Young Professional Panel...Back by popular demand.

Coming back soon. The Young Professional Panel

Brief:  An opportunity for young people to ask the real questions, how, where, when, and what do I need to do in order to be successful and get the job I want. Most importantly, the answers will come directly from the people who have those jobs. 

Mykia, The College Student: Started from the bottom now I'm here!

Below is a post by Sunflower, Mississippi native Mykia Clayton who recently graduated high school and the youth development program, the Sunflower County Freedom Project. Mykia completed her six year program at the Freedom Project and is now starting her next journey which she plans to blog about. Enjoy!
 

Wow! It's amazing how quickly times fly. Seems like just yesterday I wrote my first blog post as a freshman in high school in Sunflower County, MISSISSIPPI!! I was a scrawny, little kid trying to maneuver my way throughout high school. I haven’t done a good job of posting, but there is no better time than now to start back. 

      

Well, now I’m a freshman, or as they call us, a First Year student at Elon University in North Carolina. I’ll be moving in and starting fall orientation today, WHEWWW!! I’ve been planning for this for so long, but some of those same nervous feelings are resurrecting inside of me. Feels like my insides are clashing with excitement and fear. The past four years have been one heck of a journey. So many things I’ve encountered, obstacles I had to overcome. For example, I struggled trying to keep my morals intact. There were many times where I felt like I was losing myself. I found it very hard not give into the norms of my community rather staying true to who I was.  I met some really amazing people and then there were ones who were not so great for me to be around. All in all, with the good and the bad, I’ve doubled the knowledge I started with. It's been one unbelievable ride growing up in the Delta, going to the Freedom Project (GO SCFP!), and trying to figure this thing called life out.  Now, I just hope that I’m prepared for what life is about to throw at me these next four years.

       

Being here in North Carolina has already taken some toll on me. I find myself feeling pretty alone and wishing I could go home or take Elon to Mississippi. But neither one of those are an option. I know I'll have lots of decisions to make these next four years, I just hope I make the right ones, you know? And definitely make good grades. I have so many people counting on me not to fail. I can’t afford to make mistakes now. This is where mistakes get crucial. I struggled really hard Monday, leaving home. I felt like a baby bird jumping out of its nest for the last time. This time momma bird wasn't going to catch me. I have to fly this time. Yeah the time for greatness starts now. We’ll see where this path will lead me. For now I’ll keep you guys out there posted.

For those who might not know, there's a song out that says "Started from the bottom now we' here." Check out this quick video to see where I started from here (Meet Mykia). 

The only question now is, "just how far can I go?"  Thanks for reading...wish me luck.

 Mykia

Together We CAN. The CANclusion (get it?)

  “ …A small group of dedicated individuals CAN change the world…”

1st Can run. Cashier thought i was just really hungry.

First, on January 18th, I sent out a morning email to a “small group” of friends and family. The goal was to support a company led canned goods drive for Mobile Meals of Greensboro, NC.  At United Health Care, we have a great sense of corporate responsibility, and I wanted to do my part to ensure that was reflected in our local efforts.

Next, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Within 48hrs, this “small group of dedicated individuals” contributed over 300 additional cans on top of what I already donated. How cool is that?! After seeing box after box that my “small group” donated, some coworkers even took me up on my offer to pick up canned goods for them on one of my runs.

Finally, after two weeks of anxiously waiting, a company email went out announcing the winners and more importantly the results of our site's food drive.  At the top of the list was Greg McKoy.  (Notice the incorrect spelling of my last name, McCoy.) As I wondered who this person was and how to best congratulate him, I pondered even more on how this effort would have been possible without the support of all of you. :)  Congratulations to Cornesha Ward, who's donations and lucky number helped her win a personalized rap song. Cornesha is also a former Freedom Project student who is now living and working in Washington, D.C. Thank you all so much for helping us more than double our total from last year.

“Never doubt that a small group of dedicated individuals can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”  - Margaret Mead

Thanks to A Small Group

Thanks to a small group,

a few seeds were planted.

Thanks to a small group,

those few seeds grew.

Thanks to a small group,

few became many.

Thanks to a small group collectively,

And thanks individually to you.

-         MC

Once again, thanks for your support and inspiration. Until next time...

Let's make it happen,

--Greg McCoy

Together We CAN pt.1

Together We CAN...

It amazes me the power of people working together, especially when it's towards a positive goal.  We can achieve so much more together than working individually, yet so often we limit ourselves because we want to "figure it out," "be independent," or sometimes, just not be bothered with the hassle.  I'll be the first one to raise my hand to have been guilty of this, but also the first to say that I'm reminded often of how much more we advance and develop personally when we work collectively.  Does that make any sense?

I'm excited about the concept of working together. From the Civil Rights movement, to Volunteer Match, to Kickstarter, we've seen the power of focused collective action.  One of the most amazing observations of this phenomenon was captured by the quote from Margaret Mead. She definitively noted,

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. " Margaret Mead

Let's make it happen,

--Greg McCoy

 

Thankful for Sunflower and Freedom

I'm thankful for the Sunflower County Freedom Project. If you haven't had the chance, check out the new website for the SCFP.  It's a truly amazing organization and around this time I often think about the opportunities many of the students have through the program. Right now, Kenyon King is in college on a Gates scholarship at American University and Luke Washington is in law school.  Those are just some of the amazing stories from small, humble, and dedicated beginnings. The staff at the SCFP is an outstanding group and are adding so much to the organization. I'm thankful to be able to support such a great organization.

If you haven't seen the trailer for the new documentary, by SCFP staff alum Carmen Scott, definitely do so:The Sunflower County Freedom Project

Thankful.

David Banner on Wealth Building

Seeing this type of an article truly makes me feel good about the place, power, and opportunity hip hop has to positively influence so much.

David Banner’s 4 Money Management Lessons for Black America - Black Enterprise

Freedom Project Video Shoot

We shot a bunch of scenes for the the SCFP video shoot for B.o.B's "Don't Let Me Fall." Local news station, WXVT and the Enterprise-Toscin covered the event. These are some photos from the shoot!

An Opportunity for More Opportunity

I came across this impressive microfinance and business support organization, Good Work Network. I'm always intrigued when I successful and sustainable models in non-profits.

"An opportunity is not an opportunity, if you do not have the resources to succeed." - Julius Walls Jr.

Here is a brief description from there website below

Good Work Network educates, coaches and supports these smaller businesses to help them improve their skills, realize their full potential and become active participants in the local economy. Through its programs and services, Good Work Network works to expand the local economy by building minority and women owned businesses. It envisions a community where the economy is diverse and inclusive and where all dedicated and competent entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Check it out: http://www.goodworknetwork.org/

--Greg McCoy

Call Me MISTER

Interesting article.

Young black males have a better chance of being taught by someone who looks like them now that the first two graduates of the College of Charleston's Call Me MISTER program are teaching in area schools.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2011/sep/29/black-male-teachers-on-rise/

Keep More of What You Earn

Only one month left!

Knowledge about the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) for the Mid South.

http://www.fndmidsouth.org/news/view.php?entryID=30

How to Get Good at Making Money

"The lesson: People are happy to pay for things that work well. Never be afraid to put a price on something. If you pour your heart into something and make it great, sell it. For real money." - Jason Fried, Founder and CEO of 37signals.

This was a great article and I highly recommend reading it:


http://www.inc.com/magazine/20110301/making-money-small-business-advice-from-jason-fried.html

2-Cent.Com Literacy Festival

These folks are doing huge, not big, huge things for literacy and youth in New Orleans and beyond! Check out the flyer, make a donation or sponsorship, and attend the event!

http://2-cent.com/create_change/?p=501

Let's make it happen,

--Greg

A Campaign for Black Male Youth

Recently, there's been somewhat a surge in research, grants, and media campaigns focusing on the plight of young black males. I wanted to take a moment to highlight just a few of these efforts and the publications associated with them. Keep on pushing.

We Dream A World:
http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/documents/files/2025BMBfulldoc.pdf

Beyond The Bricks:
http://www.beyondthebricksproject.com/blogs/derek-koen

The Open Society Institute:
http://www.soros.org/initiatives/usprograms/focus/cbma

PBL Day 2...The Saga Continues...

For those of you who don't know the reference, The Saga Continues refers to the 1998 Wu-Tang Album, Wu-Tang Forever. It was a classic. With the first track called Triumph, it couldn't get much better.

Well, Day Two of the PBL ( Pure Ballers League) was great. It looked a little dismal for the first hour, but then at 7:50am, a guy in a red car drove by and said "Oh, I'll be right back." I waited for about 20 minutes and nobody came. As I was getting ready to go a guy in a white shirt and black jean shorts and white 1998 jordans came walking toward the court. He had a bit of a stomach, but I could tell he was a ball player. His name was Frank and he was about 40. We ended up playing a game of one on one and after that I told him about that guy who passed by. He said, "oh, that was me."

We ended up playing four games of one on one and a game of 21, then an older guy (45) came out to shoot around as we finished up. I hope to see folks again on Wednesday.

Be the change yall. Like Nike endorsing Ghandi. Just be it.

--Greg

PBL (Pure Ballers League)

PBL kicks off tomorrow, 6:30am-8:00am. BBKING Park. Pure Ballas only. Respect. Hustle. Love. I am a Monstar.

Misunderstood

The way to get people to understand is to show them how much easier it would be if they understood, but you can't usually tell them, you have to quietly help them reveal it to themselves. Thus, the aha moment. Then you have to be careful not to say "I told you so." You can think it though. ;)

So which part of town are we going to take over first?...

So Luke is now a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill. I love this picture. It's the progress that feels the best as Weezy F Baby said. We were walking down the streets of Indianola on a Friday night I guess the 13th after the scrimmage and we started talking about 10 years from now. August 13th, 2020. Luke asked "So which part of town are we going to take over first?" Yes, Yes. That's an OKAY community for ya.

Lemonades for Learning...

• Keep your head up and your mind right- Mr. Trader
• Get money the right way, so you can enjoy it. - Mr. Ross aka Peewee
• Work hard, but for the right employer. -
  
• Pack light. - Mark Pett
  

Math, Motivation, and Music. Part III

What's on the other side of the pain and prejudice? Unlimited possibility. Once we're able to shake the hold the haters have on us, we can push through the pain that comes from the prejudice and see that the only real barriers to unlimited success are our own perceived limits.
2+2 = 4 Right? Not always. What if the the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts? Break through the prejudice.

What prejudice you ask? Sometimes it is, but it's not always what you think. Common says "sometimes it's comes from your own kind, or even from your own mind." So once we get over people's perceptions of us, we can move forward so fast.

I'm highly motivated right now and I want to be the best. Not for me, but because I know what it will mean to so many people around me. They told me that. "I want to be the best. Plain and simple. And to be the best you have to win."

On your quest to do your best each day, you will have people trying to "hook" ya. "Watch for the hook. " ( Cool Breeze, ft. Goodie Mob CLASSIC!!!" )

James and the Giant Reach Chapter 1

So, James is 25 and has had a lot of life. Hopefully, this post will inspire others as James and his story will.

Question: If you could do whatever you wanted for a career, what would you do?

I would work with the youth of the Mississippi Delta and show them that there is a life outside of the place and that they can be and do whatever they want in life. All they would have to do is get the goals and go for them and them no one tell them they can't.

James Henry Glenn II