more middle of nowhere ohio part deux

College graduations are always an adventure.  I mean, do you like sitting on bleacher slabs for 2 hours?  I do, because it means I get to see my family/friends pass milestones.  Way to go Dennis!  Let's keep up that Harris motto: do it right, do it right the first time

Go Dennis, go Dennis, go

Now let me get on my little soapbox and say 2 things:
Black men,
You need to rise up.  You don't have excuses.  No, not every girl wants a thug.  Stop that mess.  If you want to quit stereotypes get yourself together and get an education.  Sports stardom and music production are pipe dreams, it's time to get real. 

Society,
Stop putting down black men by expecting them to fit into a box.  They are our brothers, sons, and fathers.  They are capable, and men of integrity.  Don't diss a brother because he's wearing a suit and not Nike's, going to college instead of running the streets.  Just because a man has his act together does not mean he is "bougie." 

Love,
Katie

Comments

[heidi]

congrats to dennis that's a big milestone, i hope i graduate college some day

[Christina]

Your words ring so true. My husband was picked on terribly(as a child) by others in his community when he didn't follow the "thug route" or fit into the "box" society has built for black men. My husband always stayed true to himself became a successful attorney and remains a role model for our kids and other young black men.

Education is the only way to break the terrible cycles that await our young men.

Now it's time for me to step down from my soap box :)
Loved this post!

[Brittany]

"Stop that mess." That had me cracking up. I loved this post. You are so right.

[sherri]

Wow... what inspired this post?? ;-)

Congratulations to your cousin. He is embarking on a new phase in his life.

Most of the Black men I know are just regular guys. Smart, not thug-esque or planning a career in entertainment or sports, intelligent upstanding citizens. It could be that I have been fortunate enough to hang around like minded folks.

Although it used to upset me, I now tend to ignore or discard comments from society that these type of men(and women) are an anomoly. I have never felt like an oddity in fact most of my friends are like me. I chalk it up to believing media hype or having limited experience. Oh well... hopefully, we live and learn!

[Keya]

Well said Katie & Congrat's to your cuz!

[Tonya]

Thank you. Well said.