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Editorial/Columns
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10 Good Dudes
PART II
In part 1 of this column I presented 5 of the 10 suc- cessful, positive and well- known Black men who I believe represent the text- book definition of what con- stitutes a role model. Numbers 10-6 were Spike Lee, Michael Eric Dyson, Derrick Brooks, D.L. Hughley and Colin Kaepernick.
Today, we round out the list with a collection of gen- tlemen who I don't think we have to worry about letting us down going forward. Guys who we're least likely to dis- cover slipped drugs into women's drinks, molested children, held underage girls hostage, or decided to get in touch with their feminine side. So, without further ado, here they go. My top 5:
5) Denzel Washing- ton: It is hard not to have re- spect for a man who has been married to the same woman for almost 40 years, who is widely considered one of the greatest thespians of all time and who successfully navi- gated the seediness of Holly- wood without compromising his principles or staining his reputation.
On top of everything just mentioned, this is a brother who is also well known for helping other young Black actors achieve success as well. He is the true definition of an icon in every sense of the word.
4.) LeBron James: Peo- ple like to discredit Le- Bron's value based on his lack of success in NBA Championships. But, the
thing is, there's nothing he could have done on the hard- wood that would have earned him a place within this group. LeBron is my fa- vorite living athlete because he represents something that's lacking amongst his peers... Integrity and strength of character.
This is a man who has gone out of his way to ad- dress controversial issues without fear of consequence. From discussing Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown to dissing Donald Trump on live television, LeBron never shies away from vocalizing his opinion.
This is a man who told the world that he refuses to "just shut up and dribble." And the fact that he's also a married father of three (notice the theme here), whose name never comes up in adulterous scandals, only makes his image that much more ad- mirable. If there's anyone who you would want your kid to be like it shouldn't be Mike, it should be LeBron.
3.) Jay-Z: Let's start with the fact that this man is a product of public housing. From those humble begin- nings, he built a $1 billion fortune. His well docu- mented background in the streets only makes what he accomplished even more amazing. It's no secret that he's been criticized for some of his business moves re- cently. But even if you don't agree with how he makes his money, you have to respect his non-stop hustle.
Jay-Z has also made a habit of connecting his name to worthwhile causes. His
documentaries on Kalief Browder and Trayvon Martin brought much needed attention to criminal justice reform and the plight of young Black men in Amer- ica. That he's been married to Beyonce’ for 10 years is the cherry on top.
2.) President Barack Obama: First recognized Black President of the United States...Check... Married to Michelle Obama..Check.. The only president in the last 40 years to leave office with- out a major cloud of contro- versy over his head..check... There is absolutely no way this list exists without 44.
While many still hold it against him because he sup- ported gay marriage, if that's his only knock after twelve years of being in the spot- light, I think it's safe to say he won.
1.) Tony Dungy: Two words --- Class Personified. This is the best way for me to describe the person who I be- lieve is one of the nicest guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. In my life, I've come across numerous individuals who've claimed to be follow- ers of their faith, but very few who talk and walk their be- liefs like this man.
A true pillar in his com- munity and a philanthropist, Tony Dungy is the ideal ex- ample when it comes to men- torship and leadership. Married to the same woman for 30+ years, a loving father and a master of his craft, he sets the standard for how a man should carry himself, re- gardless of race.
They say that the term hero is often used too liber- ally. But when it comes to the men mentioned here, I don't think there's a word more ap- propriate.
Reality On Ice is © by the Florida Sentinel Bul- letin Publishing Com- pany. You can contact Mr. Barr at: cbar- ronice@gmail.com.
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Christmas, But Once A Year
e wish Christmas came twice a year . . . or at
least, every Saturday. Ouch! We can hear you pinching your pocketbooks. But consider, we’re not talking about the coins you spend . . . not this time. We’re not talking about the long lines and bad bunions suffered in department store waiting lines or the ma- niacal dare-devil drivers people suffer when they ven- ture out on highways to buy gifts.
Instead, what we want you to think about is the rea- son for Christmas, in the first place, the birthdate of the Baby Jesus. Then reflect on the fact that during the Christmas season, for some strange reason, people are nicer, kinder, and more patient to one another than at any other time during the year. We wonder why people can’t be that way all year round.
So, we say, bring on more Christmases. Let the laughter of Santa’s conciliation roar throughout the world, and let the real spirit of Christmas come to the earth. And if you’ve forgotten the true miracle of Christmas, it is the gift of unconditional love.
So, Merry Christmas. We love you, and there is nothing you can do about it!
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