“Middle Passage I made it. I’m from the land of David. The Nazarene of Bethlehem they had me wrapped in blankets… ‘Cause I been high I been low, searchin’ for a way to go. Every single night I pray, And Lord I’m on this battleground, lost just waitin’ to be found. I guess it’s just a warrior’s way. This is a song for my warriors (A warrior song). Bravehearted and strong, definition of a warrior (Definition of a warrior). Gonna keep marchin on, to the sound of my own beatin drum.” Nas featuring Alicia Keys, “Warrior Song,” God’s Son, 2002

RIGHTEOUSNESS.

I played Nas’ “Warrior Song” everyday when my father fell ill to a stroke. Just before I went into his hospital room, I needed to hear something encouraging. Something that motivated me to walk with strength into his room simply because I knew his time was short. I needed the strength to focus not on what my dad had not done for me, but rather the good memories we shared together. Nas, with Alicia Keys playing the piano and singing “This is the song for my warriors” provided the backdrop for me to embrace a victor mentality instead of a victim mentality. Over the last three weeks I’ve sat on two different panels, both of which discussed hip-hop culture and its true purpose. Tomorrow, July 9th, I will sit on another one along with Mike Schreiber, Fahamu Pecou, and Rodney Carmichael. As part of the National Black Arts Festival, we will discuss hip-hop culture in the media.

And like the other panels I’m sure the topic of hip-hop’s purpose will come up – particularly the idea of whether or not hip-hop culture and its community are victims of circumstances or victors of circumstances. Yes, I understand the culture is born out of the need for oppressed populations to express their social plight. But what I have a problem with is this notion that these people are somewhat disempowered because they are disenfranchised in many ways. This idea that we are victims because of a certain past rather than victors standing strong in a land of giants.

This type of “grasshopper mentality” reminds me of the biblical story of God’s deliverance of His people from Egypt. Yet, instead of standing on His promise they gave in to defeatism and began to walk by sight, feeling like grasshoppers in a land of giants.

We are all warriors – regardless of our background; regardless of our circumstances; regardless of our past; regardless of what the media says. All we have to do is understand what a warrior mentality is not attached to guns and violence but a belief in something much greater. A choice to stand face-to-face with the “giants” of life. Can you imagine how much fear certain groups of people must have experienced being forced into a new land, with a new language, and with foreign people? Nevertheless, they remained strong making it through rough times and situations. One quote that I like reads, “Fear is nothing more than a ‘mental’ barrier you’ve created for yourself. If you want to overcome something, just do it.”

The DDR: So as we end our first full week of July 2011, ask yourself “What am I scared of?” Losing a loved one? Applying to a new job opportunity? Asking someone out? Confronting an intimidating person? Moving to a new city? Do not get caught up in the “mental” barriers of fear. Don’t be a grasshopper in a land of giants. We have to propel our lives forward. So let’s move together. Let us all put on your Nike’s and JUST DO IT. That first move will be life changing. Not just for you, but for someone else too.