PODCAST: how young is too young???

On this week's episode, we celebrate the 100th episode of the 12kyle Podcast!!!

More importantly, we ask the questions, how young is too young...to get married, to drink, & to have sex. Listen and let me know what you think

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Shout out to Tactless Podcast, We Did That S#!+ Podcast, and Bak Talk Media Podcast

end of the road

It's over.

Just like that.

Our football season is over. We lost in the first round of the playoffs. 12-6 in overtime.

While it was tough to lose a heartbreaking game like that, I was proud of the kids. They fought hard until the last play. They were prepared and they played their hearts out. Our coaching staff told them to "leave it all on the field" and they did. The kids were truly a pleasure to coach. It goes without saying that I enjoy coaching my son, Kameron. He started at tight end and cornerback for the team. He even got his first interception last week. Much like most of his teammates, I saw him develop and get better each week. We had so many kids get better from the beginning of the year. As a coach, that's what you want to see. It's not all about wins and losses. It's about watching these young 10 and 11 year olds develop into young men. Wins will come. We won 6 games and loss 3. It wasn't the season that we had expected but it was a good season nonetheless. I'd take all 28 kids and go to a battle with them. I love them just as if they are my own.

The future is uncertain...in particular...my future on the sidelines. Kameron is 11 yrs old but was able to play in our 10 and under league. He could play for the 11 and under team next year or he could play for his middle school. Unlike most of his team, he's already in middle school (6th grade). There are only 3 other kids who are in middle school on our team. We have been able to keep the core of our team together for 6 yrs. We have coached almost all of them since they were 5 yrs old. And our coaching staff has been together for 6 yrs. There are about 15 kids who make up the core. Honestly, some will be back...some won't. Some will move on to middle school football. That includes Kameron. He's expressed his desire to play for his middle school team next year. Will he do it? I'm not sure at this point. He'll make that decision next spring. If he does, then I'm not coaching. My days of coaching will be over. My youngest son, Brandon (who's 6 and under team is still in the playoffs after an 8-0 season), will continue to play if he likes but I have no desire to coach on his team. His coaches have a staff in place and they have been together for a few yrs. I enjoyed coaching with the group of men on our staff. We are close. I couldn't see me coaching with anyone else. There is a bond that extends beyond the football field.

As many of you know, I had major reservations about coaching when I was approached about it 6 yrs ago. I wasn't sure how my knowledge, experience, and love for the game could be translated to a bunch of kids. Football is my first love. I played the game for the love of it. Nothing else. But this ain't 1980. It's a different era. I didn't know if I could do it.

But I did it...and did it well. I won a championship and several divisional championships. More importantly, I was able to give myself and my time to kids. Nobody can put a dollar on how much that is worth. It's going to feel weird to not be at practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 6:30. We've been conditioning since the beginning of June and practicing since July 8th. I have free time on my hands now. Is it the end? It could be. I truly won't know until next spring but if it is...I'm ok with it. I'll hang up the whistle with pride and happiness. I'm done.

Unless Skyler plays football...

Back in Tha Day Vol 5 (Childhood Memories) 12 RADIO SHOW

Tune in to the 12 Radio Show tonight at 9 pm EST

Tonight's show will be co-hosted by Mindful Naked

TOPIC - Back in Tha Day vol 5 (Childhood Memories). Join us as we discuss some of the best childhood memories. It doesn't matter if you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s...you will relate to this show. Don't miss it

(347)215-7162

www.blogtalkradio.com/12kyle

A new CHANGE in Philadelphia

How often is it that we hear people complain about things that are NOT happening in the community and nobody does anything about it? Some people will talk but never make any changes.

Andrea Walker is not one of those people.

Both Andrea and Matthew Myles are bringing change to their hometown, Philadelphia. They have recently launched a non-profit organization called I.N.E.R.D Inc. in Philly. I've known Andrea for years and she is someone who is about to make a major impact on her city. I recently interviewed her to find out more about her new movement.

I.N.E.R.D Inc., a new, local non-profit organization plans to launch Campaign I.N.E.R.D. An innovative, thought provoking, empowering, dual educational mentorship and resource initiative, whose “goal is to focus on empowering youth and young adults in our local communities, to nurture, mold and develop a superior understanding of the importance of intelligence,” says Co-founder Matthew Myles. They will begin first by implementing their Sisters Sittin Pretty mentorship program this June 1, 2013. This program will target inner city youth girls ages 6-16. Sisters Sittin Pretty will encourage sisterhood and foster self-respect and self-esteem. It will explore every platform from the controversial conversations that most parents dread having, such as, safe sex, rape, peer pressure, abstinence, and teen pregnancy to life skills, team building, leadership skills, bullying, to high-school and college preparation. The girls will engage in meaningful, thought provoking, and age appropriate activities which will help them develop self-respect and empower them with a core understanding that intelligence is “cool”.

Founders and Philadelphia natives Andrea Walker and Matthew Myles believe that, by getting the necessary resources to the youth, you equip them with the tools required to lead a successful and productive lives as upstanding citizens of the communities. However, deprive a child of knowledge and engage them with substandard community resources and they become the criminals that bombard our media outlets with hate crimes, gang on gang violence and other senseless acts that rip through the communities. “They can’t do better if they don’t know better”, says Co-founder of I.N.E.R.D Inc., Andrea Walker. For Myles, I.N.E.R.D stands for I Never Ever Rely on Dummies an acronym he coined three years ago while living in the inner cities of DC, but for Walker, I.N.E.R.D stands for Imagine New Emotions Rediscovering Dreams, an acronym that speak volumes to her personal struggle with her mother’s diagnosis of HIV. Any way you look at it, I.N.E.R.D stands for a change and the founders of I.N.E.R.D plan to do just that beginning in Philly’s own backyard with hopes of one day operating on a national level. 

Sisters Sittin Pretty mentor ship program is just the first of many aids to be implemented by I.N.E.R.D Inc. The organization is also in the process of developing a Soup Kitchen in Camden, New Jersey, as well as a Financial Literacy Program, a Global Language Program, and Trade/Organizer Blend Workshops which will include youth prevention/intervention programs. Walker plans to partner with local AIDS activist to launch a HIV/AIDS Activist outreach and Support Program which will be a dedication to her mother. She plans to make children aware of the epidemic and provide counseling and support for them and their family members, something she wishes would have been provided for her as she struggled with the harsh reality that her mother was battling the disease. Walker says “no longer should people be in fear of the disease HIV/Aids, just like they aren’t about Cancer. Its 2013, it’s not taboo anymore. People contract this disease every day and many times, they are unaware.” 

1. What made you decide to start this venture in Philadelphia? 

We were all raised in Uptown Philadelphia and most of our team still lives in the city so starting this venture to give back to the city that has molded so much of our lives was an easy decision. That, along with the cities painfully obvious lack of community involvement and the crisis that we see our youth struggling to overcome when it comes to such issues as education or other significant resources. This was an answer for that calling. 

2. What separates your non-profit organization from others that may be

somewhat similar? 

What separates us is that we are a collective of young urban professionals who have achieved different degrees of success in our individual pursuits but we all intend to push forward together. Very often, people focus on themselves and create non-profits after they have “made it.” We feel that success is a journey rather than a destination and we intend to share that journey with our community as well as one another.

3. What has been the biggest challenge in launching this movement? 

The biggest challenge has been coordinating everyone’s schedules as we are all very active, busy people with responsibilities and goals of our own. Other than that, our shared passion for our cause has made the process relatively smooth. What has been the biggest reward? There are two. The first is being surrounded by such powerful, positive, energetic young people. The second reward comes from knowing that we are going to make a difference in the lives of families and children. We are creating a legacy that will live beyond us. We are creating something much bigger than anyone of us alone could ever do.

4. Where do you see your organization being five years from now? 

In five years, we see ourselves running full after school and summer programs that will provide safe, nurturing environments for at risk youth. We see ourselves providing our community members with information that will have a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of their children. Such information will come by way of empowering them with basic to in-depth understanding and ability to manage their finances, to realizing the strength and power that we as a people possess, if we stand together. We see I.N.E.R.D Inc. as a bridge in the disconnect between the generation that once lacked intelligence for fear of scrutiny and the generation who will possess and use it as effortlessly as texting on a cell phone. We see ourselves forming lasting relationships with like-minded organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club, Blues Babe Foundation and Black Girls Rock. We see ourselves providing scholarships for deserving young people who might otherwise not be able to continue their education. At the VERY least, we will be a strong, consistent positive influence on our communities. We may very well save some lives.

While I.N.E.R.D. Inc. is the nonprofit sector of the brand, I.N.E.R.D is clearly not limiting themselves to any one area of expertise. I.N.E.R.D is a one stop shop. From a dope t-shirt and hoodie line to a “feminine, flirty, and sexy line” known as Tulip, by I.N.E.R.D’s own fashion designer Amber Cuff. There is also their music division which is spearheaded by the one and only Verso a.k.a Verse Mega, “The Voice of Reason,” “Dignity in the Flesh,” “An Emcee’s Emcee,” Jamaica-born, Philadelphia-bred lyricist. With unremarkable talent, Verso works alongside some of I.N.E.R.D’s best new and upcoming artist such as Uptown Tone and Friends and the No Names. Although the clothing line and the music division are platforms for the designers and artist, these entities also create opportunities for youth in the areas of internships and shadowing. Members of the mentorship programs are granted a behind the scenes look at how music is created, what goes on in the studio, to live performances, as well as a day in the life of a fashion designer. There are many events that can easily turn into a field trip for the mentees at any given moment.

I.N.E.R.D Inc. is on the move to take back its community. It is calling for any and everyone who has a voice to join them. They believe strongly in their youth and will stop at nothing to empower them with the message that intelligence is cool with the hopes of planting a seed to grow and nurture upstanding citizens of our communities. To learn more about their efforts, donate, or purchase a t-shirt, or to sponsor a child please visit their website at www.inerdinc.com

Media Inquiries:

Andrea Walker

Co-Founder and CEO

I.N.E.R.D Inc.

www.inerdinc.com

andreawalker@inerdinc.com

you are the FATHER...NOT the baby daddy

I think I must've went insane
Thinking I was in love, but really in chains
Trapped to this girl through the two-year old who carried my name
I tried to stop tripping
But yo, I couldn't and the plot thickened
That shit affected me, largely
Because I know a lot of people want me
To fail as a father
And the thought of that haunts me
Especially when I check my rear-view mirror
And don't see him in his car seat
So the next time it's late at night
and I'm laid up with the woman I'mma make my wife
talking 'bout how we 'gon make a life
I'm thinking about child support, alimony, visitation rights
Cause that's the only outcome if you can't make it right
Pissed off with your children feeling the same pain
So, Pop, how could I blame cause you couldn't maintain
I did the same thing
The same thing...(Phonte from Little Brother "All for You")

Me and my homeboys have a LOT in common. Far beyond our tastes in women, music, and sports we share a lot of similarities.

I've noticed one thing that me and all my closest male friends have in common...we ALL have fathers who have played a significant role in our lives. Not some of my friends. ALL. That says alot about those men. Their influence have made us the men that we are today.

By society's standards, we are all successful, progressive, young black men. If you ask any of them, they will tell you that their father was the definition of a man. This is not to say that our mothers weren't there...because they were. I'm a firm believer that a woman can raise a young man and show him how to become a productive citizen. But only a man can teach a boy how to become a man. I feel fortunate and blessed that I have a father who showed me the way and I feel fortunate that my homies have too. Every one is not as fortunate. I don't take that for granted. I think that if a young boy doesn't have a father in his life then he needs a father figure in his life. That could be an uncle, older brother, teacher, mentor, or coach. It's very critical in a young boy's life to have that interaction with a male with whom he loves and respects. As the father of 3 sons, I feel that I have to be the man that they learn from. Being a father is the most rewarding and important job that I'll ever have. It's a job that I enjoy but I take very seriously. I can't make them into a miniature 12kyle. But I can show them how to become a man and how to make it in this world.

As men, we have to get beyond the point of leaving our sons to fend for themselves in this cold world. Is your child supposed to suffer because you are no longer with his mother? Is it smart to neglect your son because you are no longer sleeping with his mother? As men, we have to do better. Our sons need us. More importantly, our sons watch our moves. If we don't show them them the right way...they will be destined to follow in our footsteps.

Hey Coach!

"Hey Coach"

I never get tired of hearing those words.

I actually missed hearing them.

As many of you know, I have coached my son, Kameron, for the last 5 yrs. This past football season, our team (9 and under) finished off a great season. We had a season where we won 9 games and lost 2. We won our division and made it to our league championship game. Unfortunately, we didn't win the game. We lost to a team that we had beaten 22-0 a month earlier. On this day, we lost 20-8. To be honest, I had a hard time remembering the score of the game that day. I was too hurt to look at the scoreboard. We just didn't show up to play that day. We didn't play our game. And it cost us.

Losing that day hurt. I can't lie. As a coach, you hate to lose but you REALLY hate to lose to a team that you KNOW that you were better than. We just weren't better than them that day. And that's not to take anything from them. They beat us and i tip my hat to them. But I'm sure that THEY will tell you that we were the better team. Nevertheless, it hurt to walk off the field that day. I remember walking into our team circle and seeing all of the kids on our team crying. I looked for Kameron. He was in the middle of the circle. He was crying like a baby. I was blown away because Kameron is not emotional. He's very even keeled. Calm. Much like his father. Seeing him crying almost made ME cry!!! As passionate as I've always been about football, I've only had 2 games that brought me to tears. One in high school and one in college. On this day, I held back the tears...cleared my throat and spoke to the kids. I told them that I was proud of them. I said "Sometimes in life you work hard and still come up short. But that makes you work harder the NEXT time."

I remember walking off the field with Kameron and someone said "we'll be back next year." That's true...but it takes a lot to get back. The unfortunate thing about sports is that you can't pick up where you left off from the previous season. You have to start all over. We will start over. We will be back.

Last Saturday, we had our team banquet at Georgia Tech. This was our first time together for since that championship game. It was fun seeing the kids again. I missed those lil dudes. It was also good to see the coaching staff. We have a great staff. No egos. We enjoy coaching and we enjoy being around each other. During the season, we send emails and text msgs and have meetings daily about our team. The banquet was a lot of fun. It's always good to seeing little boys dressed up in suits. This collection of kids, coaches, and their parents is more than a team. We are a family. I look forward to the practices in 90 degree weather. I look forward to starting from square one. I look forward to see what Kameron does next year. This past season, he started at tight end and cornerback. He played well all year. He even surprised me with his ability to catch the ball (you know where he got that from). I look forward to being with my family.

I look forward to stepping on the practice field and hearing those 2 words...

Hey Coach!

whatisee

Funny thing happened to me yesterday

I was in the local CVS (pharmacy) and I was waiting in the line so that I could purchase my chewing gum.

There was a gray haired, elderly white woman who was purchasing a few items. She was having a conversation with the cashier. Once she had made her purchase, she seemed to be struggling with the multiple bags that she had as she walked toward the door.

There was a young black man who was standing near the door. The dude was about 19 yrs old. He had his hat turned to the back, saggy pants, and both arms were covered with tattoos. At first glance, he looked like he could pass for a wannabe rapper. With the gold teeth in his mouth, he fit just about every stereotype that you could think of.

As the old white woman walked closer toward the door. He walked towards her. His eyes were fixed on her and the bags in her hand.

Was he gonna rob this old lady and run?

The black kid open his mouth and said...

"Hello ma'am. Do you need some help with your bags? Let me take them to your car."

The woman didn't flinch. She handed the bags to him. He took them and then opened the door for her.

I watched from inside the store as they walked to her car and he placed them in her car. She thanked him. He took off his hat as if to say "you're welcome". He pulled up his saggy pants and walked away as she drove off.

That scene that I had just witnessed reminded me of something that I had learned...never judge people. Let them show you who they are before you formulate an opinion about them.

(RIP Trayvon Martin)