Release Your Inner Green Thumb and Water The Seeds

There I was, basking in the excitement of starting my first blog while taking the time to enjoy the June 2011 issue of Ebony magazine.  Huh, did he say Ebony?!  I sure did.  Yes I know, Ebony is geared more towards the female audience but it’s hard to find positive articles without pictures of half-naked women or alcohol posted on every other page of a magaZine.  Plus it doesn’t hurt to get a few pointers so I can better unDerstand, support, and relate to my wife in what she goes through as a woman (3 cool points for that one, wink wink).  Ok…back to the story.  I flip…look…flip…look…this continues until I reach page 14, Personal Space/Editor’s Letter.  What caught my eye?  First, the two pictures of a young boy with his parents.  Then the title really peaked my interest.

Remember the Future

HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU SPELL POTENTIAL?

Amy DuBois Barnett

Editor-In-Chief, Ebony

Amy DuBois Barnett’s letter explained how she was determined to ensure her son would grow with enough potential to have options.  She read to him for hours and after he turned four she enrolled him in Kumon (click here for more info).  I don’t want to take away from her article so I’ll keep it short.  Basically, she was sending the message of how important it is to prepare our children, especially African-American boys, to be the best they can be and grow to have options.  What an excellent message!

We, as a community, should think more about our future…those who are coming up getting ready to follow in our footsteps and in some cases excel past our doings.  Don’t get me wrong, we need to continually better ourselves as individuals but we should not forget to water the seeds that we’ve planted.  You can do your part as a parent, aunt, uncle, sister, brother…as any person.  I would like to end with a quote from her letter.

“Expectation is the single greatest determination of achievement.  Do I need my son to be the next president?  That would be great, but I really don’t care what Max ultimately pursues as long as he does it with purpose and passion.”

Amy DuBois Barnett

Editor-In-Chief

Ebony Magazine

Power stuff people.  I ask that you take time to meditate on the words PURPOSE and PASSION.

Amy DuBois Barnett is a Notable Noble.

Unfortunately, I was unable to get a link for the article.  However, I encourage you to pick up a copy of the June 2011 Ebony magazine featuring Jill Scott on the cover and read the letter.  In fact, explore the entire magazine and visit the website at www.Ebony.com.

P.S. If someone happens to find an e-copy of the article please post it and don’t forget to give credit to the site…always give credit where credit is due.  Thank you!