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Youth Gang Prevention/Intervention Program Graduation

Date:                                Time:
February 8th, 2012       5:00pm – 8:00pm

Location:
Jane-Finch, Toronto

Description:
Ricky will participate as the Keynote speaker for the Youth Gang Prevention/Intervention Program Graduation.

United Black Students Conference 2011

Date:                                Time:
November 19th, 2011   8:00pm

Location:
Ryerson University, Toronto

Description:
Ricky will be the Keynote speaker for the United Black Students Conference. The theme of the conference is Awareness Leading to Empowerment and Self-fulfilment.

Failure is the Only Option

Issue in: November

I haven’t posted any On My Mind thoughts since February. It’s not that I haven’t had any thoughts; I’ve just been conflicted whether my thoughts would serve a purpose to inspire or mislead those on route to their respective tops. But I received an email from a young man that saw me speak in 2010 and took a business card, he shared some of his struggle and asked me for guidance as he felt that I would understand, "I am just another young brother trying to make it, I see myself just like you. Tired of seeing my mom struggle, and I just want out. I'll do anything right now to help her, she did so much for me" he said.

Reading that hit me and not in a way you may think intuitively. When I considered the fact that the word "just" was used, I felt as though this implied a specific circumstance that was so common that it has become a commodity in the minds of those in this circumstance and created a sense of comfort that others inevitably share. I understand this too well to let this slide while I stay conflicted over whether my words will inspire. Before I say why, I will digress with how I came to the understanding of what I will say.