To the weak, what we do, buck em down, word life

Is success the standard or is greatness the goal?

That was the question posed last night by Randall Pinckett, a brother I have met several times over the last ten years. From first hearing him as a still-wide-eyed underclassmen in 1998, I am still often inspired by this brother who continues to inspire. He is one of those dudes that unknowingly inspired me to aspire. Nowadays, he's mad popular and even more successful and accomplished than when I first heard about him. Nevertheless, the most telling point he made was a simple one during his keynote address at the 40th anniversary gala of the John D O'Bryant African-American Institute at Northeastern University: what you do does not define who you are.

You can be the illest, most degree-having black professional ever. But is your legacy one of making yourself success or greatness? Success means you have accomplished something. Great means you helped others to accomplish something. It is a subtle rearrangement of words that shines light of the definition of self. It could even come off as self-effacing and a bit lofty telling someone they ain't great if they ain't doing something for others. Not everyone responds well to suggestive criticism.

"I'ma bring it to your chest like wind
Then fill your lungs up with all the bull you had within"
Black Moon, "Buck Em Down Remix"

Puff Puff Pass. Don't let life slip by without being fully aware and knowledgeable of all that affects you. Or at least as much as you can. Charlton Heston passed recently. Old school cats know him as a famous movie star. New school mainly know him as a gun advocate and the guy Michael Moore was ragging on in that movie. he and i didn't see eye-to-eye on the whole gun issue. Yet, I hadn't known that he was a supporter of the Civil Rights movement (marched and all). I'll admit to being ignorant to that and not having taken the time to learn more previously. We all have faults. Regardless, rest in peace to him whether he marched or not. We honor those who pass on with remembrances of their legacy. Heston made an impression on me by making me even more of an advocate of anti-violence programs. You just never know how the dice will tumble, huh? Special shout-out to the people that make lasting impressions on me any given day. Big up to those who inspire me to aspire. Word.