“GM. I am proud of you not just for what you’ve accomplished or all the hard work you do and the determination to win. I’m proud of you because every day you CHOOSE LIFE the rest is a result of you choosing not to be what culture and statistics try to define you to be. I’m proud you choose life and then create your own beat to walk to have a Blessed Day!!!”
I received this message from my wonderful mother in the morning. Spoiled with love, a conditional love that feels unconditional and is ever-lasting. What struck me the most were the words, “I’m proud you choose life and then create your own beat to walk to.” I then realized how increasingly hard it is to move to your beat when the pressure of the world weighs down on you and tries to control you in every direction. Moving to your tempo and metronome and finding your groove, your rhythm means free-spirited, but as a Black Man in America, my free spirit can only go so far.
I realized the strength it takes to move at one’s beat and create a rhythm; my mother influences my character, values, beliefs, etc. She is the epitome of a black woman. Filled with grace, tenacity, perseverance, elegance, unwavering strength, Intelligence, and many other character attributes, she is the one who taught me how to create my beat and move to that very beat.
While facing many hardships, her unwavering faith never gave up for the mere fact she had a son to raise and was determined to invest and grow to be the best man he can be. A man equipped to survive, equipped to respect a woman yet lead with a calm confidence that allows a woman’s voice, skills, and strength to be heard and seen yet cover her and protect from the wrath of the world as they move forward together.
Being Black and a woman, my mother displayed an indescribable level of grit through perseverance and determination. Talk about a hustler and learn from the best; wit and intellect would physically force your head to hurt as your brain produces the neurons to keep up with her knowledge. Her leadership is what influenced me never to back down. It affected me to stand up for what is right and protect my people. She influenced and birthed a revolutionary who precisely creates their beat.
Black women are some of the strongest leaders and intellectual assets we have on this earth. My mother is exactly that, a strong leader and continues to blaze her trail, as she accomplishes her goals. Another leader ignites most leaders, and I thank my mother for igniting a light within me. I hope her light is re-ignited in this ode to her, and she is encouraged to create her beat.
SG's Leadership Suite 