Category Archives: Leadership Profiles

“Leadership Profiles” is a category that captures existing, new or past leaders that inspire young black males.

December 9, 2013 · 3:54 AM

The death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

On Thursday night, I found out that Nelson Mandela died.

When I found out I just stood there for a moment feeling like I lost something but I didn’t know what. There was nothing immediately tangible about my life that changed or is going to change because of his death but I definitely felt like the value the world has decreased. The sense of loss I felt compelled me to define what I lost, and find out more about this colossal man from Africa.

I listed a few of his accomplishments here:

  • Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born July 18, 1918
  • Mandela had a royal upbringing being a son of a tribal chief in Transkei, one of the future “Bantustans”.
  • In April 20, 1964 he was convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment for leading a campaign of sabotage against the government.
  • It was forbidden to quote him or publish his photo.
  • When Nelson turned 70 he was the most famous political prisoner.
  • He was released from prison on February 11, 1990.
  • He served as President of the African National Congress from 1991 to 1997.
  • In 1993 he received the Noble Peace Prize.
  • He was president of South Africa from 1994 – 1999.
  • He’s often described as a “father of a nation”.

The more I learned about his life the more I realized how much this world will miss him. Much like when my grandfather died, I didn’t miss him until 2 days after he died when we were driving to Atlanta to lay him to rest. I had come to an understanding that I would never hear his voice again, never see his face, he would not ever see my children or me with a wife. All my successes in life could not be shared with the most important person in my life. So, appreciate your loved ones for the wisdom they share. When they are gone, their memories will remind you of each lesson they granted you. Nelson Mandela started out as a boxer and ended up a leader of a country. I guess being a boxer taught him how to fight literally and figuratively. As a young black man you will have to face and navigate your own challenges with the same calculated deliberate movements. Much like other black leaders, like President Barack Obama and Reverend Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. you will face and endure discrimination, at some moments it will be obvious but most times it will be an underlying opposition. As a black man you will have to be 3 times better to compete in a subjective world where certain biases are not in your favor. You have to be more prepared, more determined, and always ready. You will receive an extra helping of scrutiny and criticism at every turn.  I wish I could say something softer, nicer to make you feel comfortable but this is the world we live in. It doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed, it means that you must be better than the pack. You can change the world by just trying to make a difference. To even comprehend what Nelson Mandela was to the world, you have to recognize the world for what it is and make it better. Nelson Mandela had to surmount huge obstacles in a world that continuously opposed him. He will always be an icon of leadership and hope, a representative of peace to the entire world.

There’s redemption in death that all your loved ones endure. When the people die, they take all the moments with them. All the possibilities of meeting Mandela are gone, of shaking his hand… gone, seeing him smile…gone, hearing his voice…gone, laughing with him…gone, being in his presence…impossible. The true appreciation of a man usually comes in the memories that he leaves behind. The sorrow comes when you learn what you’ve lost. It comes when you no longer have the teacher guiding you, the example to follow. Mandela’s death leaves the world with less. Nelson’s life will forever remain as a symbol of freedom and democracy. A midst all his challenges he remained resilient and focused in his beliefs and goals. His example as a leader is impeccable, he’s a leader among leaders.  I suggest you read about Mandela, go to see the movies about him. Nelson Mandela’s life’s work will always remain as a benchmark to align your goals.

Madiba will always be a beacon for leaders that follow him.

MPM

“Do not judge me by my successes. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

Nelson Mandela

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.”

Martin Luther King

Related articles

2 Comments

Filed under Leadership Profiles

Tagged as , , , ,

October 13, 2013 · 3:46 PM

The POTUS and MLK

POTUS: President of the United States

MLK: Martin Luther King Jr.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the inauguration activities on January 21st 2013. When I think of President Barack Hussein Obama and Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior I think of exceptional men and exceptional leadership. These two men are the epitome of  integrity and character. When you think of setting the standard, these two men, are the standard.  Martin defined the core of the black American. Martin helped the black American identity equal all other races when we were considered less than human. Martin helped all blacks empower themselves and move together for a unification of all races equally. Obama represents the United States as a President who is black. Obama shattered the glass ceiling dominance of white men over the highest elected office in this country.

There is no longer any limitation on a position a black man can attain. There are no more excuses why any black man or woman can’t be the President or be great in any endeavor. Martin was a great black leader, Obama is a great leader who happens to be black. There is a difference but neither is higher or lower in stature as a leader or an individual but both were exceptional without question. The common man like you or I share the dream of Martin and reap the benefits of Obama’s example as a father, husband, leader, President and a man. We see the completeness of a human being in all facets of their character, actions, and accomplishments. I’m content in my endeavors and accomplishments. I’m living a blessed life and have no regrets for my actions…my plan A is working out.

2 Sides of the same coin.

So…what about you mentee? What are you going to do with the example the President has established? Are you exceptional? Are you brave enough to be exceptional? To be exceptional means to be different, to go against the grain, to follow your own path, to be “uncool”.  So…to be exceptional you are studying when everyone else is partying. You are listening to your parents instruction and doing your homework when everyone is playing Xbox. You can walk away from a trouble and not go along with ignorance. Your lifestyle favors hard work and doing what’s right. Regardless of your situation you have to see yourself out of it. You have to look at every challenge dead in its eyes and charge into it…it makes you resilient. Make a habit of putting yourself in situations that make you feel uncomfortable…speaking in front of people, raising your hand to ask a question, volunteering to be the leader, it only will strengthen you. Get use to the feeling of accomplishment…set high goals for yourself. After you fear something, you have a choice; you can let it defeat you by not trying or you can push past that fear and keep trying. Trying and not succeeding is not failure…failure is giving up totally. Sure there are going to be people, sometimes your relatives and friends, that will try to convince you not to try…don’t listen to them. You may not succeed the first time, but I guarantee you’ll learn something to get closer to succeeding next time.

Don’t misinterpret what I’m saying…being exceptional doesn’t guarantee you will be famous or rich…no…a possibility yes, definitely.  It does mean that you will have more opportunities to be famous or rich than anyone else.  You life will be rich with experiences and people that are visionaries and thinkers from all walks of life. I’m from North Philadelphia, the hood, I spent the majority my life in the city. Looking back, I wouldn’t ever have thought I would have gone golfing in Bermuda, presented to high ranking generals in the military, scuba diving and petting sharks in Belize, met the Premier of Bermuda, zip-lining from mountain top to mountain top over a rainforest in Puerto Rico, snorkeling in Aruba, partying in Carlos and Charlies in Cozumel or snowboarding in Colorado. So get your life started, put yourself out there…the world is waiting for you. Do you want to play the game or sit or sit on the bench? To be exceptional begins here…it begins with who you want to be, not who you are.

Quote: “Leaders put themselves in situations, followers simply won’t”

MPM

Leave a comment

Filed under Career, Leadership Profiles

Tagged as , , ,