Jarrett-Carter.com

In 2008, you have to have a new perspective on gaining attention and respect for our people. It’s no longer about common liberties such as riding a bus, enrolling in college, or choosing a profession.

It’s about equal opportunities in entrepreneurship, access to information, and the freedom from stereotypes in media and entertainment.

To that end, you have to be engaging. And not just in a way where people don’t mind talking to you. You have to draw people to you like a magnet, and get them to see that there’s a better way even in our perceived successes.

And if you want to do that, you want to pattern yourself after a timeless figure.

Al B. Sure.

Oh, there’s no reason to laugh, because the life and times of Al B. Sure can teach you more about how our people can progress in this country than a whole dance floor full of preachers, scholars and bloggers combined. I wouldn’t dream of containing Al B. Sure’s magnificence in words alone, but its just my offering to the world of how his example can bring about true change right away.

Think Outside of Your Success - It’s well known that Al B. Sure eschewed a chance at college football stardom and a career in the NFL for music. You have to follow this line of perspective and think outside of your success. Your talent may be in one area, be it professional or social, but your calling may be in something you might view as a hobby.

And that calling maybe the very thing our people will answer to.

Bring Someone With You - Al B. Sure could’ve rested on the strength of “Nite and Day,” but did he do that? No. He spawned the careers of bands like Jodeci, Tevin Campbell Faith Evans, and Usher. He didn’t generate success for himself and keep a forward view. He brought successors along for the ride with him.

Be willing to mentor and educate younger minds in the ways of our history. Encourage them that being black and advocating for our cause is not something left in generations past.

Diversify Your Brand - Al B. Sure has his hands in music, television, philanthropy, and community outreach. Don’t sell yourself to one avenue of commitment, but incorporate your talents into other forms of communication and exposure.

What may influence one person may not appeal to another, but you still have a message that is worth hearing.

The Setbacks Are Set-Ups for Success - P. Diddy stole Al B’s girl back in the day. Did that stop him from having two more kids? Absolutely not. Al B. moved on with his family commitments and his life after Diddy, and his doing his thing.

Bad things are going to happen. Trust that its God’s way of shaping character and keep on rolling.

If you follow these things, the impact you will have on your community and its growth will be like night and day.

And if you thought you’d get away without the video, sorry to disappoint you.