The New England Patriots, a football team, were invited to the White House. I saw the blurp about it on TV wondering how those Black men felt visiting a man as low in character and integrity as Trump, considering the things Black people have swirling through their heads about white people and trust. The news papers said only 34 of the team made the trip to the White House. That was a statement.
The biggest thing that came out of it was reminiscent of the way Black Washingtonians made a big deal about the late Mayor-for-Life, Marion Barry every time he showed up in public. This young man spoke clearly without insult with boldness in a letter he wrote and posted online to President Obama from high character.
For a man, like myself, and others this is a real testament of power in a time needing men to be powerful, not in the way white men like Trump think of power, but the way power conducts itself in decency with an order from an intent to build a bridge, and communicate heart to heart. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories [4.21.17]
Dear Big O,
I am writing you this letter to say thank you. I want to thank you for what you have done for this country – outside of politics. Honestly, I don’t know enough about politics to judge what was good or bad, but I want you to know that when you said “Yes We Can” – a young man dreaming a dream from rough circumstances in Florida heard you.
When you were elected President for the first time I was 16 and I watched you make the never-imaginable, attainable and I heard your cry to inspire hope. I used those words as motivation and saw your achievement as an opportunity and permission to work make my dreams come true too.
You were the President of the United States – the highest office in the world. You broke a barrier and a stereotype proving not every minority has to use a ball to make a way. You’ve inspired a lifetime of dreamers young and old. Now, kids from my community – and my future children – will know that there is no dream too big – even they could be the President of the United States.
As I prepare for the honor of visiting the White House, I will be there as a Super Bowl Champion – and I will think of you, mainly because the White House is a different, and better place because you lived there. I was a kid that came from nothing and I am living out one of the greatest dreams of my life. I am just grateful for the opportunity to walk on the same steps as you did, and to have a platform to inspire and I hope to leave my mark on history the way you did. One day, when I meet you, I will shake your hand and say thank you to your face but until then this kid is going to continue to dream until I can’t anymore.
Thank you for blazing a trail, but for more than that, for leaving a paved road behind you for others to climb on.
"The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your DREAMS!" – Oprah
Yes we can!! DREAM BIG!!
Thank you, Jacoby Brissett
P.S Holla at me to help you with your broke jump shot
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