What attributes of Mr. Mandela do you admire?

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BillRoddy_ManhoodFTHood_FBArt_61913_16As we mourn the passing of Nelson Mandela I reflect on the life lessons he embodied.

I admire his forgiveness and perseverance!

Couldn’t we all learn and grow from these attributes that he personified?

 How many of us could keep a loving heart after being incarcerated for 27 years?

 

 As an adult man, husband, mentor and business owner, I try to follow these attributes.  Sometimes life throws obstacles in our lives to present us with the opportunity to grow.  There were times when I didn’t want to deal with these “opportunities.”

 

Could you imagine being in Nelson Mandela’s position when he was a young man?

 

Had a chat this evening with a young man I mentor: “Mr. Roddy, How could Mr. Mandela be incarcerated for 27 years and not remain angry toward the people who incarcerated him? I’m only 25 and it’s hard for me to understand.”

 

“It is hard to understand, I admire his forgiveness and perseverance.” I responded.

 

 Rest in peace Mr. Mandela, you have inspired us all!

Isn’t it exciting when the mentee becomes the mentor?

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Cortez, Bill & Steve

Cortez, Bill & Steve

 

This afternoon I had lunch with Cortez Wilson and Steve Mincey. Both of whom I have the utmost respect because of the men, fathers and husbands they have become.

In 1998, Osiris Organization formed its collaboration with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation public parks.  A teenager at the time, Cortez brought the idea me to build computer labs in the parks.

It started in 1998 at Powderhorn Park. In 2013 there are 27 Osiris constructed computer labs open to the public in the City of Minneapolis!

Our lunch meeting was not about the computer labs. It’s about life we live as men, helping our community and the continual mentoring to other young men like Cortez. Corky Wiseman, Steve and I made sure that Cortez was supported.  We committed to a life-long relationship with him. We see the impact Cortez is having with his peers, as a young business owner and father.

“Mr. Roddy, you have taught me a lot about computers.  I live in south Minneapolis near Powderhorn Park and I don’t have anywhere to go to continue working on my skills.  Why don’t you construct a computer lab in Powderhorn Park?”

I remember Cortez’s request.  It seems like only a few months ago.  I can still see the earnest honesty in his eyes.  We eventually constructed our first computer lab at Powderhorn Park in 1998 under the direction of the Director, Corky Wiseman.  Cortez was employed in the computer lab.  Youth Director Steve Mincey mentored Cortez, Corkey Wiseman mentored Steve.

 

What was so special about our meeting this afternoon?

The mentee, Cortez, now is asked to be a mentor!

 

In 1998 we created a ‘village’ like the one I had growing up in inner city Chicago on the 60s.  Men would take part in raising, mentoring and disciplining the young boys in our community.

I am deeply honored to have men like Corky Wiseman, Steve Mincey and Cortez Wilson in my life.  We three are dedicated to making a difference.

 

Doesn’t it inspiring you to know that it only takes a few caring men to create a ‘village’?

 

Please keep mentoring young males. They need that support to help them transition into manhood!

 

Hello from Bill Roddy!

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People have repeatedly asked me: “Bill, what does Manhood From the Hood stand for?”

If Manhood From the Hood were my business, most likely a community service business, our mission statement would be:

“Manhood From the Hood is committed to reclaiming and rebuilding the positive masculine ideals of integrity with commitment, strength with humility, intensity with compassion, throughout our culture.”

But Manhood From the Hood is not a business–it’s life. As mature men, we’ve gained so much experience/knowledge–experience/knowledge that we wish we’d had when we were 21. Crucial experience/knowledge that we must pass on to the next generation.

So imagine sitting down to have a conversation with your 21-year-old self. What would you say to him?

I’d like to invite you to join me in participating in a series of articles entitled, “Advice to my 21-year-old Self.” Contact me if you’d like to participate. I will interview you in a short series of questions. I will post a new interview on this blog each Friday, beginning New Year’s Eve.

A free copy of Manhood from the Hood goes to the first 10 interviewees!