C. Dwayne West / CEO, MG Media

PUBLISHER'S PEACE

Change the World

How can blacks contribute to 'Changing the World?' This is what's on my mind often than not. I spend my waking hours contemplating what my community and people can do to make a significant difference in the world.

What can we do collectively and individually to add value and contribute to the continued growth of this flawed but great nation? Don't get me wrong, this country owes a tremendous debt to the Negro race. After surviving slavery, Jim Crow (past and present), systematic redlining and bigotry, and being shut out of select industries because of racist unions. And being completely ignored by banks and other financial institutions for home and business loans has played a major role in disenfranchising black communities. These are the many things that blacks have been faced with during our entire unwelcomed visit to America.

So why should black folks want to play a role in 'Changing the World?' Because the past can't be rewritten, but the future has great possibilities. And if you have goals for a better life for not only yourself, but your children's children, then black people must consider how their voices and innovative contributions can help to erect a better world. A world that can deliver great benefits like never before.

I remember being asked to visit the University of Missouri School of Journalism to speak to its junior media class. I was shocked, then honored. One of the student organizers, who actually extended the invite, stated that the work I'm doing with TBTNews is groundbreaking. I wondered how did class heard about the news service. Ironically, a current student's dad from Chicago is an old friend. She knew about me through him, talked me up; and her class wanted to meet me, personally.

It made me think deeply about how I could 'Change the World' with my new innovative platform. What was really cool and inspiring about my all expense paid trip was that I was joined by ABC 7's Charles Thomas. It was mentally impactful that I got the request to address a university that's considered the #1 journalism school in the country, where Mr. Thomas actually attended and graduated from. Charles expressed to me that these students wanted to hear new and fresh voices and ideas. That's important for aspiring journalists with ambition to deliver truthfulness and snapshots of what their communities should look like.

The invite to speak also compelled me to think of others who've changed my life during my early impressionable years. There were two teachers: Mrs. Nash was my grade school educator at Burnside. And Mrs. Richardson was my English teacher at CVS high school. Both gave me extra special attention during my time with them in their respective classes.

For instance, Mrs. Nash decided to jump from teaching 6th to 7th grade just so she could have one more year with me. Mrs. Nash felt she needed another year to help me reach my full potential. And Mrs. Richardson always kept me after class to have these long thought provoking chats. I still keep in contact with both ladies through their daughters, who I've known since attending those schools in mention.

Recently I met one of TBTNews' loyal readers. When we met, she called me a 'thought leader.' I like that title. But the most important tagline I crave is being considered someone who wants to 'Change the World' where I live, work and play. That means a lot to me! What does it mean to you? The idea of 'Changing the World' can really mean - changing the world... as we once knew it. Peace and One Love.

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