trigonometry text book leisurely, right? Hopefully seeing someone on the same playing field can help people of 'our status' think obnoxiously ambitious, because why should we think otherwise?
Anonymous,..lol. I agree we need be more obnoxiously ambitious, with out shame. These conversations are being had by our peers. We need to now put words to action. Thank you for your continuous support, and great input.
I am We
Great blog and nice to see you got some comments unlike mine i never get comments :(
It is up to use to make our own outcomes in life. We have a dream out there- WE MUST catch it.
BLACK POWER!
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