Yesterday, the AJC printed this opinion piece by UGA professor, Dr. Jerome Morris. In this piece, Dr. Morris encourages us to value the minds of young athletes in addition to their athletic prowess.

My background in education makes me a bit biased, but I do agree with what Dr. Morris is saying; especially in regards to the Caleb King situation. People in Atlanta were so upset that Caleb’s family decided to move him to Greater Atlanta Christian School from Gwinnett County’s Parkview High School. While Gwinnett County has some of the best schools in the country, I applaud his family’s decision to send him to Greater Atlanta Christian School where the classes are smaller and academics are emphasized. One of my classmates is a teacher there, and according to her, academics are emphasized to the point where students are asked to leave if their grades are subpar (after an academic probation process). Students can return if they are able to bring their grades up and commit to academic excellence.

Regarding Caleb’s situation- does he really lose that much by being academically successful as well as athletically successful? I sincerely doubt that his athletic ability will change as a function of his schools changing. While his exposure may change (Parkview is also a football powerhouse), I feel that those who were watching him before will be watching him now- just at a different set of games. What do y’all think?

Now, moving on. I read this article on MSNBC.com about the Black Panther Party examining their legacy 40 years later. While the group is most known for the all black attire, complete with the beret, leather jackets, and guns; they get less credit for the programs initiated within their community. Nevertheless, the group still believes that the issues within their Ten-Point Program are unfulfilled 40 years later- despite the gains made over the years.

The militancy of the group was highly criticized, especially following the non-violent civil rights agenda launched in the South by Dr. King and others. My question is- what do you all think of the legacy of the Black Panther Party?

So, I discovered this article last week while perusing the Washington Post. For those of you who are wondering, Kedric Golston and I lived together last year. His girlfriend was my official roommate. He was my unofficial roommate.

Anyhow, I was delighted to see that my friend was doing well. He’s overcome a lot and I’m sure that there will be great things in his future. His story is a reminder to me that God has great things planned for all of us, despite what it looks like from our perspective.

Remembering Jeremiah 29:11 and 1 Cor. 2:9.

Be encouraged all! Peace and Blessings…