BE YOU

Hello Hometown, It feels so good to be celebrated amongst the many other kings today!

In the words of the great and late Mister Charles England, we have all been encouraged to be somebody..

In my experience it has been much more rewarding to exist in this world as myself than anyone else… but that's not to say that it didn’t come with many challenges... like: being misunderstood, mislabeled, overshadowed, and being that one outlier. Before you today, I stand grateful for my journey and its many twists and turns. however, had it not been so, I would not have acquired the courage in order to do many of the things that I have done thus far, like moving to two major cities where I knew absolutely no one, and yet still managed to create life in ways I saw fit and possible for myself, Nor would I have had the courage to create my own production company, and work with some of the world's most renowned creatives. I must say, it started with believing in myself, ignoring the resistance, and sometimes... even standing up for myself in uncomfortable situations.

I could probably give a whole list of things I've been afforded to do in this lifetime, but that’s not as important to me... More important is that you, young or seasoned, know that you can do it too, and it starts by believing in yourself, moving in your unwavering faith and making things happen. Take it from me, it doesn't matter if you’ve never seen it done before, it doesn’t matter about the naysayers. Don't tell them that you can, show them, because You can, and you will. If you can see it from within, then it’s possible without. As above, so below and so within, so without. Use every obstacle that was sent to destroy you as your own tools to build monuments. Everywhere you go whether up or down stick to the fight when your toughest battles hits. Take up space, and do so unapologetically. You are what the world is waiting on. You are the dream of your ancestors.

When I think about what it means to be great, I think of the endurance of Ronnie Beverly, the servitude of Mr. Donnie Holt, The perseverance of Nasheed Peoples, the persistence of Kenrick Jobe, and the genuine spirit of Johnny Leroy Dawkins. As you see the greatness all around you, but never deny the greatness that exists within you.

And so, I’ll leave you with this, anatomically a bumble bee is not supposed to fly for its wings are too light and it’s body is so big….. the only issue with this is that the bee does not know that.

And Remember it's okay to be somebody and it’s even more okay to be you. So celebrate your individuality! Your authenticity is the currency for all that lies within.

So now go, and go boldly.