A powerful manhood moment!

by Leave a Comment

BillRoddy_ManhoodFTHood_FBArt_61913_44One of the most powerful statements made to me was from my biological dad. I had never met him only heard statements made from other family members over the years as a young man.

As I entered my later teens my desire to meet, hopefully establish a relationship, the other person who was responsibility for me being in the world became an obsessive curiosity.

I had to meet him to satisfy my curiosity.

One of my most powerful moments was meeting and hearing my biological father say these words to me:

 

“I am glad to hear from you.”

If you are mentoring youth do you share some of your most powerful emotional experiences with your mentee?  If not, why?

 

I know as an adult male, hearing those words from my biological father set in motion a healing, forgiveness and an acceptance process for me.

 

Meeting him helped me move on in life!

 

What memorable moments in your early childhood do your remember?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

by Leave a Comment

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!

 

The power of a loved one’s words!

by Leave a Comment

BillRoddy_ManhoodFTHood_FBArt_61913_50Can you remember a powerful statement someone made to you when you were young?

My grandfather and I met on our front porch on that memorable hot August afternoon on the west side of Chicago in 1975.  I was leaving home for the first time to attend college. Little did I know that day would be monumental.

I recall the overwhelming emotions as he spoke to me.

“Son, I am proud of you…………”

As a young man struggling to leave the nest and venture out into the world, my grandfather’s loving and powerful statement validated me as a man.  That was my rite of passage moment that I will never forget.

While mentoring young men for  20 years I have observed that for many no loving adult male figure has confirmed their transition into manhood.  Why do I know this to be true?   I can, feel and sense the uneasiness, pain and anger in them before they utter one single word.

Wouldn’t you agree that it is very powerful when a positive adult male confirms a young boy transitioning into manhood?

Wouldn’t it make a difference if all mentoring programs provided rites of passage ceremonies for young men and women?

Do you remember memorable words another person said to you?

“Do you remember the day, the event, when you knew…’Now, I truly am a grown man?'” Part 2

by Leave a Comment

African American father and sonIn August, it was the time I became a man in eyes of my grandfather.

Earlier in the summer, prior to leaving to attend college in Minnesota,  I had made contact with my biological for the first time in my life.  The experience of meeting my biological father for the first time was an overwhelming experience to say the least.

I was able to get in touch with, meet, and have a enjoyable conversation with Butch, the other person responsible for bringing me into the world.

My grandfather knew that I had made contact with my biological father.  One afternoon, Daddy and I were in our garage repairing the door when he asked me this unexpected question:

“What do you think of Butch?”

I quickly replied, “I did not mean any disrespect toward you and mamma.”

“Son, you are a man now. You can make your own decisions. Do what you think is best. I trust you.”

On that hot August afternoon I became a grown man in the eyes of my grandfather.  That was my rite of passage, my confirmation, an acknowledgement and a huge transition in my young life.

 

Do you remember an event, a conversation with your father, grandparent, older brother, uncle, adult male cousin, male teacher or coach who help you transitioned into manhood?

What did they say to you?

When did you know that you were a man?

Have you reached out to other boys by sharing your wisdom and understanding of manhood?

Isn’t it interesting to know that one of the most fulfilling aspects of my life is mentoring boys and helping them transition into manhood?

Happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful and loving men who are making a difference in the lives of so many!

From My Heart to Yours!