Black In Business

As the late James Brown would say, I feel good. Yesterday was my birthday, another milestone met. It is getting to the point where I am amazed to have lasted this long. Oh the things I’ve done! I learned through my post, “dress for success,” that the suit and tie thing is not always needed. So today I am chilled out. Throwback jersey,timberlands, Sean Jean jeans,knit cap,leather bomber. I usally wear a suit most days, so when I walked into the office and everyone said I look good, it made me feel good

Back to my birthday, well first ,When I took the elevator to the lower level to get my morining egg white sandwich,I got off as a white guy was getting on. Now in the US the dynamics between the races, particularity men of  middle age  is filled with tension. It was 7 am and we both were not friendly, he in a suit and me with my hip hop look. As I exited the elevator, I heard from, Mr. George Bush supporter, “all right!” I turned around and the white guy frown was replaced with a smile.” Jim Brown is my hero,he was my favorite growing up!” We had something in common, we spoke laughed and if we had more time could have become friends.

My oldest son brought me a Jim Brown throwback jersey and I had to wear it today. In American football Jim Brown is the greatest. He averaged 5.3 yards a carry for his career. The Quarterback’s job was easy, hand the ball to Jim twice and the chains moved. I am very proud of this gift.

In a future post, I will discuss, Jim Brown’s impact on sports, race relations and business. The book by Mike Freeman,”Jim Brown, The Fierce Life of An American Hero,” is a great read and a compelling story of a blackman in a racist society.