How The Struggle Inspires Greatness

Over the weekend Jay Z was awarded into the songwriters Hall of Fame. The first rapper to ever do so. He stated, "By the way, this is a win for US (Hip Hop). I remember when rap was said to be a fad. We are now alongside some of the greatest writers in history." In honor of Jay Z's huge accomplishment Former President Barack Obama honored him by stating how Jay Z's music influenced him throughout his life. He even mentioned that he used Jay's lyrics in some of his speeches during his presidency. What Jay Z and Barack Obama have in common they are both BLACK,  they both grew up without a father in their life (humbling beginnings), they are both intelligent, and both of their wives are more famous than they are (laughs out loud). 

There is something about coming from humbling beginnings. When you are in less fortunate circumstances you don't have much to work with. You are forced to use what you have in your environment which then pushes you to be creative. I mean its either this or be depressed all day! It's an internal hunger for CHANGE, you want better. You set goals for yourself and no matter what you make it your priority to accomplish them. People become successful in their own ways, everyone can't afford college but that didn't STOP Jay Z from being the brilliant businessman that he is today and according to Beyonce that is what attracted her to him the most. Whereas President  Obama graduated from Harvard dove into politics and excelled beyond anything we as black people would have ever imagined. BOTH will go down in history for the best to ever do it!

On yesterday (Fathers Day) I expressed my dad's struggle for the first time on any platform about him growing up without a father. My dad is the oldest of five siblings. My grandmother is a pioneer in the church and my grandfather at the time was a minister. For whatever reason he left my grandmother and this was hurtful, shameful, etc My father and his siblings went from living in a house to the projects. Of the five siblings there were four boys and one girl. Each of them faced tremendous struggle in their life's journey. They all grew up in the public school system (Birmingham Al) which is often stereotyped as the worst form of education. Which maybe true, but the talent found in these schools are UNMATCHED!

They didn't let their environment dictate their destiny today:

My father is a graduate of UAB  with an accounting degree

He was the first black to receive the position  he had when he graduated college.

Today, he is a well respected Pastor who helps in the community

Uncle Melvin Turner III

Also known as "cadillac" got this nickname because he broke track records in high school and Mississippi State University. He was an awesome football player as well and his name is still at the top I think he played corner back.

Today he works for the city of Vestavia, as the Finance Director he has a Masters degree

Uncle Patrick Turner

Drum major in high school, member of Kappa Fraternity graduated from Kentucky State studied public administration. Worked at Georgia State University for about 20 years. Earned his masters and now PhD studied curriculum and instruction. He also participated in the art of dance well respected in ballet in Atlanta, Georgia. He also is a personal trainer. Today he lives in Montana where he has recently accepted a position at the University,  the first black to have this high position.

Uncle Derek Turner is deceased but he had the biggest heart of them all. He was known for his cooking and BIG personality. He also earned a college degree

Aunt Cresetta Turner

Majorette in high school. survived two marriages as a single mother put all her girls through school successfully they all graduated high school and attends college Tuskegee University, UAB, and Alabama State University. She also earned her degree and has accepted a high position at Regions Bank

You see it doesn't matter what you've been given, it is how well you maximize your goals. I will never understand how some people are blessed with so much but yet are so ungrateful. For example, their parents put them in the best schools, they had car/s to drive, they have great careers, they grew up in the best of neighborhoods, they are popular in school. ALL of these advantages but you complain, you are mean to others instead of supporting. DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT WE WOULD HAVE GIVEN TO HAVE WHAT YOU HAVE? Instead we had to fight for EVERYTHING! We have to work 10x harder to become who we are today. This has been on my heart for awhile and I just had/ NEED to Express.

JAY Z and BEYONCE are now billionaires. For Fathers Day weekend Jay Z paid bail for certain inmates to get out to see and be with their families because they are trapped in the system. They can't afford to get out! And 9x's out of 10  they maybe in jail or prison for a crime they didn't commit. Or a small crime that doesn't require the amount of time they have been sentenced. JAY Z also announced his new album 4:44 an open letter to his father Adnis that is set to be released on June 30th.

 CHEERS TO ALL THE BLACK MEN OUT HERE MAKING MOVES I CELEBRATE YOU AND I APPRECIATE YOU. 

TODAY MY FATHER AND HIS SIBLINGS HAS FORGIVEN MY GRANDFATHER. THEY HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP. THEY GO HUNTING TOGETHER WHENEVER HE COMES TO TOWN FROM CALIFORNIA. MY GRANDFATHER IS THE BEST COOK HE HAS HIS OWN BUSINESS.**