Small Town USA Part I

I like many others just finished watching Black in America on CNN. For some it was probably disturbing, for others it confirmed what you already knew... There are a number of black men and women thriving in America, contrary to what the media reports.

Which brings me to the Perfect Image Styling Salon in the "big city" of Thomasville, North Carolina. A few miles south of High Point, North Carolina my home town and home of American Idol Star Fantasia Burrino. As a kid growing up in the area I overlooked things that I wouldn't as an adult. In this case it was the barbershop or hair salon for some. Barbershops and hair salons have been the cornerstones of most communities for generations. The information that you gain as a youngster in these places can't be substituted with nothing else in the world.

If you're ever in the area stop by and see the owner "Mikki" pronounced "Mickey". One of the many talents in Small Town USA.

Comments

Anonymous said…

Hello my friend!
I just went through your blog and you have some very touching shots.
I am also very impressed with your writing. I get very inspired reading your stuff. It seems no matter had bad a situation gets, you seem to find the positive.
That is how I try to live my life as well. Maybe that is why I like you so much! We think a like : )
Keep up the good work, keep inspiring.
Since I have known you, my goal has changed to produce films that impact the world in a positive way.

Through the power of video, I know we can make this world a better place. There is so much video out there that has made it a more challenging place to live. It is time for a change.
Take care!

August 5, 2008 at 9:36 PM

The Measure of a Man.........

the details are below the photos it's a must read story for the men.... The title of this blog maybe familiar to some, it's that of the autobiography of actor Sidney Poitier. When you mention his name the words courage, great, intelligent, daring, brilliant and faithful may come to mind. I've got a new name that replaces those words, Von Johnson. My friend. My brother. My cousin. My new HERO. How and what does that have to do with the title? Yesterday, I observed what it means to live the final portion of your wedding vows, "till death do us part"...... I can't even put it into words how I felt yesterday. The only word that comes close is "helpless". It was one of the rare moments in life where you want to take someone else's pain and throw it down the river and start fresh. I learned what the measure of a man is all about. Can you live on life's edge and handle all it dishes out? Can you stand in the toughest moments of opposit...

The Players That You Never Knew

With the opening Friday Night of the 2014 high school football season on the horizon, every barbershop in every small-town in America is probably buzzing with the conversation of who are greatest high school football players of all time. It's a valid question considering the pool of talent that passes through most small towns. People often wonder where these guys end up long after their playing days are over. I've often asked the same question about many of my ex-teammates. Two in particular, Darius Brewnington and Kenny Shaw. If you were an athlete in the early 1990's they were arguably considered two of the most influential athletes in North Carolina's rich high school football history. Unfortunately, like many other high profile athletes life happens. However, even with the growing pains of life every man has his day of redemption. With Darius and Kenny being former teammates of mine I wanted to see for myself who they are 20 years removed fr...

Pete's Road Trip

Two weeks ago my friend Pete decided to take a road trip without me. If you're like me, you're probably thinking some friend right? I guess it goes to show you that like most friendships, we too were total opposites. In our teen years, Pete was always there for my major sports accomplishments. For example, when we went to team camp at High Point University he and I won the 2 on 2 competition for the first time, together. A few years later we won the North Carolina State 3-A Basketball Title, and in my sophomore year of college he was in the stands when I scored my first collegiate touchdown. He and our mutual friend Johnny were going nuts. I celebrated so hard that Lamont Burns had to slap me so that we could kick the extra point. Pete was like a little brother to me. So like any other sibling relationship, I would have never told him that he was my motivation for my many athletic accomplishments. It's a part of the unspoken sibling code, worry your brothers, sis...

Vision Beyond The Lens by -J.J. McQueen-

Search This Blog