Estimated reading time: 9 minute(s)
“I’ve had people actually say to me, “Man, you wasting your time trying to to save them little niggers.”
And you know what I say to them? “Man, you wasting your time talking to me.”
These are the opening words shared by Deric Muhammad in his newly released mini-documentary, “SMART’N UP! – The Black Male Experience“; an Akilah Nehanda Production.
SMART’N UP! – The Black Male Experience (mini-documentary)
“It’s my duty to help my young brothers get over the wall,” says Muhammad, the executive producer of the mini-documentary. He founded and has led the summit the past ten years.
The “Smart’n Up” Black Male Summit is a Houston community-based motivational and educational summit designed to address the unique needs of Black men and boys. This free summit has presented an immeasurable and unforgettable opportunity to expose young Black males to empowering information, positive role models, potential mentors and critical resources to help them survive and succeed.
The mini-documentary is definitely a must watch. Personally, it moved me to tears and makes me very proud of my brother. This work and accomplishment, by the Help of God, is not to be taken lightly at all. It takes serious love, dedication and the right motivation to stay consistent at anything for ten years–especially when it comes to the resurrection of young Black males. Too many of us start and stop things so quickly and then wonder why the young kings in the streets lack confidence in our leaders, programs, schools, religious institutions and organizations. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has declared that this is the greatest generation we have ever produced so we don’t have time to play with their hunger and thirst for knowledge, wisdom, understanding and direction toward their destiny.
Why has Smart’n Up! been successful? What has been the not-so-secret ingredient? In my humble judgement it is because God has been and is the center no matter what venue it has been hosted at. God cannot be left out of the equation if we want to achieve REAL success in the transformation of the young Black males instead of settling for feel-good moments that fade away quickly. So some of the most profound moments I’ve witnessed at the summits have come during the concluding prayer circle that has been led by leaders of various faiths. And even the presenters are God-centered men; not in a preachy spirit, but one of humility that connects with attendees.
Previous summits have been said to have been a life changing experience for those who attended. The workshops always contain serious messages on entrepreneurship, confidence building, stopping the violence, leadership, the prison industrial complex among other critical topics. The target age group is 12 years and up. However, anyone (including women) are welcome to attend.
The next summit is scheduled for March 30 at The Shrine of the Black Madonna. And if you live anywhere near the Houston area, take your sons, nephews, grandsons, mentees, etc. to get this experience. Register free here.
It would be a smart move and you won’t regret it.
