Unity Creed

When I was a child, for a period of time my mother forced me to get up early on Saturday mornings to attend class. Yup, more school on a Saturday…

But these classes were different from what I was usually taught in school. These classes were about leadership development, community, and manhood.

It was a forum for young, black boys to learn from older men in the community what it meant to be a good man.

Mothers are the best, aren’t they?

Some days I found the classes interesting,  while on other days, I wished I could just go play outside.

I don’t remember everything we went over in the class, but the one thing I can remember clearly is reciting the “Unity Creed” together before we left for the day.

The same thing. Every. Single. Time.

It was just something fun to say together at first (it also signaled that I was getting the rest of my Saturday back), but as I grew older, those words continued to stick in my subconscious being a guide to me along my journey.

Looking back today, I realize how much these words have shaped the way I approach life.

The creed is as follows:

If it is to be,

It is up to me.

I feel good about myself.

I feel good about the people around me.

I feel goodness all aroud me.

And that shall follow me.

Because I walk with good.

And I talk with good.

And that makes me feel, real good.

Good, better, best.

Never let it rest.

‘Til your good is your better.

And your better is your best.

Black people we were once great.

We shall be great again.

Harambee!