A few weeks ago, an up and coming, prominent online publication solicited its viewers/readers, offering them an opportunity to write for their periodical. The criteria for the position included it being non-paying, the expectation of writing daily posts on sports and sports entertainment [minimum of five (5) stories daily], and that the writers social media spaces be professional at ALL time.  I submitted my application and advised the company from the beginning of my beliefs and everything I was attempting to accomplish with my personal and business endeavors.  In response, I received correspondence thanking me for my inquiry but to maintain a professional decorum with their corporate sponsors, someone of my thought process would not be beneficial to their growth and expansion.  And therein lies the rub. When does standing by your principles hinder you from enjoying opportunities that could advance your career aspirations or sustain life?

And thus the quandary, which has been the problem that has been posed to those that are willing to make life altering decisions. And many times those sacrifices are unheralded and unrewarded. Revolutions are a cause of individuals or infrastructures being fed up with the status quo; tiring of being neglected, abused and taken advantage of.  It’s the yearning for a society or ideal that represents fairness on all levels.  In scripture it’s the exodus of the Hebrews by Moses from Egypt; it’s the thirteen (13) colonies rebelling from the tyranny of England; Nat Turner leading the rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia against their oppressors; the Montgomery bus boycott and the Civil Rights Movement. The smallest gesture can make the largest impact.  Who would’ve thought Tommie Smith’s and John Carlos’ singular motion of raising their fists symbolizing “Black Power” would’ve endured the test of time and forever be the signature moment of the 1968 Summer Olympic Games; the death of Crispus Attucks which sparked the beginning of the Revolutionary War; the deportation of Elian Gonzalez and the discord it created in the South Florida area.  It was these moments and many more that galvanized the populous and enabled the uprising of consciousness at any given time.  And with September 8^th looming, being dubbed as Black Out Monday, the Fast Food Strike beginning on September 4^th and the outcry of racial fairness of all kinds as a result of the death of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, an awakening has begun in the United States Republic and has been felt around the globe.  During the World Cup this year past, demonstrations were held as a result of the homelessness levels rising in the country of Brazil to make accommodations for tourists and disenfranchising of their own countrymen; there has been the Occupy Wall Street movement and many others.  The world has grown intolerant of those in positions of prominence manipulating the public like Geppetto controlling Pinocchio at his whim. The time has arrived where the people have decided to fight back; be it wages, class, race or religion.

Albeit an excellent opportunity to get exposure for my brand and other endeavors, I regret not the choices that I’ve made to become the person you see before you today.  I understand missed opportunities are a consequence of going against conventional thinking and trailblazing new paths.  The question must be asked, as a result of the incidents that I’ve previously named, what were the outcomes? The results aren’t always visible at the onset, it’s merely a matter of when people are pushed to their limits, are they willing to stand up for what’s tried and true. The threat in and of itself is enough to make a difference.  If you gave your spouse an ultimatum to treat you better or face the possibility of appearing in court for divorce proceedings, would things change, even for an unverifiable period of time? If you were the top employee at your company and informed the adminstration you were preparing to leave for a better opportunity; would they be complicit to your demands of fairer treatment and a competitive salary?  Workers demanding equal compensation and apartment tenants demanding adequate housing to fulfill their needs; it’s all relative. The difference doesn’t necessary come as a result of the action; it comes as a result of being willing to take said action. Though we live in the Information Age, where all the data we need is merely fingertips away, it appears as if the “REVOLUTION” will not be televised, as “some” people aren’t willing to put themselves in positions where taking a risk is better for society at large.  Be willing to make a difference!  “We Are The Change!”  I’m gone! (b)