The Resilient Mind

Recently, President Barack Obama made a direct appeal to Black men, urging us to vote for Kamala Harris, using his speech to highlight the contrast between her policies and those of others. But as I listened to his words, I couldn’t help but feel that something crucial was missing from the conversation. While his intention may have been to uplift, it came across as though he was chastising Black men for having their own opinions, for wanting something different for our communities—something more than the same government intervention we’ve seen for years.

In his speech, Obama touched on some critical points that he believes are vital for our neighborhoods and communities:

• Affordable housing, healthcare, education, and ensuring that families, particularly women, are supported.
• He highlighted Kamala Harris’s journey and her commitment to putting forward “concrete proposals” to address these issues.
• He suggested that some men might be hesitant to support Harris due to discomfort with the idea of a woman in power, emphasizing the strength and resilience of women in the Black community.

But there’s more to the story.

While I respect President Obama, I have to push back on some of his points. It’s not about rejecting the leadership of a woman—many of us understand and deeply appreciate the women in our lives who have supported us through struggles. However, there is a broader issue at play here. Black men don’t want more handouts, and we certainly don’t want to be replaced by government programs that make us obsolete in our own families.

Here’s what we want:

• Less government interference in our lives. Too many Black men are jailed for petty reasons, separating them from their families and communities.
• Opportunities, not handouts. Instead of pumping money into banks, we need grant opportunities for small businesses to build wealth and leave legacies for our families.
• Reform the child support system. Why does the government take money meant for our children? Black men shouldn’t be in debt for life, struggling to support their kids while also trying to survive financially.
• Respect our voices. We’re not here to follow the crowd. Black men are trendsetters who think for themselves, and we want leadership that aligns with our values—not more of the same policies that push us aside.

This isn’t about rejecting women or rejecting help—it’s about creating lasting change that empowers Black men to be present in their families and communities.

What we need are real, sustainable opportunities to succeed. We don’t just want money to buy diapers; we want industries that create jobs and build a future. We want criminal justice reform that stops locking us up for minor offenses. And we want policies that support family structures, not break them down.

President Obama’s speech reminds us that the political landscape is complex, but we, as Black men, deserve more than just being told what to do. We deserve to be listened to.

• 
  When Is the Right Time to Pull Out… How Long Are We to Take Abuse?
  by Kenneth R. Hopkins
  Sometimes patience turns into pain. Watching Shedeur Sanders stay quiet through his benching feels like seeing someone trapped in a relationship that no longer serves them. This post explores how to recognize when loyalty becomes self-neglect — and the courage it takes to walk away with respect.
• 
  Stephen A. Smith Wasn’t Wrong — He Was Asking the Right Questions
  by Kenneth R. Hopkins
  When accountability feels like betrayal, real progress becomes impossible. Stephen A. Smith recently called out Rep. Jasmine Crockett for constantly attacking Trump — and instead of discussing his point, people tried to cancel him. But is he wrong? In this post, I break down why the culture of outrage is holding us back, why groupthink isn’t progress, and why it’s time to stop barking and start building.
• I Wish Someone Would Give Me a Million Dollars!
  by Kenneth R. Hopkins
  If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to? If I had a million dollars to give away, I’d start with my four kids. I’d take half and split it between them — not just as a gift, but as an investment in their future. I want them to… Read more: I Wish Someone Would Give Me a Million Dollars!
• Growth, Consistency, and Execution
  by Kenneth R. Hopkins
  What was the hardest personal goal you’ve set for yourself? This year, the hardest personal goal I set was to close 3 to 5 big deals — not just for the money, but for what it represents: growth, consistency, and execution. It’s one thing to talk about goals, but it’s another to commit to them… Read more: Growth, Consistency, and Execution
• 
  You Want a Sneak Peak of the Documentary I’ve Been Working on?
  by Kenneth R. Hopkins
  After 28 years of wrongful imprisonment, Clarence Moses-EL emerged as a symbol of resilience and injustice in America’s legal system. His story exposes the deep flaws that destroy lives and the unbreakable spirit it takes to reclaim freedom after decades lost behind bars. Justice delayed, but not denied.