14/03/2024
9️⃣1️⃣. This life that I’ve been blessed to live is not one that I take for granted. As a little black boy growing up in the South Side of Chicago, making it to 91 wasn’t even a dream because it never seemed possible. But as I stand before you today, I am grateful for every person who lent me a shoulder to stand on…From Count Basie to Nadia Boulanger to Joseph Powe to all of the individuals who told me I was worth another day.
To all-a-y’awl out there, never underestimate the positive impact that you can have on a kid’s life because it may just be the difference between them making it to 19 or 91. Thank you all for the beautiful birthday wishes & I pray that I can continue to pass down what the great’s have given to me!! Keep on keepin’ on…U know I am!