I can remember every time someone planted a seed in my life throughout my childhood. They not only planted it but, nurtured it with water and light ultimately allowing it to grow by the positive results I was able to produce. One such example came from my 5th grade teacher who spent many hours helping me discover that the total weight of an object is equal to the weight of its individual parts after being disassembled. “The whole is equal to the sum of its part” she explained. Once I understood this I soon learned that it was not simply a science concept but more importantly a life concept.
Mrs. Lapman my 6th grade teacher would hand back my book reports over and over again and say to me each time “there is no such thing as good writing only good rewriting”. I didn’t understand initially that she wanted me to produce the best book report I was capable of producing. But as she continued to water the seed that she was planting, I soon got the message.
One of my fondest memories from childhood was related to the countless hours I spent in the barbershop owned by my grandfather. After having my hair cut into whatever happened to be the look of the moment, I was able to assist him by sweeping the floor and handling the cash register. In his quiet way he taught me to always be committed to the task, discipline, and to take pride in ownership.
Finally, I grew up in a household with parents who were active participants in the civil rights movement. In fact, I represent perhaps the last generation who witnessed the struggles of the civil rights era. As a young child I watched in fear the March on Washington and Dr. King’s funeral wondering where my parents were in the crowd. The lesson I learned from these experiences was to always stand up for what you believe in.
I’ve had many positive experiences since these seeds were planted and now after serving the BRAG organization for twenty years working as a volunteer, member, director and officer, I’ve been elected to serve as its sixth President. I experienced a breadth of emotions as I considered the magnitude of this position. However, I soon came to realize that this role represents the broad scope of knowledge, which stems from my lived experience. From the pride I feel in the lesson my parents taught me, to the inspiration I received from the legacy my grandfather left, to the love I share for the written word thanks to Mrs. Lapman, to the sheer delight I find in knowing that no matter how our experiences are assembled, the weight of the whole is always the same as the sum of the part.
Over the next two years I hope that the BRAG organization can plant and nurture a few seeds. In fact, as you read this message you are experiencing a new seed we’ve planted. Please take the time to become familiar with our newly designed website. The big news here is the job bank, which will allow our members the opportunity to search for career opportunities. We have also planted another seed with our new Leadership programs, which we are offering to our corporate sponsors and supporters. These programs will allow team members and managers an opportunity to learn how to build management skills and collaborate in teams, understand organizational types, roles and rules and identify personal value to the organization.
Seeds produce results! I’ve learned this with all the positive reinforcement I’ve received throughout my life. With this new responsibility I’m reminded of something bell hooks says in Talking Back. “How could I not long to know? And how could I forget that fundamentally the purpose of my knowing was to serve those who did not know, so that I could learn and teach my own”. She reassures me that the time is right for me to take on this challenge, and to also encourage all of you who’ve had seeds planted in you during your life to explore those times as I have here for deeper meaning. I know that after you have done so, together BRAG, you and I can make a difference!
Gary L. Lampley
garylampley@bragusa.org
