I originally wrote this a couple years ago during my junior year at Hampton. I kept it posted on the door of my dorm room as motivation.
Going through some of my old papers today, I came across the creed.
Sometimes we all need inspiration. This was mine.
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The Black Man's Creed
1. I must have a personal mission.
My mission is the goal that I spend my life in the pursuit of achieving. Whatever I decide it is, I will dedicate myself entirely towards it, with all resources available to me. My mission must extend beyond my own life, because what I do for myself dies with me but what I do for others lives indefinitely.
2. I must have mental discipline.
I must develop the intellectual fortitude to conquer all challenges. I must learn the difference between book knowledge and practical knowledge, and find balance between the two. I must realize that the only credible knowledge is that which originates in my mind; I do not allow others' perception to influence who I am.
3. I must be responsible.
I realize that I am a steward of my home and my community. Their future is entirely in my hands, and I turn away from things that will bring harm to myself, my family, and my neighbors and countrymen.
4. I must be competitive.
I understand that in the game of life, not purposefully "playing to win" is actually "playing to lose". Each moment in the day is an opportunity to gain an advantage, or to lose ground to those who would see me fail. I condition myself, mentally and physically, to be at peak performance 100% of the time.
5. I must show both strength and compassion.
I must be as a soldier at war - able and ready to fight my own battles, but also prepared to return as a loving provider to my family. I am prepared to help those in need, but not to the point to where they become unable to help themselves.
6. I must be wise.
My words and actions reveal who I am - a man of integrity and discipline. I speak with my own natural eloquence; I never lose my temper or allow my adversaries to control my emotions. I am a role model and a man of knowledge - I speak little but say a lot.
7. I must be free.
I will not be a victim of financial or socioeconomic bondage. I have committed to building a financial foundation for my household. I make wise investments so that my children and their children will never know the feeling of economic disadvantage.
8. I must be strong.
I control my own desires and emotions to create a better life for myself and those around me. I resist laziness, apathy, lust, and ignorance. I confront my personal weaknesses and work daily to break them.
9. I must be truthful.
I am forthright in all of my dealings, but more so I am true to myself. I do not try to fit in or become that which I am not. I define what is good and bad for me, and act accordingly.
10. I must be courageous.
I shall not permit interference in my mission. I will help people who do not deserve it. I will work harder when I don't feel like I should have to work at all. I will strengthen the weak, even if it tests my own strength. I will educate the ignorant even though their ignorance causes them to turn their backs on me. I am not afraid of walking this path alone.
(c) 2003 Jonathan Carter
Posted By: Jon C.
Thursday, July 31st 2008 at 4:08PM
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