Black Thought

“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Failure. To be absolutely certain, the possibility of failure sometimes negates the action of risk. But without risk, albeit intelligent and calculated risk, the beauty of success cannot be viewed from above if one willfully settles into deep valley of fear. Now fear, of course, can be a powerful and intense emotion that dictates behavior and conduct. A myriad of promising dreams and aspirations have collapsed under the immense weight of fear. Fortunately, your broad shoulders are blessed with the strength to not only bear the doubt, the trepidation, the uneasiness; they are also strong enough to press its worrisome mass high and toss it aside with relative ease. Why? Well, because friend, your character is constructed with a firm confidence and fortified with unwavering faith. Even when others cannot see the entire picture, your vision is broadened by belief, hope, and trust – in yourself. And you understand that your vision is a vision of success. The path is set, the destination is clear, all you have to do is take the first step. And don’t fear, we’re all walking this road together.

Brotherly Love – Jalen Brunson – Believing in Your Greatness

Apologies. It took me a while to muster the strength to write this post. Nonetheless, I want to congratulate NBA champion and Finals Most Valuable Player Jalen Brunson for winning his first championship. Flowers are indeed deserved – salute. And even though my hometown team – Detroit Pistons – was bounced in the second round this season, surely both teams will see each other on the court in the near future. That is neither here nor there. Today, you are owed all the praise. To be honest, I have always admired your professional, humble demeanor. Seriously – how can I hate on a brother with a Brooks Brothers endorsement deal? Brunson presents as a class act both off the court and on the court. An alleged undersized point guard who was drafted 33rd overall in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson was repeatedly lowballed on contracts and ultimately opted not to sign him despite his burgeoning status as a star.

And so, after 8 years in the league, 4 years removed from the Mavericks, and now with the New York Knicks, he put the team on his back to secure the team’s first championship since 1973. Salute. I can’t hate on that at all. Brunson displays a tireless work ethic, incredible resilience, and unwavering mental toughness. He sprinted toward greatness and never shrank from the moment. And winning a championship with your father as an assistant coach on the team? Chef’s kiss. Pure cinema was the outcome. I watch the old clips of Daddy Brunson coaching up Jalen when he was a young kid. I watch them with my own son. The videos are truly inspirational. So, yes, salute to my brother. Wish you nothing more than all the success you deserve – unless you are facing the Pistons on the court!