Home for the Holidays

The celebration of Christmas is by far the greatest holiday time in America.  No other holiday gets as much attention in terms of time, ads, celebrations, parties, gifts and sales.  It is as much a part of our way of life and culture that it is hard to separate it from other things that are happening at the same time.  It is also a time for the kids who are away at college or those sailors and soldiers who are deployed to come home.  It is a great time of the year in which to be thankful and spend some quality time with family and friends.    

Besides being the greatest holiday time, Christmas also has the most symbols that reflect this time of the year.  Each symbol has meaning and history as to why it is associated with Christmas.  And you can see them everywhere.  Some of the most notable symbols include the Christmas tree, holly branches, reefs, lights, decorations, candy canes, snowman, reindeer, Santa Claus, chest nuts, holiday parades, seasonal music and songs.  When you add in the faith community, there are even more symbols including the lighting of candles, the Star of David, special reading of scriptures about the birth of Christ, the wise men from the east, Shepherds in the fields, birth in a manger, angles, and special worship services to commemorate the occasion.      

Let’s not forget some of the thrills of this holiday that include the foods for meals and leftovers.    The food includes ham, turkey, pork chops, eggnog, coconut cake, sweet potato pie, mac and cheese, greens, rolls and corn bread, and of course this is just my short list.  The other thrill is the shopping for gifts for family and friends. There are tons of sales everywhere and there seems to be no shortage of items to choose from.     

But Christmas is much more than the symbols we use, the foods we eat and the shopping we do.  Christmas is about hope, love, joy and peace.  And believe me; we need a lot of each one.  It is about finding the real meaning of the coming of Christ into the world for such a time as this.  It’s a time to remember our blessings, help those who are less fortunate than we are and to find a way to help make our society better.  It is also a time to get together with family and friends, share the values of what we have in common and to focus on our future.  What do you think?              

Game On!!

If you have not notice it as of yet...we are already in the political season for 2016 and that is saying it mildly.  For many it seems that we just finished the last cycle only a few months ago.  And with each passing day it appears that someone is always running for some public office at the flip of a coin, drop of a hat or when an opportunity just comes available.  You get the feeling real quick that something is missing in the process that  people are more interested in running for or remaining in public office than getting things done for the people.      

I know you just can’t wait to start receiving all that promotional material including handouts, church fans and donation pledge cards.  Besides that, you will begin seeing ads on TV, yard signs, billboards, featured personal news stories and the debates.  And let’s not forget about being invited to attend town hall meetings, listening sessions, book signings, fund raising dinners, and few special rallies to get out the vote.   

From what I have seen and heard already, this upcoming election season will be something for the record books. I don’t mean just in terms of how many people who will be running for some kind of public office, but also in terms of how much money will be spend by each candidate.  The totals will be just “staggering” and “out the roof” for many.  To some observers, the money that is going to be spend would be enough to fund a middle size school district for an entire year or pay for a graduating high school class of 100 to attend college for four years.  It will be “off the chain” and we all see it coming. 

However, we must remember that all elections depend on whether or not enough voters come out to cast a vote for a particular candidate or on an issue that affects them.  The voter is the only person that really matters during each “political season.” It is up to voters to make sure their voices are heard on the issues.  Of course we have to understand that all elections are more about “local” issues than statewide or national. So today, its “Game On” for your vote for it really does count. What do you think?              

We Are United

Student protests on college campuses are not something new in America.  Throughout our American history, there have been numerous college student activities that highlight their dissatisfaction with a political, social or academic issue.  As a result, students have mobilized on their college campus to demonstrate and voice their dissatisfaction to the college administration. A number of these issues may spread throughout the campus, to other colleges and to the community at large. 

The protest issues vary and could include college policy, hikes in tuition, discrimination, an injustice, a firing of a popular instructor, limits on freedom of speech, need for more academic and support services, poor housing, and lack of diversity on staff and in administration. These protests can come in the form of sit-ins, walkouts, rallies, occupations of university offices or buildings, strikes, marches, hunger strikes, open letters, tent cities and boycotts.  Whatever the issue or what form is used, the student protest is about making a statement, seeking a remedy and taking a stand on something that matters to them. 

Some of the most notable student protests in America history occurred during the 1960's and included the University of California, Berkeley “Free Speech Movement”; Kent State and Jackson State University shootings and the Vietnam War protest; Ole Miss and University of Alabama enrollments protest and the Columbia University unrest over weapon research.  What is truly remarkable about many of these protests is the fact that many of them involved students from across diverse backgrounds.    

In the most recent high level student protest that occurred on campus at the University of Missouri, the core issues centered on racial intolerance and the unwillingness of university officials to talk with protesting students.  What started out as a one graduate student hunger strike; soon grew across social media, other colleges and to national headlines.   But unlike many of the protests of the past, this protect had something else added to the mix and included both short and long term financial impact to the university.  This student protest changed when 32 African American players on the college football team stood in solidarity with the protest and cited that they would not practice or play another game for the university until the one student ended his hunger strike. 

And just like that, the student protest turned into an economic impact with the possible loss of revenue from the remaining football games, conference fines and loss of donations from sponsors.  And within a matter of a few days and hours, the “little deal” had turned into a “big deal” and the University was forced to make changes and as a result the University President resigned effective immediately and later the same day the University of Missouri chancellor also resigned.  However, it was the Mayor of Colombia who stated that it will take more than the resignation of the university administration to bring about the change that is needed.  And he is right; it takes more than that, its takes changing the culture, perception and the optics of leadership.   What do you think?              

Living Along The Margins

In the minds of many the standing of any great nation, should not be found in how large it economy becomes, the projected power of its standing military, the amount of scholars it produces, the size of its manufacturing base... but should be measured by how it treats its people regardless of their socioeconomic status.  Regardless of where you travel in America, from big cities, the burbs, villages, rural and small towns...you can find people and families “living along the margins” in our economy.   This is considered living outside the “normal” or “mainstream” or on the “edges of society.”

We have all seen it, perhaps experienced an episode or two of it or know of people who are currently trapped in the “margins” of our society.   The margins are areas or time/space in which people have just enough on which to survive or to just get by.  They have no leeway or room for anything to go wrong.  For people “living along the margins” in our economy is just as much of a way of life and how things will continue to unfold in this 21^st century.  

There are a number of reasons and contributing factors why people are living there, for some it is by choice, complacency and some because of circumstances.  For some find themselves being marginalized because of their race, criminal history or disenfranchised from participating in the process. Additionally, many people find themselves there due to living in poverty, homelessness, low wages, incurably mental illness and physical disabilities.  In addition, others are struggling with drug additions, domestic violence, discrimination, illiteracy or overcoming long term traumatic experiences from military service.     

In spite of how, why and when people begin “living along the margins,” there is a need for acknowledgement of this reality and that those trapped along these “edges” cannot be ignored.  This concept demands that people have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of who they are, where they live and where they come from.  The day is gone when we cannot afford to look the other way and pretend that the people on the margins of society do not exist... they just need some respect, understanding and an even playing field.   What do you think?              

Finding a Loophole

 If you believe that everyone will play by the same rules, obey the same laws and follow the same policies... than you must be living in another world, time or just wishful dreaming.  Every day a lot of people, business owners, companies and even those in government are being caught for taking advantage of “loopholes” that exist in rules and laws.  Amazingly, some of these “loopholes” have existed for years without anyone taking notice.  We can find them in our tax codes, off shore banking, online gambling, gun ownership, voting rights, public policy, health care and insurance policies.  

Believe me, finding “loopholes” is not something new in this 21^st century, it’s been an ongoing practice since creation.  In nearly everything that has been created for the common good there have always been individuals who look for ways in which to take advantage of the rules for personal gain, power and for profit.  In some situations running afoul of the rules, breaking laws, and finding ways in which to exploit for some is common practice until they are caught.

Of course a “loophole” is defined as an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules.  It also can be viewed as an error in the way a law, rule, or contract has been written that makes it all possible to legally avoid obeying it all.  Additionally, it may allow for another interpretation of the same rules that yield a different set of outcomes.   

 

The average resident has nothing against forward progress, new rules and well-intended programs that are focused on helping to rebuild neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for all.  And that is what most people really want, a fair chance or a balance playing field in which to achieve success in life and business.  However, the real problem comes when the rules are not followed, exceptions are made, ways are created to skirts around the process, no bid contacts, special treatment is extended and “favoritism it given to a few and it’s the game of who you know and who knows you”... that matters.     What do you think?              

Going Round in Circles

It been over 40 years, when in 1972, Billy Preston, recorded a single entitled “Will It Go Round in Circles” on his album “Music is My Life.” The song became number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks and sold over a million copies.  Preston was considered a virtuoso keyboardist on a Hammond Organ and recognized as a top session musician in the 1960s.  During this time, he played and recorded with some of the greatest musical artists of his era, including Little Richard, Sam Cook, Ray Charles and the Beatles.

The song was very popular among those of us in high school or college during that time.  And if you loved to be on the dance floor, it was one of your best grooves for it got you moving to the beat.  Unlike today’s music, the song was easy to sing along with because of its carefree melody and lyrics. Similarly, this song was reflective of other songs of the early 1970s and came out while the Vietnam War was still going on, drug use was on the rise, poverty was growing, public housing was booming, social unrest and injustice was still common place. 

Nevertheless, it was a song that gave us something to think about in an abstract kind of way.  It resonated with a lot of people because of its unique meaning of progress and opened up our thinking about life and how to see things.  However, this song spoke to us, even if we did not fully grasp its meaning at that time...“I’ve got a song, I ain’t got no melody...I’ma gonna sing it to my friends.”  And yet, “I’ve got a story, I ain’t got no moral... Let the bad guy win every once in a while.” And further, “I’ve got a dance, I ain’t got no steps, no, ... I’m gonna let the music move me around.” And of course the chorus with questions, “Will it go round in circles? Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky?

And when we think of where we are today... many of our parents and grandparents were marching in the 1960s and 70s for equal rights, respect, better way of life, future opportunities and the America Dream, and guess what? We are still marching today... Go figure!  It’s seems that if we have not learn anything from our past then our forward progress is even harder to measure.  Amazingly, all the work done by our ancestors toward progress continues to our struggle as well.  “Will it go round in circles?” is still the question.  What do you think?              

Let's Be UpFront

At first look glance, it seems that we are making some progress by what  people are saying,  stories written, town hall meetings held, radio talk shows, big plans being suggested and a  “blue ribbon committee” being formed that will study the problem and find a solution.  But just like some real live “magic act” and after some time the “big idea” somehow just disappeared into thin air or reduced to something you cannot even imagine.  There is no follow up, no point person taking the lead, no follow through and in the words of one community resident recently... “A lot of wind, some sounds of thunder... but no rain.”  Another resident cited ... “it’s the same old; same old ...nothing going to change...it’s just a different day.”  

This ugly truth is being played out each year and the story of what residents are saying is quite revealing.  Today, most residents are just trying to hold on to what they have, a roof over their head, food on the table and clothes on their backs.  In addition, they would also like a decent retirement, some health care, live in safety, raise their families, treated with respect and be at peace with their neighbors.  That is not too much to ask, you would think. 

But it appears that when a resident or group of residents attempt to participate in a particular program or two that would go a long way to improve their neighborhood, there seems to always be a “catch to it,” an “O by the way moment.”  That is also followed by a push back, further scrutiny, more guidelines and some other “hoops” to go through in order to “qualify.”  And then told that if they are not selected for this program, there are some other programs they might quality for.       

A lot of people get it, the limits, the process, the past, the scrutiny and even the “hoops” to go through.  But what all residents really want to know is to be told upfront about what it will take to participate, without some additional add-ons after application.  And you know what, that also not too much to ask for either.  We all want to have an opportunity to participate in programs and initiatives that will make our communities better, safer and healthier.  Our city is facing some huge challenges, but let’s be upfront about them.  What do you think?              

Looking For a Party

The local and national elections for 2016 are shaping up to be one for the record books in terms of who is running for some kind of public office.  If you think that things are interesting now with some of the non-politicians leading in the early polls... just wait, there is more to come...for there will be more people filing their papers and paying filing fees soon. 

Of course main stream media has already taking their stand on candidates of the two major parties (Dems and GOP) in whom they feel have the potential to reach the highest office in the nation.  Each of these candidates have been given the media space to share their views, to participate in debates on national television, and to promotion their message on radio and through social media.  Additionally, main stream media continues to spend considerable time, resources and assign people to make sure that the top candidates are being covered at all times... and they call that... “being on the campaign trail.”  In addition, they have posted the results of early polls of likely voters by states and from national surveys.   It is truly remarkable to see how this political process begins and unfolds as time goes on during each major election cycle.  Of course we must account for those candidates that drop out alone the way for one reason or another.   

On the other hand, main stream media does not give “third party” candidates little to any attention at all.  They are not considered to be major players in how things are done or “go down” in Washington DC these days.  Just like the two major parties, the dozen or so “third parties” do have political platforms and do offered up candidates, but struggle to get their message out due limited access to funding and wide spread voter support.  However, these “third parties” do exist and include the America’s, American Freedom, Constitution, Green, Libertarian, Objectivist, Socialism and Liberation, Peace and Freedom, Prohibition, Reform, Socialist, and Veterans Parties.  And if we add in the other political parties that have not selected their candidates and “yes” all those (100 or so) independent and write-in candidates, it will be something to behold in some states of who is on the ballot for President.          

But in reality, people tend to vote first on issues and for people on the local level, “where the rubber meets the road” and “where pocketbooks are being affected.”   And even at the local level in the city of Milwaukee as well as in the county... the list of potential candidates for various offices continues to grow.  This upcoming and ongoing political season will be one that will seemly amaze us all as it begins to unfold and as we try to find out who has the “best message” as we try to address the mountain of issues that are now affecting our community.  It’s going to be a wide ride for sure and getting out the vote will be another... just remember to wear your party hat?  What do you think?              

Keep It Movin

Another week has come and gone and the challenges of urban America continue to grow.  Many of these challenges are well documented by the media and have become conversations at town hall meetings, community centers, Faith Based organizations and at houses of faith.  The solutions to these growing issues have so far resulted in a few if any noteworthy outcomes.  Needless to say, more work needs to be done and more people need to become actively engaged in the overall process to find answers. 

There are a number of ways in which to view what is happening in urban America.  On one hand, these growing challenges include high rates of poverty, increasing gun and domestic violence, a growing drug trade, expanding urban food deserts, limited access to health care, and lack of affordable quality housing and finding a livable wage job.   On another hand these growing challenges require additional social and governmental services to manage and deal with each unique crisis.  This in turn has created jobs in the areas of human services, social work, law enforcement, mental health and health care. 

Yet on another hand these growing challenges have create an illuminating cultural awareness that seemly looks the other way, ignores the “bad and ugly” and only focuses on things, programs, construction projects and initiatives that help bring out the best of the city.  This is not an uncommon attitude or position to have in terms of how people want their city to be perceived by others, big business, future conferences and for major sporting events.    

To be clear about it, we all desire that our urban city be seen in a positive light and as a city on the move, with things to do, place’s to go, exciting entertainment, sports, promising careers and wonderful people.  In addition, we all want the very best for ourselves, family, neighbors and community.  However, the truth is just as hard to face and to deal with when we know that so much of what we desire for a certain aspect of our city is not going to happen anytime soon.  In the true light of indifference and complex views in perceptions of what is a “great city,” we will always struggle to find a direction that fits.   Regardless of what is happening around us, we “cannot stop” moving forward.  What do you think?              

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

Deal or No Deal

The game show “Deal or No Deal” first appeared in America in December 2005 and ended in 2009.  The show was big hit with over 10-16 million viewers each episode during its first full season.  During the game, one contestant chooses one briefcase at a time from a selection of 26.  Each briefcase contained a cash value from $.1 to $1,000,000.  To start the game the contestant would select one briefcase that would remain on the table by them. 

It was over the course of the game that the contestant would begin to eliminate a few of the other briefcases at a time by having them opened by those holding them.  Periodically and after the opening a few cases the game would be stopped by the host and the contestant would be presented with a money “deal” from the Banker who was located upstairs in a darken room and would call the host by phone with the offer.  The Banker would make an offer to the contestant to stop now and take the money before continuing on with the game.  The offered amount would be based upon what the remaining dollar amounts left in briefcases not opened.  Then the contestant would have to make a decision to the take the “deal” or say “no Deal.”   

The process of opening briefcases would continue throughout the game and as more brief cases were opened the “deal” and amount of money being offered by the Banker would go up or down based solely on what the remaining dollar amounts where in the unopened briefcases. As time as time when on and more briefcases were opened the tension would build and the contestant would have to seek out help from the audience, family members and friends.  The question remained “do I take the money and quit or should I go on and believe that the first briefcase I selected is the right one with a lot of money?    

Similarly, it feels the same as if we were on the game show... with this new proposed sports arena for downtown Milwaukee.  Each week something new and another briefcase is opened and adds more to the mountain of information; public financing, timelines to make a decision, public input, promotion, county, state and city government.  All we can hear is ... “let get this arena deal done.”  The real sad thing about these kinds of situations or deals is that it is a recurring theme that is echoing all across America... it’s another city, difference people but the same music.  Don’t get me wrong... I am for progress, economic growth, job creation and moving forward... it’s not the overall concept of the “deal” that concerns me and others...it’s the specifics that may be a cause for alarm.  What do you think?             

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

When Education Matters

Nearly all parents are glad that a new school year has begun.  Most have been looking forward to the new school year since the end of the last one.  There are a number of reasons for such excitement including the amount of money spent over the summer, keeping their children safe, additional day care costs, finding a job for the teenager, being the chauffeur to and from youth activities and worried about the amount of time their children are left at home along.   

Since the founding of America, education continues to be a key cornerstone in our society that crosses every culture and ethnic group.  The education systems of our nation include both public and private schools on secondary and post-secondary levels.  A year does not go by in which every secondary school system in America goes through some kind of review process by educators, administrators, parents, advocates, elected board and general public.  The primary focus of the process is to ensure that schools operate efficiently, within budget and teachers provide grade level instruction that is age appropriate and that also meet local and national educational standards.  

One of the real challenges of education today is its rising cost and how to keep it affordable in the future.  The primary funding for all public schools comes from the state and local property taxes.  And because of this reality, funding for each school varies from district-to-district, city-to-city and state-to-state.  In contrast, urban school districts struggle each year to provide a high level of academic support for students due to a lower tax base that come from lower property values.  It’s not the same with suburban schools that are able to provide more simply because of more funding that comes from a higher property tax base.  Because of this glaring gap in funding, urban schools are unable to be on the same level as those schools in suburbia. How to close this gap still stirs much debate. 

It is indeed a challenging time for parents with the start of school, but there are also some great expectations and opportunities.  Besides buying some new clothes, medical exams, vaccinations, a book bag, supplies; there is also a need for children to read, learn math and understand science on grade level.  Additionally, there is a need for all parents to become more active and involved in the education of their children.  Of course there is a need for some faith that the upcoming school year will be a great one, safe and that the school selected will be a good fit.  Like it or not, good or bad, a new school year is upon us.  So the question is... “Are we ready for this school year and what can we do to make if even better?”  What do you think?             

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

When 'Straight Outta' Matters

The recent opening of a new movie called “Straight Outta Compton” certainly had a lot of people on edge.  Many movie theaters took extra precautions with additional security and the local law enforcement on alert if something happen.  No one knew what to expect and how it would be received.  But to everyone surprise the movie was a big hit: no disruptions, riots, outrage and disorderly conduct.  But nothing happen!!!

Universal Studios took the risk to produce this movie based on the rap group N.W.A from the 1980’s.  And now it is reaping the rewards and after just two weeks the movie has been at the top of the box office in US ticket sales with over $112 million so far.  What a gamble, since the last such movie based on a singing group the “Four Seasons” released by Warner Bros. and called the “Jersey Boys” did not fair that well.  Was it a matter of good timing, good marketing and promotion or an understanding about where we are in our national discourse about race in America?        

To me the movie was more than just looking at the rise of rap group that exploded upon the national scene, gained a following and launched the future careers of some of its member to unparalleled success in music, production, directing, TV and in movies.  But they were able to capture the real life struggles of those living in the inner city.  It also included issues in personal relationships, hustles, black-on-black gang violence, poverty, crime, justice, drug trade, street survival and mistreatment by law enforcement.  Many of the things they spoke about and lived through continue to resonate even today. 
   

Even the media critics saw the strength, message and the mission of the movie.  In so many ways the movie captured a period of uncertainty and downward spiral within many Black communities.  It also exposed the linger gap in community leadership, meaningful employment and the abandonment of those living in the inner city of America. To my surprise the interest and acceptance of this move by a younger generation of African Americans also reflected a growing need to take a serious look at history, the roads taken and paths walked.  We all are   “outta” some place...if we claim it or not.  What do you think?             

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

When Hip Hop Matters

I know that the founding fathers of our great country did not see this coming...not at all... and perhaps they would be just as lost as many of us baby boomers are today in understanding and embracing the world of “Hip Hop.”  It is not just the music; but it is a culture all to itself.  I know what you are thinking and I am with you... as a baby boomer myself, I find it hard to put my hands around this new culture at times, its style, flavor and message...and that is putting it mildly.

What began as an organic cultural expression that has its roots in other music genres of African Americans including slave songs, Negro spirituals, blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, rock and roll, soul, funk, and disco; “Hip Hop” continues to evolve.  Just like the musical genres that preceded it, “Hip Hop” has become more than just a musical expression; it has become a way of life for a newer and younger generation.  It has affected us all.  
  

What a phenomenon!  Its growth and expansion has become so big that it has sparked a new movement and created a cultural shift that continues to shape and reshape the way things are viewed, marketed and remembered.  It has changed our music, language, technology, dress codes and now generates more than $10 billion per year.  Hip Hop is not just an African American thing; it has impacted the entire nation, future generations, but also the global community.  It has moved beyond its musical roots of rap, rhyming speech that is chanted, DJing/scratching, break dancing and graffiti writing.  It has transformed into a dominant and ever increasingly lucrative lifestyle.  It’s a lifestyle that has sparked the creation of new industries within fashion, accessories, foods, hair styles, cars, houses and new technologies.    

For those who see this “Hip Hop” culture as a bad thing and at times some of it has been destructive, but I see something more...much more.  Before this “Hip Hop” culture passes the torch to the next musical genre era... it has also becoming a movement that is inspiring people to vote, become active in civil rights, politics, economic development, better housing, expanded health care for all, improving the quality of education and most of all... it is helping to build some self-respect, self-esteem and self-worth.  It one thing to become rich from this moment in the movement... it’s another thing to help others to improve the quality of their lives before it ends.    What do you think?             

When Leadership Matters

 It is truly amazing that most people have a hard time in acknowledging true leadership when they see it before their very own eyes.  Many are quick to point out the qualities of what should be in a “good” leader, their habits, passion and vision.  They can also point to what are the qualities of a “bad” or “poor” leader.  The real point is that there are leaders all around us; we see them every day, for leaders are people who lead other people with a purpose. 

The real problem is that we have a difficult time really understanding what leadership is and what it takes to be a so call “good” leader.   Leadership has difference meanings because of   situations, cultures and by career.  In some aspects a person can be seen as a leader due to their role within a certain community, context, event, and job or during a crisis.  In some unique situations, leaders and leadership takes various forms that are reflective of the needs of that organization, company or group of people.  And with all the issues we are facing within law enforcement, education, health care, social services, and housing; we need true leadership.   

Today, the greatest need for our nation is to have men and women to become effective leaders in communities, cities and across the nation. This includes having leaders at every level of our society, regardless of their age, race, ethnic background and religious faith.  We need leaders who are transformational, authentic, path finding and servants.  It is one thing to rise to the top of a company, a CEO, an Executive Director, manager, or an elected Official; but it is another thing to become a the leader when it matters the most and the quality of life for others is at stake and their lives do matter. 

In my view, true leaders are not known by what they say, but rather by what they get done.  And that is where we are falling short, we have a lot of people “saying it loud and saying it proud,” but where are the results or the noteworthy outcomes?  Some people are in leadership for their own personal gain and pretend to lead when helps them to look good.  I also know that leadership is without easy answers and that someone has to be in charge to take the credit or the blame.  But I believe that real leaders always emerge from the crowd when the stakes are high and failure is not an option.  What do you think?             
 

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.  

 

When Justice Matters

Just like a page out of US History, we are witnessing and reliving events that reveal an ugly truth about our nation’s past... “Some people's lives do not matter.” With each passing day, another incident grips the headlines and shockingly exposes what so many of us already know that our criminal justice system needs an overhaul.  And soon, if not already there, we are coming to an impasse of what to do about it.  Clearly, what is going down is not working.   

Today, many see our criminal justice system as being flawed and out of balance... especially when you consider that people of color are disproportionately paying a higher price when it comes to charges, length of sentences and incarceration.  And it does not stop there, even after paying the fines, serving time and reentry back into the community there is an ongoing stigma that comes along with being involved with the criminal justice system.  For many the nightmare never stops and getting back to some kind of normal life is an ongoing battle. 

Not only are we wrestling with the social impact of a broken system, we are also dealing with a system that is becoming overwhelmed with the sure volume of societal problems that are “out of sight” and “out of mind.”  And with the emergence of videos by “John Q Public” being produced via cell phones and shared on the internet has opened our eyes to the good, the bad, the ugly and the just awful in real time.  These “game changer” videos have added to the need for more system reform and a challenge to the status quo. 

Let’s get real about it; many of our problems are deeply rooted cultural biases that continue to create barriers to reforming our criminal justice system.  At the center of it all is the troubling fact that “racism and poverty,” are major factors.  Additionally, it’s seems that more “gray” areas are now appearing, where there are unknowns and it keeps us asking the question, “How can we make the system better for all, regardless of race or socioeconomic status?”  I don’t know about you, but it’s time for a change and where all lives matter.  And in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  What do you think?      

When Peace Matters

I know that “World Peace Day” is officially observed a few months from now, but we need help today.  The widespread of senseless gun violence and drug use throughout our country are just signals that many aspects of our society are out of balance and things are going wrong for so many.  This issue and more are fueling the growing level of mistrust in public officials, law enforcement and policy makers.  In so many ways concerned citizens are getting fed up with the “business as usual” attitudes and approaches to solving the problems of the community.  

The rapid increase in gun violence and drug use is also fueling the charge in more shootings, more deaths and a greater concern for public safety and awareness.  In many ways these are indicators that something has to give and things need to change for the better.  Of course, that too is also a problem! What those changes should be and who is making the suggestions also draws suspicion.  For many cannot envision a transparent effort and impact when those affected are not invited to the table where decisions made and policies are written.    

Obtaining peace is a tough sell... it is easy to talk about, but it is hard to put into action.  Finding ways to de-escalate situations, conflicts and personal grudges is quite an undertaking and takes considerable skill, training and patience.  Additionally, trying to find ways to limit the access to guns and drugs is also an uphill battle, both legally and underground.   In addition, these enterprises are “big business,” regardless of the times. 

In order for peace to be a selling point of a good society and finding solutions to make things better, there has to be a better understanding of what peace is all about.  This process must involve people from various socioeconomic levels of our society and not those just on top.  The dialog must be real, where people voices are heard and ideas are valued.  Peace is not just a nice topic to talk on, but can become a reality if we are committed to the process of accepting others and what they bring to the table.  What do you think?      

When Mentoring Matters

In every major city in our nation, there are numerous agencies and organizations that offer one kind or another mentoring for youth.  The size and scale of the mentoring program being offered depends largely upon whether or not it is a primary objective, mission or vision for that organization.  It also depends if it is being funded through a grant, receives special funding from some other interested party or is of a particular interest to the agency leader, the board, team members or the general staff.  It is certainly a nice talking point and makes for an enriching conversation among friends, community partners, business leaders and civic officials. 
          

Mentoring is a process we all know something about and perhaps grew up involved as a mentee and perhaps now serve as a mentor.  Throughout all our lives, we had those caring adults, older students, teachers, coaches, a counselor, neighbors, church parishioners or a family member who gave us some much needed advice or just took us under their wings to show us the way and how thing are done.  In so many ways mentoring can be seen as “life coaching” and has always been something done one-on-one, in a group, joining a club or by being on a team.  Measuring how effective any mentoring program continues to be hard to measure by any standard and is for open debate.   

Today, mentoring takes on many forms and shapes, even if we do not see it as mentoring.  Mentoring does not have to be something that is so rigid or inflexible.  It can be something that occurs on a schedule, over time, a specific time table, date, weekly, by topic, and includes a conversation during a planned outing or over lunch.  And with modern technology and social media now in play, mentoring or aspects of mentoring as well as a mentoring conversation can take place on a whole new dimension.   
  

Developing and building an effective mentoring program for any age group is quite a challenge and that is not understatement.  It is a tall order.  In any regard, it takes a considerable amount of time to create, to recruit mentors, screenings, conducting training sessions, paper work, and background checks and to maintain communication.  Mentoring is needed, mentoring is necessary and it is what is missing for a large segment of this current younger generation, especially those (16-24) and involved in Juvenile Court.  I currently am working with the WestCare Wisconsin, Face Forward program to develop a quality mentoring team.  Putting this mentoring team together is a challenge.  A few of my biggest problems are trying to find caring adults who want to make a difference the lives of a new generation and additional funding for mentors.  If interested, give me a call... you are needed and welcomed.    

When Forgiveness Matters

In the wake of one the largest mass shootings at a Black Church in American History, a number of enduring heartfelt lessons occurred.  One of those lessons happened during the bond hearing of the shooter, when all of the affected families of the 9 that were killed had a chance to speak during that hearing.  One after one, they all spoke about their love ones in endearing terms and then amazingly offered the words of “forgiveness” to the shooter.  “I forgive you...”  

As those words rang out, it took everyone by surprise, it shocked a nation, it shocked a world and it certainly shocked those living in South Carolina.  No one expected to hear those words in public from any family member and especially so early in the process while holding the shooter accountable.  I believe that those words ignited a fire storm and a series of events that called for action on a number of underling issues that have pledged that state for decades, if not longer.  This included the removal of the confederated flag, expanding voting rights, reducing poverty, racial equality, improving employment opportunities and a review of state policies on gun purchases.  For all of that, Charleston; South Carolina and even America will never be the same. 

From my viewpoint and having once lived in Edgefield, South Carolina, did my Naval Reserved Duty in Charleston, and visited the city on numerous occasions, what occurred two weeks ago was a “huge moment” and it sparked a new debate about the symbols of slave history and its long lasting effects.  Let us not forget that unlike other states in the old south, South Carolina has a unique place in American history for not only being a slave state, but for  epic civil war battles, large plantations, shrewd politicians, sea ports, slave auction houses, secession from the union, and an enduring legacy of poor treatment towards African Americans and other migrants.        

What makes the events that occurred in Charleston even more distinctive is the fact that the families members of those killed at the church chose to “forgive” the shooter.  They certainly did not have say that, but they did.  And perhaps that is where we are today as a society as a whole, we have learn how to “forgive” others.  This is the hard part and the struggle is real as it can get, when words cannot express how we really feel, the pain, the lost and the grief.  Perhaps Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. What do you think?