By Cheryl Smith
Publisher
I consider Chuck D, of Public Enemy fame, to be one of the great minds of our time! A consummate professional and thought-provoking deep thinker with great work ethic; he is phenomenal. I also consider him a friend. I picked him up from the airport once during a visit to Dallas, and I told him I had a stop to make because it was payday. When I arrived at the building that housed Service Broadcasting—the parent company of K104, KKDA-AM and KRNB, Chuck came inside with me. Always gracious, he greeted folks and chatted while I took care of my business.
When he was in the company of those who were in a position to effect change at the station, Chuck urged them to be kinder to the locals. He wanted locals to be showered with love on the way up, instead of waiting until they hit big time and then jumping on the bandwagon.
Which brings me to my truth.
Dallas has so many smart and talented people—people who are going places. I’ve always prided myself on being able to see the good in people. I also see the bad and ugly, but that’s another story for another day. Anyway, I applauded Chuck for looking out for those who don’t have. It’s amazing we live in a world where the person who could purchase the entire restaurant is offered a free meal but not the person who doesn’t have a pot or a window (you get my point?)
And that’s a message we should all take under consideration. Look at the person next to you, in the next room, in your house, at your school or workplace. Are you spreading and showing the love? Does someone else have to come to you and tell you how great someone close to you is or are you seeing the greatness? Sure some say familiarity breeds contempt. That is sad.
During a visit to the nation’s Capitol, I watched as people seemed to part the waters for U.S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. At home I hear people saying “we need term limits” or criticizing with blanket statements that provide no context or research. In Washington DC, the only other persons I saw getting any real attention were senior legislators (like Mrs. Johnson) or the young Kennedy legislator (yeah, you know of THE Kennedys!)
There are places where seniority is respected and actually necessary! It’s important to note that just like when you are looking for a leader, you should look in the mirror; you shouldn’t overlook the greatness that is right there amongst you! Try pulling back on the negativity and counter by showing love, volunteering support, giving a shoutout, or happy face emoji—something that shows that your heart is capable of loving. Dick Gregory would always ask, “Are you capable of being lovable?” If you are you will see and appreciate more of what is offered during your lifetime.
