The "Ghetto" Isn't A Place - It's A Mentality
This past week it was honor to pay my respects to a Grand Nephew of mine. At the tender of age of 24 – he traversed mortality into a state of rest. This was probably the most memorable and impressionable funeral I have ever attended. This kid rolled with the “wrong” crowd, kicked it with sinners and preachers, and made everyone feel loved. Within the LDS context of “99 plus One,” He was a messenger always available and actively seeking a “One” in Need.
Growing up I was caught up in the “struggle.” We were taught to “reach for the stars,” …where the American Dream meant that anything was possible, to dream the impossible dream, that sky was the limit…
As kids we dreamt of being astronauts, Jedi Knights, A G.I. Joe, He-Man, Michael Knight, MacGyver, Rambo, and so forth…
Then for me the 90’s hit: And Thug Life became a reality.
All I dreamt about was being the hardest Gang Banger there could be.
As a Polynesian the Gang wasn’t a gang: It was a Tribe, It was a Village: We were a family willing to do anything for each other. We were a band of brothers committed to each other.
During debate tournaments for “Dixie College” one of platforms was “Persuasive Speech,” to which my presentation would include this rhetorical: “Do we justify murder as Americans during a time of war or military conflict, Yet – chastise murders occurring due to gang violence, where my peers are they themselves at war.”
While listening to the messages given at my nephews funeral – I began to reminisce of my not so distant past…
For some reason I felt a special peace at this funeral. I felt at home with this part of my family. Having left the gang mentality over 23 years ago, I was with a family made up of black sheep. I was among a family of people which society likes to call “outcasts,’ “bad apples,” “Ghetto.”
These are the exact type of persons Jesus Christ ministered too. These are the “poor in spirit” where theirs is “The Kingdom of Heaven.” Was Jesus a “G?” You bet: He put the “G” in God. During the funeral each message came with humility and a genuine love for Tayvonn and love for everyone there…bidding “until we meet again.”
I would like to share a piece of my nephews talk regarding his son’s passing.
In 2016 Tayvonn had a heart transplant and was given 10 years to live. My nephew “Benny Butcherz” was sad for his son. Benny asked the doctor if there were any precautions he should take to ensure his son lives as long as he could. The doctor said that he has to avoid being bruised. Benny asked the doctor well how hard can he be hit? The doctor said the approximate weight of a basketball hitting him. Apparently my nephew was known to regularly scrap or fight with everyone in the hood knowing it could kill him. His brothers stated that they would always want to be out with him, he made them feel safe.
My nephew Benny although a baptized member of The Church of Jesus Christ – is on his own path that many my find contrary The Church.
But this part of his “speech” referring to a special memory with his son Tayvonn is my favorite:
A Conversation between a father and son, where the father knows that his son is going to die soon,
by Benny “Butcherz” Burgess:
Son: “Dad, why do you drink so much?”
Father: “Because Son, I want to beat you there.” (Heaven)
Son: “Dad, why do you smoke so much?”
Father: “Because Son, I want to beat you there.” (Heaven)
Father: “Son, I’ll meet you there.”
This is why the Ghetto isn’t a place – its a mentality. People who only see life through a material lens will only use the term “ghetto” to reference the dilapidated domiciles and ugly surroundings with a high crime rate.
The Ghetto may not be outwardly clean – But its mentality I find resonance with.
Ghetto is much more than the bad things. Its many Good & Great Things too.
Men and Women from the Ghetto do not fear “Man” they fear God. They are people with limited resources. They are America’s greatest asset. These young men and women join the US Armed Forces just to climb the socioeconomic ladder. They are Policemen, Firefighters, Sheriffs, Musicians, Artists, Writers, NBA Players, MLB Players, Tennis Players, Golfers, NFL Players, Scholars, Scientists, Doctors, Religious Leaders, Leaders. They are amongst the finest of 99, and even a few One Percenters. If the middle class of society is the “bread basket” of America, The “Ghetto” is the yeast.
In conclusion: Amongst a Gang of Thugs: You are amongst a brotherhood where your “word” means everything.
The only difference between a Gang of Thugs and “The Brethren:” Is that the only “word” that matters is “God’s Word.” As an elder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we heed the words of Jesus Christ today: As he speaks through his mouthpiece: (Even Prophets and Apostles) – A Living Prophet: President Russell M Nelson, under The Lord Jesus Christ.
The Kingdom of God: Is a place of Refuge. We are a Family. We are brethren willing to give it all to obtain the “word,” or “truth.” We make a “divine commitment” or covenant to seek out the one, seek out those in need, those in despair. We seek out those outcasts that society chooses to forget. We love all, we seek peace for us, and a place for you, a place for God.
May we forever keep God in our hearts. For if God is in our hearts, when we love someone it will be pure and genuine as the Love of Jesus Christ.
Peace & Prosperity to those in the struggle. May God bless all those in despair, in the throngs of “war.”
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.