I walked in the book store to grab Karen Civil’s book “Be You & Live Civil” but I was told it wasn’t in stock. So I looked and saw a stand with Charlemagne Tha God’s book, “Black Priviledge”. I thought to myself, God works in mysterious ways.
See I’m from a small city called Albany, Georgia, nicknamed, the Good Life City. In Albany we tend to sit around debating whether or not we should stay or go. We discuss the cities contributions to us (the community) instead of striving to open our own doors of opportunities. Well some of us do strive, others just stay complacent. I often think back on my decisions. First, my mother forced me to stay in Albany and attend school. Secondly, I was so comfortable I didn’t realize my full potential, let alone use the gem of interning that’s mentioned in Charlemagne’s book.
Charlemagne Tha God, a popular radio personality, is one third of Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club. He recently released his first book back in April called, “Black Privilege: Opportunities Come to Those Who Create Them.” The book shares his journey growing up in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, (A place smaller than my hometown), to being the public figure he is now. Other than one of the gems I mentioned, Charlemagne explains his journey using his list of ideologies he calls, “Eight Principles and God Jewels.”
Principle 1: It’s not the size of the pond.
The principle explains the clutter of the mind. We think where we come from defines our purpose or future. We don’t understand that it’s called hometown for a reason, meaning its ok to leave and expand; just don’t forget your roots. Mainly success is not dictated by where you are from, but how you strive to become successful.
Principle 2: PYP (Pick your passion, poison, procrastination)
You have to acknowledge your lifestyle. Will it be a lifestyle that will block your success, or a lifestyle that will contribute to your success? He explains how he went from a nerd to a thug, but realized he had to pick his poison. Life decisions can leave you dead, in jail, broke or successful.
Principle 3. F*ck your dreams.
This principle speaks volumes. Society will manipulate your thoughts and have you missing your true calling. F*ck your dream is basically saying, don’t settle. However acknowledge your niche and you will find your greater calling.
Principle 4: There are no losses, only lessons.
This principle explains how to trust your “divine misdirection.” From being fired to standing in the unemployment line. The next door of opportunity ended up being greater than the door that closed.
Principle 5: Putting the weed in the bag.
Many of us never sold drugs before, but we’ve trapped or had to take risks to prosper the majority of our lives by stepping out on faith. This analogy explains how we should trust the lessons, the process, the unpaid gigs and the learning experience. In other words, greatness comes before a check.
Principle 6: Live your truth.
People think blunt people are assholes. Blunt people strive to be completely honest. We strive to live our truth. Truthfulness brings positive impacts and as Charlemagne states, no judgment or opinion formed against you shall prosper when you live your truth.
Principle 7. Give people the credit.
There are closed minded individuals in the world. I personally have always aimed to be open-minded by trying to learn as much as I can from my mentors. Stay open to change and new ideas. The world is evolving. Remember you can strive to do everything, but someone may have the knowledge to help you progress in more ways than one.
Principle 8: Access your black privilege.
As African Americans we are born with strikes. I remember one of my managers telling me I have 3 strikes against me. I’m young, I’m a woman and I’m black. However, there is the power and privilege of God as Charlemagne explains in his book. We are our opportunity. We can break the stereotype barriers. To summarize this principle, don’t strive to be locally famous. Strive to be legendary.
Black Privilege is a book that is either going to either offend you by Charlemagne’s bluntness or encourage you to live your truth. The only way to find out what it does for you is to read it. Order it on Kindle here.
