A Time To Reflect on the Past!

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Please read this wonderful the University of Chicago Magazine article.

Several months after I completed my memoir, Manhood From the Hood, I found out that Mike Fourcher’s dad in 1971 had taken many photos of my “hood” in inner city Chicago.  Back then the University of Illinois called it the “Valley” because they had setup a clinic in our neighborhood.  We never knew this is what they called our neighborhood.  We just lived our lives and this is the area where I learned my values.  So much of my book is dedicated to this area while living in the “Valley.”  This was our “village” and I am proud to have experienced growing in this area during the 60’s. Please view the photos after you read the article.

Please click on link to read full article.

http://magazine.uchicago.edu/1110/kelly_lost-and-found.shtml

Excerpts From Manhood From the Hood

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The last several Mondays I have enjoyed posting the excerpts from Bill’s book, Manhood From the Hood. Bill’s book inspired me to reflect on my life, my family values and the many  high school youth I have had the honor to coach over the years. These are my last post and thanks for taking the time to read them.
“More excerpts from Manhood From the Hood by Coach Welter.”
69. What type of husband and father will I be?
70.What is an introspective journey?

71. Through my 8 year friendship with Gail Lamb, I was forced to learn how to develop an authentic, loving, caring, platonic relationship with a woman.72. Remain independent.  Make your own decisions.  Never ask anyone to so something for you that you can do for yourself.

73. To be an ambassador for the values my grandparents, aunts, and other adult mentors in our community, who cared about young people taught me while I was growing up in Chicago.

74. In July of 1997 – we founded Osiris Organization with great hopes for the future of our youth and our country.

Excerpts from Manhood from the Hood

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We all have great people who passed through our lives when we were young. Some were of worldly esteem; most were not.

But all cared to share whatever they had with us. Some shared money; some shared time; some shared a simple kind word or phrase of encouragement or just random acts of kindness.

Their influence was immeasurable.  We have never forgotten it.

If they are still alive, find them and tell them how much they mean to your life. If they have passed on, tell them anyway. Either way your words will touch them and they will be in awe that their humble sharing meant so much!

“More excerpts from Manhood From the Hood by Coach Welter.”

57. Many years have passed and the past is the past.

58. My grandfather’s values are how we live our lives.  They taught me a lot.

59. Bill’s biological father Larry (Butch) worked at the Ford Motor Company plant in Indiana.

60. Aunt Sam taught me one of the most valuable skills in life – learning to read another person’s body language to be able to tell if they accepted you or rejected you.  She taught me this skill without so much as ever saying a word.  Aunt Sam was our family’s spiritual and emotional healer.

61. Meeting his biological father was a very healing event for Bill.

62. Baseball is about swinging the bat, not standing up there waiting for a walk. (Dale’s attitude)

63. Be the best man you can be.

64. Make sure you thank people who have helped you.

65. Values start in the home.  Mrs. Grass’ kindness taught me that.  (Chocolate chip cookies made with unconditional love by an angel)

66. What does it mean to be a patriarch?

67. Tennis is not an easy sport, but it is a great game.  Tennis and humility.

Excerpts from Manhood from the Hood

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It was a thrill watching the U.S. Gymnastics Championships this past weekend at the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. To see those young women (and men) compete!

It was only the last twenty-five years of the 21st century that women truly began to be celebrated for their sports achievement.

Sixteen-year-old Jordyn Wieber captured the U.S all-around crown. Her coach, John Geddert cheered her on, wearing a purple shirt that matched her leotard.

I wonder how coaching young women is different from coaching young men? Maybe there isn’t a difference.

Any coaches care to weigh in? Let the discussion begin!!

More from Coach Denny Welter and why he was so inspired by Bill’s stories of grandfather Roddy.

47. The value of having a great friend.

48. Some of you are skipping classes, but you are only short-changing yourselves.  You will need more than basketball in your lives.  You will need your education to make it in this world.  “Let basketball be a vehicle that you can use to improve your life by taking you to places you only dreamt of.  Use basketball, but don’t let basketball use you.”  – Coach Vaughn

49. Teachers and coaches worked together to help us mature and succeed.

50. The point guard position is a reflection of the coach on the floor. (Adam)

51. We learn a lot about ourselves from failures and disappointments.

52. Use failure to motivate you.  Learn from your failures.  Learn from all of life’s experiences.

53. Coach Feely and I talked about the importance of education, family values, working hard, and the contacts I would make in college that would last a lifetime.

54. My grandfather and Coach Feely had similar values.  They came from different worlds and were raised in totally different environments.  Did similar values transcend racial, economic, political, religious views and social barriers?  What was it about family values that caused us to seek out others like ourselves?  Was such seeking a verification and validation of those values?  Or was it just a trait wired into our DNA that compelled us to desire a sense of belonging to one another?

55. After college, what will my life be like?

56. The value of being a good mentor and role model for younger siblings.

57. Many years have passed and the past is the past.