Rambel: When a Brown Face Makes you Smile

The Black List: Volume One

There are very few programs that are geared towards black that I find entertaining or informative. Tonight I watched the HBO documentary The Black List: Volume One and it didn’t disappoint me. It was a program I’ve been waiting to see. One I needed to see. This is what all brown children aspiring to be something greater need to see. Successful brown people from all walks of life, brown faces not conforming to any stereotypes of what brown and successful should be I walked away proud with the feeling that one day I might have experiences that young brown faces can learn from. It left me with the feeling that one day I might just be a role model. I may even get my own stamp.

This show had something for everyone. It featured Toni Morrison, Lou Gossit Jr., Chris Rock, Thelma Golden, Suzan-Lori Parks, Susan Rice, Slash, Zane, and Colin Powell. I mean some of the names I’ve never heard before tonight. I can admit that with no shame. I can also say that after tonight I will never forget them. It’s just amazing, these successful brown people with these experiences and this advice that if left to BET I would never get. This should be black popular culture. I think that this was the dream of many during the Civil Right Movement. It’s my dream! How could I hope to become a great at anything if I can’t name the people who paved a way for me?

I need to step my game up. Read more. Know more. BE PROACTIVE! (I read that in a book somewhere.)

This might be saying a bit much, but tonight was a great night be to black. I was watching the Democratic National Convention and I got to hear Michele Obama speak. That was something spectacular all in it self. Then the Black List.

I know where I need to be in life. I know where I need to focus my career goals. I should be watching the feet of people who found success with their hearts and didn’t take no for an answer. The people who admit that they don’t live spend all of their days consumed by changing the world. Brown people that are successful and sincere in a way that I have never seen in person. BROWN PEOPLE in AMERICA!



I AM ONE,



KD