What’s ‘good’ in the hood?
What’s ‘good’ in the hood? That’s the question that many insiders and outsiders have about our inner-city neighborhoods that are better known as the “ghettos”. The view of the ‘hood’ is typically a mental image of violence, poverty, deterioration, and hot-tempered residents. The media and entertainment industry have continued to paint the dark images of the ‘hood’. Any good that takes place in these types of areas is rarely broadcasted or painted for people, especially the youth to see.
How is it that outsiders of a particular ghetto can unite, develop, and possibly push residents out of their neighborhood into another poverty-stricken ghetto? It’s sad, but eye-opening at the same time. The “outsiders” have more than just buying and political power, they have the power to execute their DREAM. And their dream often times include being life saviors or conquerors; which can be good and bad.
It’s easy to point the finger or shift the blame on an event, group, or person for why the ghettos tend to not be transformed by its own residents and business owners. Does the hood not have people who dream nor talented individuals? Are there any dream executors in the hood? If so, would they be able to teach others how to execute? You must ponder these questions.
When you take a look at the short list below of individuals who have either affected change in our civilization or tend to dominate the entertainment industry, all of them have escaped poverty.
From Poverty to Power
- Aretha Franklin
- Cardi B
- Colin Powell
- Curtis Jackson “50 Cent”
- Dwayne Wade
- Eminem
- J.Cole
- Janelle Monae
- Jay-Z
- Jesse Jackson
- Kendrick Lamar
- Kevin Love
- LeBron James
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Mary J. Blige
- Maya Angelou
- Michael Jackson
- Michelle Obama
- Mike Tyson
- Muhammad Ali
- Nicki Minaj
- Oprah
- Quincy Jones
- Sean Combs “Diddy”
- Serena Williams
- Snoop Dog
- Stephen Curry
- T.I.
- Tom Brady
- Tyler Perry
- Viola Davis
From Aretha Franklin to Viola Davis, these are all DREAM executors. Just imagine how they could unite and help transform one ghetto.
We must turn our dreams into innovations. If we’re not innovating, we’re simply dying. We cannot be okay with not building up our neighborhoods. Things, places, and people must change for the better year over year. We as people must live to learn new things so that we may execute our dreams and help others achieve. The success of a thriving neighborhood is a DREAM and the works toward a better future for the next generation.
If you’re someone who has a love for the ‘hood’, we ask that you take time to write down your dream of transforming a ghetto that has opportunities for many and open doors for the next generation.
Let’s bring our hoods online in 2019!
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