“A Tortured Soul: 401 Years (1619-2020) of Race Relations – Shades of Grey in American Justice” was painted by artist Don West, Jr. to highlight the Transgenerational Trauma of Institutional Racism.
Yesterday, I was inspired to create a piece of art and as we are only 10 days removed from the on camera murder of George Floyd, I was forced to contemplate the current state of justice and race relations in our country. Knowing that today would be Breonna Taylor’s (the EMT killed in her home while police served a search warrant at the wrong address in Louisville, Kentucy) 27th birthday. Breonna’s killer’s have not faced any charges to date.
The piece is intended to bring attention to the 401 years of transgenerational trauma associated with history of race relations, institutional racism, and justice in America. Transgenerational trauma refers to trauma that passes through generations. The idea is that not only can someone experience trauma, they can then pass the symptoms and behaviors of trauma survival on to their children, who then might further pass these along the family line. Our history of justice in America impacts us all.
The piece is entitled, “A Tortured Soul: 401 Years (1619-2020) of Race Relations – Shades of Grey in American Justice”
“A Tortured Soul: 401 Years (1619-2020) of Race Relations – Shades of Grey in American Justice”
Don’t let them change ya, oh
Or even rearrange ya
Oh, no
~ Bob Marley, “Could You Be Loved”
This has been one AMAZING year for the Dubbs! I am grateful and thankful for my family and all the individuals who have contributed to this year’s journey. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart! I write you this missive from the kitchen table of my parents in Huntsville, Alabama on a lovely Christmas Day. (It is unusually warm for Christmas in Alabama – the windows are open… etc.) I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it home to my parents’ place for Christmas this year, but I stuck to the plan… and things worked out. Like the leader Hannibal from the 80’s tv show The A Team, “I love it when a plan comes together.”
Yesterday, was my first day back in Huntsville after a year-long absence and I was greeted by several family members visiting from Philadelphia including my Dad’s older brother, my Uncle Gary. Gary, and his partner John, enthusiastically inquired where we could screen a home video from 1992 that was made during the graduation party held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after I completed my time at Huntsville High School. As a legacy specialist the video recorded by my Uncle John is a priceless treasure trove of family history, images, and most impactful of all, the voices of loved-ones who have long transitioned from our earthly plane.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as I listened to my Dad’s mother wish me congratulations, offer me a blessing, and proffer up a reminder that I am to always remember the sacrifices necessary to build the man, as well as an edict to share the knowledge and learning acquired in my future endeavors. Well, 1992 was 27 years ago, and the journey has been vast and deep, starting ten days after the party that I mention here, I found myself laying in a top bunk at the United States Navy’s Naval Training Center in San Diego, California for a nine week edition of U. S. Navy Boot Camp.
My father has always taught us, “Plan your work and work your plan.” I did just that Dad, and as a result I am able to share Christmas in person with you this year. A blessing wrapped up in a child being obedient to the wise instructions gifted by the parents.
May the Universe Bless you and yours. May the Ancestors smile on your endeavors along the journey. May the world know the wonders of your character by the works you leave behind.
Merry Christmas. Happy Kwanza! And all the most meaningful experiences and lessons for us all in the year 2020.
Success travels in the company a very hard work. There is no trick, no easy way.
~ Coach John Wooden, Creator of the Pyramid of Success
Below Coach Wooden discusses the two Cornerstones of the both his Pyramid of Success and Don’s Legacy Pyramid,™ Industriousness & Enthusiasm.
“I think anyone’s success depends on working hard, Industriousness and Enthusiasm, enjoying what you are doing. You can’t work your best if your not enjoying what you are doing. No way can you force yourself to.”
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”
~ Albert Einstein
#quote #alberteinstein #imagination #important #knowledge #understand #entireworld #entireuniverse #AmazingThoughtz #AmazingPath
Live & In Stone #5 of the Legacy Pyramid – The Junto or Mastermind
(Junto – noun jun·to ˈjən-(ˌ)tō
According to Napoleon Hill, “To be great you have to surround yourself with greatness and feed off of it.” The Junto/Mastermind is created through harmony of purpose and effort between two or more people.
Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin was a part of a Junto called, The Leather Apron Club.
“This is the foundation of success nine times out of ten – having confidence in yourself and applying yourself with all your might to your work.”
~ Thomas Wilson
Reflections:
Today is the Super Bowl, arguably the most watched tv event in the United States. There are two teams, the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots, vying for NFL’s coveted Lombardi Trophy 🏆. Every player who takes the field today will have his confidence tested and his lifetime’s body of work evaluated and analyzed in front of millions. We will literally be able to watch these gridiron gladiators fight with all their might in the quest to win Super Bowl LI.
Like many of us each of these men have been working hard toward their goal for years, even decades in some cases. It is rare that one is able to pursue a life goal in such clearly defined terms as the Super Bowl provides. For many of us the goal is much more ethereal, we are seeking to be great parents, trustworthy friends, amazing producers and creators. No matter what the quest there is a common denominator recounted by those who are successful – they apply everything they have to their pursuit. Whether it is in the gym, the library, the laboratory or the board room you must give it all that you have got.
I have been able to watch elite NFL players prepare for their seasons and get ready for the rigors of the gridiron. I have also watched talented individuals prepare for law school exams and prepare for the notorious bar exam. Again, they share several things in common – an intense focus on the task at hand, a fervent belief in their ability to accomplish the task and a wholehearted commitment to the work required.
So as you enjoy the heroics of today’s contest, ask yourself what is your Super Bowl, what is it that you are working toward? Do you have something in your life that you are going all in on? I’d love to hear what it is. Share what you are willing to work for.
Don West Jr. - BLOG 