Young Black & Gifted but STILL In AMERICA!!!
WOW! What a time to be alive. Inspired by Donald Glover, Fola Kemi, Eric Thomas (Saga Marketing)
Imagine being 23 years old with a M.B.A. with no debt. The world is yours, right? I mean this seems beyond the norm, right? Now let’s add in all the other features: being a published author, a former D-1 Basketball team captain, and left a foundation of hard work for the losing basketball program. Shall I continue? Public Speaking around the country, mentoring young aspiring student athletes, rebranding Essential Colors, coaching athletes for The Family-Detroit, and watching over my 92-year-old great-grandmother while moving from Houston,Tx to Detroit, Mi., a city in a rebuilding period. I could go on, but you get the point. The opportunities should be endless.
This is an awesome position to be right? I can’t lie. I don’t take any part of my life for granted. This took a lot of work but as I look around being a black millennial.... it’s easy to see no matter how bright my future is... it’s STILL AMERICA. That has so many meanings, where do I begin?
As you all may know.... Donald Trump out of all the wonderful Americans in politics and business ... we chose him? We chose him because he played on America big divider which is race, hate, and other differences. Also, the systematic process of companies is built to make young professionals work their way up the ladder, no matter if you are more qualified than the person above you? How Sway? Oh, right… you need at least 5-10 years of experience to keep people job security. Companies afraid black millennials would at some point potentially take their jobs? I never thought of how much the American system or way of life affects me... I think I have become numb to it, but lack of discrimination and true freedom is more real than ever.
I think their are two sides to my perspective that I see going on.... I truly want to be an entrepreneur and own my own business or least work up under someone for a few years. You know like most affluent Jewish families do… set up their kids to run a business or help them get into an industry that interest, them. The way my family circumstances are set up, that is not an option.
After not being able to have the full support of starting the business like I would like... now let’s just focus on getting a job and creating income to support my business ideas down the road. It’s tough because you are devaluing yourself for a position you’re probably too qualified to do and being underpaid to do so. But on the other hand, by the time you finish the 9-5 you are usually too tired and lose focus of your goal.
This is the reality of many black millennials and other people seeking more out of life. But I guess you must beat the system before you can change it? At least that’s what I felt I was taught from the past generation. To all the soldiers or people in the same boat, I wish you the best. Keep your head up and don’t give up on the life you will soon live. Just understand it will take more time than it should because of how America is set up.
Enjoy the ride and don’t look at yourself as less because you are doing things need to do to get you where you want. Remember Prince was once a janitor in exchange for studio time.
But this might just be me… in due time things will change, this is my current state and I trust the journey of life for the greater development. Good fortune to all... especially to the young black millennials.
