The Standard #56

To be absolutely clear, representation is vitally important to a population of people conditioned to marginalization and abandonment. Trust, one must not underestimate the weighty emotional and psychological impact that representation achieves. The visual affirmation symbolizes the audacity of possibility; it molds and breathes life into unbounded imagination. The reflection of greatness can sow seeds of future greatness. And as pride fills long neglected spaces belonging to confidence and self-esteem, the resulting inspiration fuels the desire to want and become more – more than the forsaken environment that continually threatens to suppress and suffocate the life of aspirational dreams. Symbols matter. Role models matter. Representation matters. And so I state to you, no matter how big or small, it is incumbent that you be what the youth need to see. Your life, your testimony can unbind restraints that shackle the potential for success and achievement.

The Gentlemen’s Standard Presents – The Writer’s Block

I have been thinking for a while about expanding the scope of this blog. I enjoy writing, but it feels like I should be doing more with content. In a previous life – in a galaxy far, far away – I was very active volunteering in the community. The arrival of my children brought that community service to a screeching halt. They are growing older, so I am discovering myself with some flexible, albeit limited, time. So, I am working up a concept – The Writer’s Block.

Our boys and young men are facing a dire crisis. In many ways, we are failing them. They are underachieving academically, struggling with mental health & wellness, and becoming increasingly isolated as they wrestle with low self-esteem & depression. The Writer’s Block will be a safe space for young men to build confidence, increase emotional intelligence, and focus on their purpose through journaling. As a mentor and guide, I will lead them through their journey of self-discovery- drawing inspiration from historical & current events, motivational quotes, and personal testimony. 

My goal is to help close the widening disconnect between a son, stepson, nephew, grandson, and you. I believe iron sharpens iron, and The Writer’s Block will advocate for community and connection. Through prose, young men create their own blueprint for peace, power, and purpose. My passion for the community has always gravitated toward underserved, underrepresented, and disadvantaged youth populations. I want to fuse that passion with my love for writing. Stay tuned for more information.

Living Your Best Life

The Standard #63

The realm needs good men. To be certain, we exist in a truly perplexing timeline, if not an outright frightening one. It is a timeline breached by an incursion of indomitable ignorance, injustice, and immorality. And increasingly, we are being challenged to discern between right and wrong. Moreover, that subjective concept is obscured beneath an ominous overcast of situational shades of gray. Nevertheless, hopefully, we can discern the differences between the two – no matter how curiously complicated a situation may present. Yet I am fearful that discernment does not necessarily equate to a leaning towards what is right. The current climate of the world just feels woefully wrong. Therefore, the realm needs good men to uphold what is undoubtedly right.

What is right is what many proclaim to treasure: honor, justice, charity, grace, and courage. Make no mistake, we wholly comprehend good and evil. So, it is quite bewildering that we weep for fallen, fictional characters on television that uphold those principled values, yet close those very eyes to real-life injustice, dishonesty, depravity, and corrupted ethics. We have lost the plot. We are far off script. And perhaps rooting for a righteous fictional character makes people feel a little better in a real world where inherent selfishness, prejudice, and hate trump what we understand to be good. So, I present a challenge to the reader. May your voice be used to encourage and uplift – not vilify. May your actions protect the marginalized, underserved, and disadvantaged amongst us. And may you fulfill these responsibilities with a humble, humane, and honorable heart. We desperately need more good men…like you.