IT BEGINS WITH A THOUGHT

I was gathered with friends one day having a conversation about the state of Black America when one of them said it.

"My grandmother used to tell me," he said, "that the white man will only let you rise so high." As I looked around the room, adults were nodding in agreement, but they weren't the only ones listening. Three young boys were also soaking it in...every word.

How many of us buy into the theory of the all knowing all powerful white boogey man who has complete control over our lives?

In slavery times, when master didn't have nearly enough men to guard us 24/7, this myth was probably a useful tool that kept more of us from walking away. Now I believe it's the source of many of our problems.

Too many of us are not living up to our full potential because we feel it's no use even trying. And because of that we settle for less than the success we deserve.

I'm sure grandma meant well. She probably wanted to prepare her grandchildren to take "their place" in the world...a dangerous world filled with hurt and disappointment. But rather than lowering our children's expectations, we should be making them fearless.

Let's tell our children that even during the worst period of racism when the master seemed to have complete control, thousands of fearless slaves proved the boogey man theory wrong by stealing away to freedom.

Let's tell our children that racism is not something to be feared. It's something to be conquered.

Let's tell our children that every victory they have...a good grade, refusing to join a gang, avoiding drugs, learning to read...is a blow against the racist stereotypes that fuel hate.

And most of all, let's tell our children that nothing can stop them from succeeding...but them.