Publisher's Note Feb/Mar 2k7

IF I HAVE TO WORK THAT HARD

The lights in the movie had just turned on and nearly everyone in the theater was applauding. I was applauding because I love watching movies that are based on true stories. In particular I love true stories about someone overcoming all of the odds and obstacles to become successful, in whichever way that person defines success. What could be better motivation or a blueprint for us than witnessing those who have the vision and will to succeed against all odds? In the past I have truly been inspired by such stories as “Something the Lord Has Made” (story of the first open heart surgery), to “Why Should White Guys Have All The Fun” (The Reginald Lewis Story). I have even been inspired by the VH-1 show “Driven” which documents various personalities triumphs against the odds.

On this particular day, the movie that I was watching was based on the true life story of Chris Gardner and entitled “The Pursuit Of Happyness.” Mr. Gardner went from being homeless and sleeping in shelters with his young son to becoming a multi-millionaire. The film depicted many hardships that he had to overcome, some of which seemed insurmountable. In the end he succeeded and beat all of the odds, proving again that anything is possible. As I started to put on my coat I notice in the row in front of me two young couples who appeared to no be more than 19-years-old. As one of the gentlemen put on his coat he said aloud that “If I have to work that hard I don’t want it.”

There are no words that I could write to express my disappointment in what this young brother had just said aloud. What has gotten into those who don’t want to work hard to achieve great things? Do the youth today believe that things will just be given to them and they will not have to work “that” hard for it? Since that day, I at times have felt guilty for not having a conversation with the young man. I in no way wanted to put him on the spot in front of his date and friends. I do however feel that each of us, who are able, have an obligation to help one another. Perhaps I failed that day to properly communicate to him that is ok to work “that” hard. That he should be honored that those before us gave their lives so that we could work “that” hard and succeed. I hope that young man and those like him read this and learn from the information that NV provides and from the people that we profile. It is clear that those within these pages and those like them know that you have to work “that” hard to succeed and to make a difference.

JOHN HOPE BRYANT

One of those people is John Hope Bryant of Operation Hope. Mr. Bryant founded Operation Hope which is the first non-profit investment banking organization in America. Mr. Bryant’s story and accomplishments are nothing short of amazing. He is truly someone that works “that” hard and makes a difference. It is extremely rare that I place someone else’s quote in my Publisher’s Note, but in the words of Mr. John Bryant “...you never discount the vision and the power of a person when they decide that they want to make a difference in the world..”

It is my hope that we each decide to be that person. In closing I would like to thank all of those who came before me and paved the way to make all that I envision possible. At times it is hard to believe that we were just given the right to vote just 42 years ago. But today, we can become whatever it is we wish to become, and if I have to work “that” hard for my visions to manifest ... I will!

As always, thank you to the creator of all things, our subscribers, advertisers and everyone who has made NV possible.