What if Booker T. hadn't?

Booker T. Washington

This past weekend I traveled to Tuskegee, Alabama for the GHOE. The entire MONTH before Homecoming every year, I get so excited. People start calling to make Homecoming plans.

At homecoming, I had the opportunity to reconnect with so many people whom I met during my formative years. The impact of meeting people from all over the world, coupled with the experiences that we shared at Tuskegee University, helped to shape me into who I am today.

Sometimes, well, a lot of the time, my brain will work overtime thinking about ideas, people, words, etc. Last week, my brain would not stop thinking about Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee's first President.

I shared my ideas with a few people at Homecoming this past weekend and some stated that I was thinking a little too much, and a few stated that they really hoped that they were answering their call.

My idea is What if Booker T. Washington had not been determined to walk about 300 miles to attend Hampton University to further his education? What if Hampton had not answered the call to allow the young Booker T. into the school? Then, Booker T. may or may not have answered his call to go to Tuskegee and establish what we know today to be one of The Greatest Universities around.

Without Booker T. answering his call, then many people's lives may be quite different:

Maybe, George Washington Carver would not have had a place to do his great research in agriculture, and where would we be without that research...

Guy on the front row, in the middle, is George Washington Carver!

Maybe, Lionel Richie would not have met the other "Commodores," and we may not have the song "Brick House." Imagine the world without "Brick House."

The Commodores

Maybe, Tom Joyner would have never gotten the confidence to believe that he could be "The Fly Jock:"

Tom Joyner

Maybe, I would have never had the experiences that cultivated my love for teaching, reading, and writing. Imagine all of the students that I wouldn't have reached.....

Being in this band taught me about difficult work, perseverance,
dedication, commitment, and reward!

One of my MANY dear, life-long friends whom I met at TU
who keeps me grounded!

These guys are images of perseverance.
So happy that I met and learned from them at TU!

My saxopone section leader
who taught me about taking leadership seriously!

These guys all live in the DC area, and I feel a sense of security 

knowing that they are near and we share that common "Tuskegee Bond!"

So, in order to answer your call, you must know your calling! Well, how do you know your calling? Think about what it is that you love to do. Make no excuses, and do it often, and see what will happen.

Answering your calling is not just about you, but it's also about all of the people who are connected to your calling.

Booker T. Washington is in my collection of people whom I revere, because he did not shy away from difficult tasks, but "answered his call" and many people's lives, including his own, have been changed forever.

We must "Answer" people!!!!!!!

Enjoy this week, and get busy.