THE "Unk" Stage Generational Wealth Amongst Black Men

     It may seem unusual to include sports in something like this, but let's dive in. It's quite relatable! I believe we should draw insights from any event in our lives and connect them to our collective racial experience.  We must consider both the path we should take and the path we are currently on.

     LeBron James's legacy is swiftly unfolding as he ages, marking the end of an era. Or the unk era age wise, thats what the youngins call me. I believe this period is crucial for connecting the wisdom of the elders with the experiences of those who are coming of age. 

       We have learned from our experiences while growing up, recognizing both what was effective and what was not. Now is the perfect moment to break cycles and dismantle barriers for future generations. Individuals with histories of violence can offer their insights on potential solutions, while those who have experienced violence can now share their stories to contribute to its prevention. Everything is local, any efforts should start local. Everyone has the power to contribute in some way. You'll hear me emphasize this frequently. Everyone can do Something. 

           When these brothers die, the usual funeral prayer is enough for the Black elder, assuring him that he has fulfilled his responsibility in trying to end our own internal conflict. Our own internal war, our own internal genocide. I've wondered if they believe the situation is beyond our control. While it may be, all we can do is put forth our best effort and remain hopeful. Alternatively, one might think, "It's not my problem." That may be true—until it's you.

     However, I must begin our conversation focused on Black men for Black men by addressing our primary topic. Today, I want to discuss Black Fatherhood and the importance of passing down values and traditions within our lineage, within our Bloodline.  

    There’s no need to delve into LeBron; he’s not the main topic. We can all agree that he held a position of power and influence that allowed him to create opportunities for Bronny.

It’s important to acknowledge the comments from others regarding nepotism and perceived "unfair" advantages. Nepotism refers to the practice of favoring friends or family members, often leading to unfair advantages, particularly in politics, business, and entertainment. It's crucial to recognize that certain words and definitions can carry entirely different meanings, depending on the perspective of the reader. 

     The question arises about how we can pass down values that contribute to generational wealth in today's world. What are the methods we can use to achieve this? Land, a treasured asset in today’s world, often has deep roots in being passed down throughout our heritage. It may have been inherited from our hardworking ancestors or, in some cases, sold at a fraction of its worth to a corporation or individual who doesn’t reflect our community nor looks anything like us.  This is a reality we face, yet many of us are fortunate enough to witness this tradition. 

     The barbershop itself serves as a vital generational bridge, preserving our culture. While some barbershops today have aged  histories, we've all experienced their significance of father to son at some point. 

    So, A question to the Black Man: what strategies can we implement to ensure generational wealth for our children? If you find it challenging to identify any ideas right now, this may inspire you to think creatively. 

       Collectively, we must uphold the tradition of learning a trade as we grow up. Some may not have had the privilege of watching their father fix and repair things at home. Nevertheless, this doesn’t lessen our responsibility to impart these skills to our children. Ultimately, we cannot teach what we do not know ourselves. Therefore, I encourage you to embark on a journey of continuous learning and discover something new.  Here are some key points to consider: Never hesitate to ask questions; that’s the best way to learn. While our elders are still with us, take the opportunity to engage with them. If you can't fix something,  find someone and learn something new. Knowledge is everything, you can never stop learning. You might  make a day out of it with an elder to show you how to do something. Grab lunch, take time, have conversations, share views. What you learn is indeed generational wealth. What you gain from their mind is growth, this is the Brotherhood.  Which you will hear me talk about a lot. Challenge yourself to embrace experiences like this. If you have a skill, passion, or dream now, let’s demonstrate that in action.   

     Collectively we can show this best in action form. I can recall numerous instances where an elder offered assistance, opened a door, or positioned me for success. This spirit of support must continue to flourish within our Brotherhood. Just as you have received these benefits, it’s important to give back. Generational wealth can be built through generational habits, much like our ancestors established. I no longer worry about others' perceptions of the Black man; my focus is on how we view ourselves.  

Wishing you all the best, Chuck King