As a psychologist I was trained to understand that perspective is everything. I also learned and over time came to understand that people are compelled to share their perspective through the telling of stories.
Stories seem to provide the connection between the facts of their lives.
That is, the telling of stories seem to contribute to their sense of wholeness or integrity. When I sit with an individual in the stillness of the therapy hour, I am there to help the individual put his or her life in a meaningful context by helping him or her to tell me the best story he or she can. I have decided to change my role as a trained and skilled listener and instead tell you a story. A story that will provide you with a rare glimpse of an increasingly common and shared perspective by many Black men of their present status and future in America. In other words, I challenge you to become the listener and discover the meaning and value of this story.