Light It Up: A Generation Worth Fighting For

A known common method to spark a flame, generally comprises of a match striking a hard surface. You must pay close attention to the chronological procedure of such a scientific invention to understand where I’m going with this. First, you have to recognize the use of the flame; either your intent is to light something up, or burn it to ashes. Next the match has to strike a surface, forcing a type of chemical friction with the end result sparking a flame. Lastly, the burning flame has to perform a specific function while lit. In the end, what matters most is the flame will either serve the purpose to illuminate or incinerate; it’s just a matter of the hands controlling the purpose of the match.

Meet the hand...

His laughter is loud, yet contagious, his talk goes a long way when it’s serious, and he wears a bow-tie for every deserving black tie affair; but challenged-based observations in his involvement with Guilford County Schools stimulated this natural born leader to adjust his spotlight. The former vice-president (currently the President) of the Smith High School Booster Club, William (BJ) Levette II, lit his own fire, fueled by determination and guts to promote awareness for changes needed in his school district and community. A native of Greensboro, NC, William (BJ) Levette II won’t go down in history for the lavish day and night parties he throws with fellow party promoters, nor for the tasty cocktail drinks served up every now and again when bartending at a local jazz spot. In the Troos Mag history books, he will forever be pinned as a doting father who cared more about obtaining respect and proper resources for the school children of District 8 and Guilford County as a whole.

Match in his hand...

An alumnus of Ben L. Smith High School (District 8), William noticed too many visualized objections while serving as vice-president of the booster club for Smith High. “...We were having issues with a construction project, and we kind of uncovered that there were some issues with the designs that were based out of downtown,” he explained. In addition, he expounded upon how the exposure of one issue, led to the revealing of multiple concerns, including misappropriation of funds and student achievement issues. Not too pleased with the current state of educational affairs, William convinced himself, “if it was problems at Smith, then there are probably problems all over.” Serving as a member of District 8, a majority black and brown district, William felt a strong pull to further serve his community by fighting for all students and his district. It wasn’t just enough attending school board meetings, or voicing his concern via social media conveying the wrongs needing to be right, or proposing solutions to better assist our children. William had to take a giant leap of faith with a decision that seemed surreal and would have to be strategically executed when announced.

Striking the match...

How does one ensure that the leaders of tomorrow (our kids), especially minorities, are treated with the same respect that the majority ungraciously earn? How do you improve gap achievements between minorities versus white students? Lastly, how do you cultivate a culture where parental involvement is around-the-clock and top notch? If you were blinded or oblivious to such complicated tasks; make the attempt to become more involved. If you could answer all the questions with total understanding that, yes, these are ordeals troubling our future leaders, but felt no sort of compelling itch to do something, be sure to shake William’s hand when you see him. For what seemed like problematic objections to many, only roused William to stand firm on his decision to run for the District 8 seat on the Guilford County School Board of Education.

Campaign team in tact and ready to gain votes, William was the first candidate to file. Using a five fold platform which would address issues brought on by opposing candidates, he was quite sure the “w” was in the bag. And then it happened – the incumbent, who maintained the seat for quite some time – filed. An unexpected turn of events, William maintained his distinguished attitude and strategic outline, running against both the incumbent and an opposing candidate with his best foot forward. As it turns out, it just wasn’t his time. There were not enough votes to secure him a seat on the board. His incumbent would once again return to her throne, but defeat in the name of education could never derail an already established leader such as William. He accepted his loss with a gracious well-stated point of view, “It was more so a fight for the kids, more so than a fight against her (incumbent). One loss is not a set-back, as long as the kids win – I win.”

Burning flame...

In light of William’s defeat, the lesson was bigger than the picture. Campaigning gained him tons of supporters, interviews with television and print publications, and interaction with staff, teachers and children in District 8. But when the lights, cameras and action shut down, the only persons left in the room were William and his teenage son. Raising a young black teenager in an era that’s noticeably different since we were children requires today’s parents to be very hands on. Talks are different than just saying no to drugs or taking precautionary measures when thinking of sex. The wisdom he passes on to his son has to stick. As we stood downtown in front of the Chamber of Commerce building, William recalled the straight – no chaser – verbal wisdom spoken to his son concerning leadership. “Somebody invested in your father and your father did something well, now it’s time for you to invest in people, so they can do something well.” In addition, he explained three key tactics that his son must know and learn: respect, honesty and time management. Ensure the respect you give has no color or class boundaries. “If you treat people right, they will treat you right as well,” he explains. In honesty remember that your word is your bond; and lastly, give back. It’s a form of managing your time well. So, in retrospect, taking his first political loss was disappointing, but making sure your legacy is secured outweighs it all. Just think, if William’s son, who is of grade school age, passes such knowledge on to another student, it’s like a ripple effect. Sure, one hundred percent of the school body may never hear such profound suggestions, but if it reaches one, two, or even three ears – mission accomplished.

Now can you understand why William’s life is just beginning? With as much determination as he has, no one will ever be able to define him by his first political loss. As a leader, he understands that when you pause, it’s a function that generates no movement, so one must work towards the betterment of the problem instead of fighting the concept. This is forward movement during leadership.

So yes, his improvements and suggestions will continue to be brought before the school board, and I have a feeling he won’t stop showing up until the change is made. You call it good intentions, but I call it friction.

Strike the match against a hard surface, create a flame, then enlighten the world until all can see or hear the very change you wanted to bring.

Troos Mag salutes you, William (BJ) Levette II.

XOXO - PP

Story by C. Williams, Editor-in-Chief of Troos Mag