A Teenage Black Male Killing It.

He is a sophomore in high school with dreams bigger than the bigger picture. He is smart on the field but even smarter off. He plays football.. yet also excels in Math and Science. Loved by all.. He is my brother, Joseph Daniels.

Today is my brother's sixteenth birthday and on this day I am more than proud of the man he is becoming. He is killing it. He is breaking stereotypes for the black male and continues to do so each and every day. He does not smoke weed, drink liquor or steal. Instead, he shines his light onto his friends, learns new football tactics and studies. He is the smartest teenager I know. I advocate for him no matter what. He has always had a gift..he has always been special.

So today I'd like to write him a letter for everyone to see.

Dear Joseph,

I am so beyond proud of you. I can already see that your future is beyond bright. Continue to shine your light wherever you go and do not let any haters get you down. Haters are always going to hate. I am excited to see you start med school one day and possibly even make it to the NFL. I just want to see you succeed in a world where they want the opposite for our young black men. Continue to be great, do great, and pursue greatness. No one can do you like you so through everything remain true to yourself and remember that God is for you. I knew you were going to be great the first day I saw you in Abbington Memorial Hospital. I am so blessed to have had God choose me to be your sister. 

xoxo,

Your sis

To all my young black men. You are more than what the media says you will be.. Remember that. And to all of my young black women. Continue to uplift all of our young black men. Together we will change the next generation.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUNG BLOOD.