Ellington

My daily affirmation is, as taken from the movie "Talladega Nights": "Here's the deal. I'm the best! I wake up in the morning, and I piss excellence. Nobody can hang with my stuff!" Humor notwithstanding, those words speak to a truth that we all can learn from: There is something to be said for knowing one's own worth, for being in touch with your abilities and aware of your limitations. The most pivotal point in one's life is the moment that he/she finds that thing he/she is good at. The catch, in most cases, is making others see that worth. It's the gift of walking that thin line between humility and confidence. You can seize a moment, and in that moment can be success or failure. Say too much, you'll be called arrogant; say too little, you can be a doormat.

God has given each of us gifts—big ones and small ones. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want to use them to the fullest. As I've undergone my own transformation, I've learned that I have a passion for a few things. I am passionate about my city. I'm passionate about our youth, and I'm passionate about music. Jackson State University, Charles Tisdale and the Associated Press taught me how to be a journalist. My city gave me the experiences that brought my writing to life. My kids (and those I've met) have taught me to be selfless. My music taught me how to be an aggressive businessman—how to market, promote and sell a product, and how to stay persistent even through crushing defeats. For years I struggled with the question, "Why am I here?" I'm sure a lot of us have. But in due time your purpose becomes clear.

You can't be afraid to stick your chest out and say, "You know what? I'm good!" The sooner you embrace it, the sooner others will, too. Now, of course, you can't go on and on about it (smile). But I've seen too many people passed up for promotions, too many friends miss opportunities, too many good artists wandering in obscurity. Why? Because they didn't seize their worth. Dodger fans hated Barry Bonds, but they had to respect his skill. Donald Trump may be abrasive, but folks have to acknowledge his savvy. Michael Jordan could arguably be the greatest basketball player that ever lived, and he had no problem letting you know. Even Rush Limbaugh, whom I particularly don't care for, has 20 million listeners. What's that old adage? "It ain't bragging if you can back it up."

It's high time we start crowing about our city. It's about time we start sticking our collective chests out and letting the rest of Mississippi know that we are the capital city. You don't have to like it, but you have to respect it! We've allowed the press, legislators and our own citizens to down our city. So, in my opinion, it's neither cocky nor pretentious on our part to speak the obvious. Jackson is an asset to this entire state. The collective health of Mississippi lies in the success or failure of this city. How do we expect to convince the rest of our peers to support us if we lack the confidence in ourselves?

God has blessed Jackson with many things: its people, history, promising future in places like Farish Street. However, we've allowed ourselves to be that doormat because we've lacked the voices to sing our praises. But I trust a new day is upon us, and Jackson will seize its moment.

And that's the truth ... sho-nuff.