What Legacy Will We Leave?

(Photo by Josh Hoover)

Emerging Voices

Thoughts of the day:

I

believe that the emerging discussion demonstrates the importance of education's role in creating a sustainable future.  Moreover, we must take this same stance in Georgia.  Creating policy on the local and state level that will challenge our children to be better students and critical thinkers, empower teachers to be cheerleaders for the students and to give more attention to teaching and shaping the minds of the next generation instead of looking for ways to get through a section of book while dealing with disruptions in the class.

While this may seem to be the norm in many schools, this is not the norm for every school system in the state and nation for that matter.  There must be adequate funding across the board for school systems. I understand that some districts generate more revenue based on the mill levy for corporations.  The only problem is that one county may have the ability to assess lower taxes and can offer incentives for a corporation to move in, thereby increasing funds for the development of that area.  We must ensure adequate funding for all of our students. What better way to invest in our future by providing them with the necessary tools to be an educated, critical-thinking, and productive member of our society. This should be our aim, these should be our goals!

Many times throughout history, we have heard one of the truest demonstrations of leadership is how well one serves others.  This is only evidenced by the many people that we esteem who served others, (Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandella, Harriet Tubman, and the list goes on). These are more notable individuals, but there leaders all around us. These leaders allowed their minds and hearts to be stretched, to accept the charge of leading others to greatness as a servant. We must attempt to move forward and meet this challenge head-on. Our time is now!

Question of the day:

If you were to look at the education system, (Head-Start, K-12 and Higher Education) which of the needs the most attention in the state of Georgia? Nationwide?

Link of the day:

Arne Duncan and Spike Lee visit Morehouse College

Style Tip of the day:

Have your measurements taken by image/style expert, a specialty men’s shop, or a haberdashery. Be sure to keep them in mind when going shopping, this will greatly improve the fit of your clothes and save you some time when looking for a few new staples.

Signing off,

Marcellus J. Cooper

Choosing Your Words: "I believe we can be better."

Format: Going forward I have decided to take the time to marinate on the direction that I would like to see these postings take, and I truly believe I have found the right course. My posts will consist of thoughts of the day, a question of the day, site of the day, and the men's style tip of the day.

Choosing Your Words

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

 
Thoughts of the day: 


This past week has been a whirlwind of successes! Aside from finding a role that I am excited about, I am discovering greater joy in appreciating the support and well wishes of family and friends. Those who know me well, know that I am a thoughtful person who appreciates critical thought on the matters of life.  Sufficed to say, critical thinking is not a common skill in our world. To this end, I believe that in order to develop sustainable policies, stronger communities, and a more conscious person we must think about ways to chart our future.  How can we find ways to provide quality education for all who desire it? What can we do to protect our environment by "Going Green"? These questions challenge us to improve ourselves and create new opportunities for helping others. I entitled this composition with something that I believe represents the attitude of the critical thinker.

I, like President Obama believe that "we can be better people who do better". We must challenge ourselves to think differently and improve upon what we do in every facet of life in order to achieve this goal. We must raise the bar and rise to meet the challenge, instead of lowering the bar and calling our "met goals" successes.  This philosophy is both relevant and timely for the individuals that have the foresight to embrace a clarion call to excellence! Imagine, a world filled with people that are productive members of society who seek to do better in their life course.

What an awesome opportunity to help others grow and develop!

MJC

Question of the Day:

If you could improve the way your world works in one way, what would it be? Why?

Link of the Day:

AddMe Software (Owner: Brandon Poole)


Style Tip of the Day:

When wearing a 2 button coat, only button the top button. 

Thank you for taking the time to view and post comments. (Feel free to share this link if you would like).

Marcellus J. Cooper

Martin Luther King, Jr. and The Legacy of Leadership

"People do not attract that which they want, but that which they are." -James Allen (As a Man Thinketh)

I thought I would take the time this weekend to highlight the birthday of a very important figure in the civil rights, and some say human rights movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. I think that often, because of the position of Dr. King in the movement he has typically been the one figure that most know about.  I would argue that many figures that had an active role in the movement were not as easily recognizable to us when a name is said.  There must be a greater emphasis placed on weaving into the fabric of morals and values, a deeper and more sincere conviction in the soul of man. This challenge to our fellow man creates a new understanding of the truth about who we are as humans, the core of man.   

 

Seeking out a new challenge in life is some of what keeps a man's heart in rhythm, syncopated with the world around him.

 

To find a truth in life, we often must sacrifice those things most important to us. Finding "those things" creates consistency with what we are doing. When found to be consistent we become productive and conscious members of society.  Imagine what can happen when we empower others? I only more remembered people like Arthur Ashe, Althea Gibson, Crispus Attucks, Alexandre Dumas, Garrett Morgan, George Washington Carver, W.E.B. DuBois, John Hope Franklin, among many others that may not have names that are as easily recognizable for some.  My hope is that as a society, we find ourselves better equipped and more empowered to hold leadership accountable in this life.

More to come...

Link of the Day: Forehead Productions (Video Production Company)