Tavis Smiley ended a turbulent and self growth 12 year stint with the TJMS Thursday morning, June 26, 2008. As I listened to a different Tavis from a decade plus two years ago and after a long day of listening to a man feverishly talk about marketing plans, I realized that the training I dreaded was with purpose. Thanks for the capability to click on an internet link, and listen later!
While Tom Sechrist, the trainer, talked about what we, Goodwill of North Georgia, must do to attract potential clients to the plethora of services we provide, all I could think about: Presenting self in a way that honors God’s creation of (♂) and (♀). Bells started to ring. I got excited! My behavior probably resembled a man who just swallowed a bottle of amphetamines. I was ready to speed down Interstate 20! So, after my brief moment of stimulation, I came up with the following to share with you today:
My legacy, good or bad, depends on how I market myself. How I brand Brian E. Payne. In terms of my writing, it is apparent that many of you believe that I have created a decent image of Muata. If you know me personally you know that I am a black Kramer. (Seinfeld). I can be silly and over the top at times. You know that I love to smoke cigars. You know that my second drink of choice is Old Monk rum and Coke. You also know that I am truthfully cynical, excessively critical, borderline judgmental, full of black power passion, and endlessly conflicted. With all of this self analysis and assumption of what you think about me, I still remain God’s creation. His product. A product that I have tried desperately to positively market to those who could and will develop an opinion of me.
Have I done an okay job?
I believe with a little trepidation that I have, and the only proof I have is what you have said and written about me as you used your power of nomination. Becoming the next commentator of the TJMS would have been a dream come true. I have always wanted to be heard. As I shared a sofa bed with my grandmother back in the seventies I remember her saying, “Would you be quiet, Black Boy (her name of affection for me). It is time to go to sleep.” I am glad I did not adhere to her request to go to sleep completely. I laid there and fantasized about becoming a preacher, a speaker, a talker; and since then I have been awake. My state of being awake was enhanced when a college professor told/ask me, “Brian, you need to learn to write. Can you write a paper? Didn’t you learn this in high school? Get your thoughts together. You have a lot to say so write it down in a constructive opinion.” I did just that! My quest to write an introduction, body of paragraphs, and a conclusion began. I was not asleep any longer after that directive from Dr. Barbara Busch. I thank her for being critical, conducting an analysis of my poor writing skills, and for BELIEVING in me. (Believe it or not I have never taken a writing class. I am proud of that!)
I am really alive, not sleep thus the reason I write so much. Talk so much. Complain so much. Praise so much. Empower so much. Irritate so much. And, it has been the feedback you have given that keeps me going. Even the barrage of borderline insults and the questioning of if I do love my black self are invaluable to my growth.
I did not become the Tom Joyner Morning Show mouthpiece, but I trust that I will always have your continued support because there will be other opportunities for me. Thanks for BELIEVING in me. Thanks for honoring me with your words of commendation. It feels good knowing that you trust me with representing you and our ancestors on such a large platform.
Tavis has carried a rewarding burden. A flaming torch. He presented us with a modern day Covenant that we must take seriously, or else. He is what that former black slave expects from us: Personal Responsibility and Accountability.
While Tom Sechrist, the trainer, talked about what we, Goodwill of North Georgia, must do to attract potential clients to the plethora of services we provide, all I could think about: Presenting self in a way that honors God’s creation of (♂) and (♀). Bells started to ring. I got excited! My behavior probably resembled a man who just swallowed a bottle of amphetamines. I was ready to speed down Interstate 20! So, after my brief moment of stimulation, I came up with the following to share with you today:
My legacy, good or bad, depends on how I market myself. How I brand Brian E. Payne. In terms of my writing, it is apparent that many of you believe that I have created a decent image of Muata. If you know me personally you know that I am a black Kramer. (Seinfeld). I can be silly and over the top at times. You know that I love to smoke cigars. You know that my second drink of choice is Old Monk rum and Coke. You also know that I am truthfully cynical, excessively critical, borderline judgmental, full of black power passion, and endlessly conflicted. With all of this self analysis and assumption of what you think about me, I still remain God’s creation. His product. A product that I have tried desperately to positively market to those who could and will develop an opinion of me.
Have I done an okay job?
I believe with a little trepidation that I have, and the only proof I have is what you have said and written about me as you used your power of nomination. Becoming the next commentator of the TJMS would have been a dream come true. I have always wanted to be heard. As I shared a sofa bed with my grandmother back in the seventies I remember her saying, “Would you be quiet, Black Boy (her name of affection for me). It is time to go to sleep.” I am glad I did not adhere to her request to go to sleep completely. I laid there and fantasized about becoming a preacher, a speaker, a talker; and since then I have been awake. My state of being awake was enhanced when a college professor told/ask me, “Brian, you need to learn to write. Can you write a paper? Didn’t you learn this in high school? Get your thoughts together. You have a lot to say so write it down in a constructive opinion.” I did just that! My quest to write an introduction, body of paragraphs, and a conclusion began. I was not asleep any longer after that directive from Dr. Barbara Busch. I thank her for being critical, conducting an analysis of my poor writing skills, and for BELIEVING in me. (Believe it or not I have never taken a writing class. I am proud of that!)
I am really alive, not sleep thus the reason I write so much. Talk so much. Complain so much. Praise so much. Empower so much. Irritate so much. And, it has been the feedback you have given that keeps me going. Even the barrage of borderline insults and the questioning of if I do love my black self are invaluable to my growth.
I did not become the Tom Joyner Morning Show mouthpiece, but I trust that I will always have your continued support because there will be other opportunities for me. Thanks for BELIEVING in me. Thanks for honoring me with your words of commendation. It feels good knowing that you trust me with representing you and our ancestors on such a large platform.
Tavis has carried a rewarding burden. A flaming torch. He presented us with a modern day Covenant that we must take seriously, or else. He is what that former black slave expects from us: Personal Responsibility and Accountability.
Written by Brian E. Payne. Inspired by wishing Dr. Busch was aware that I have learned to express myself on paper without 10-15 misspells and grammatical errors.
Still Praising Him in spite of…
Still Praising Him in spite of…
20 comments:
Nomination from EFJ:
Mr. Joyner,
The next commentator of the Tom Joyner Morning Show must be Brian E. Payne. Brian is intelligent, insightful and a gifted and talented writer. He is passionate about our causes and possesses a love for his people that is unbreakable. He takes pride in discussing with his audience the issues that Black America skirts and refuses to give voice to. He is direct and will not hesitate to say what needs to be said. I strongly believe that his international travels with the Peace Corp. has enabled him to see our issues from a different prospective, he sees them objectively and without bias. He takes us to task and makes us accountable for our own circumstances, no excuses!
Brian’s commentaries are wonderfully written, they are thought provoking, inspiring and at times very deep. I respect his point of view and appreciate the opportunity he has given me to dialog with others through his blog about various topics concerning our community.
I can go on and on about Brian’s writing capabilities, but the author of Exposing Christianity, the HBCU Graduate, (he received his Masters from Howard University School of Divinity), the independent writer of commentaries for various newspapers and online websites has made it easy for you to see his work, simply log onto http://muatatruthtelling.blogspot.com/ and then you’ll agree that Brian must be the next commentator of the Tom Joyner Morning Show.
And not to worry, Brian will continue in the tradition of excellence that we have become accustomed to with Tavis Smiley. He will continue to enlighten and inspire us on all levels, be it political, spiritual, physical and emotional. Brian is your next commentator!
-EFJ
Nomination from VEW:
This former classmate, friend and colleague of mine has a way of making you stop, think and deal with critical issues, in today’s society. His passion for dealing with real and critical issues that plague not only our community but the world as a whole is insurmountable. I would venture to say, one day he will be referred to as the Dr. Cornell West of my generation. I leave you with this thought regarding Brian’s impact on a nation.
Also He said to them,
“Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand? 22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” (Matthew 4:21-23)
-VEW
Nomination from JK:
Perspective with thought. Brian has national and international experience, is service oriented and has an informed opinion on everything. I have had the honor of working with Brian for 3 1/2 years and I am better for it because of his honesty, his humorous insights and his well-thought through observations. He is an author and a commentator; no stranger to a public life or the pressures of performing. He will never let you down but always lift you up! Brian - a choice you can't go wrong w-JKith!
-JK
Nomination from TJL:
Brian has always been deeply interested in the advancement and furthering of knowledge for African Americans. He stood out as a voice of authority even as a teenager. Brian is not one to just hear himself talk. He gives service to family, community, schools, and friends. He is the embodiment of "Each one teach one." He exposes himself to the popular issues, but he also notices issues that are not at the forefront of the media. Economy, politics, family, education, international affairs, and religion are all of interst to him. He backs his opinions with research, reading, and documentation. Brian is not only articulate, but he is also personable and a stranger to no one. He is definitely an up and coming voice of our people and can handle the challenge of the position you seek to fill. To your show he will offer informative, creative, and frank commentary. He will work relentlessly and listen to the opinions and needs of others. See for yourself the width and depth of Brian's commentary. Check out his blog at http://muatatruthtelling.blogspot.com/.
-TJL
Nomination from TJL:
Brian has always been deeply interested in the advancement and furthering of knowledge for African Americans. He stood out as a voice of authority even as a teenager. Brian is not one to just hear himself talk. He gives service to family, community, schools, and friends. He is the embodiment of "Each one teach one." He exposes himself to the popular issues, but he also notices issues that are not at the forefront of the media. Economy, politics, family, education, international affairs, and religion are all of interst to him. He backs his opinions with research, reading, and documentation. Brian is not only articulate, but he is also personable and a stranger to no one. He is definitely an up and coming voice of our people and can handle the challenge of the position you seek to fill. To your show he will offer informative, creative, and frank commentary. He will work relentlessly and listen to the opinions and needs of others. See for yourself the width and depth of Brian's commentary. Check out his blog at http://muatatruthtelling.blogspot.com/.
-TJL
Nomination from HDB:
Brian is the man many have tried to become. He definitely has his troubles with life. He is not immune to that, but what he has done is created an outlet to voice his concerns. It can be what is occurring in Zimbabwe or in China; Brian appears to relate what happens around the world to his lot in life. He has tried to live by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s motto: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. He has done this by believing this! Which is the reason he will be a great voice for the Tom Joyner Morning Show. He understands the world, and what it will take to ‘fix’ it. Just read what has written and shared with the world over the past few years: http://muatatruthtelling.blogspot.com/. Please take him seriously, and you will discover that Brian is a voice we need to hear! Consider him.
-HDB
Reader Responds:
Black Boy!
You're a complicated piece of work. You never told me that your grandmother called you that.........I've called you that here & there for years now.
Oh did I say that you're also a major jerk at times.
-MM
Reader Responds:
i'm still proud of you for at least having the courage to try! you get on my last nerves sometimes...but you know i will always have your back! LOL
-MJ
Reader Responds:
Wow Brian – What an inspiring sentiment!
-JG
Reader Responds:
LIKE YOU SAY,THERE WILL BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES. KEEP THE FAITH!
-WJ
Hey you!
ALWAYS KNOW that you are the BEST hands down. High Self-Confidence is healthy and necessary. So keep doing the things that you DO BEST and LOVE! And those things that are dear to your Heart "Black Boy"! LoL.
Your blackness is your greatest asset because you, others and I represent the great blackness that so many of us have fallen asleep to. You ARE making a difference. Ask me how I know. How do you know Freedom? Because you have made a difference in my life and for that I say, "Thank you!"
TJM or not your voice is being heard. So please remember "Where Much is Given, Much is Required."
GOD sees your good works so stay connected to Him. Some dreams are only delayed NOT denied.
Much Peace & Happiness I send your way.
-Freedom
Reader Responds:
The show is at a loss without you. Nonetheless, press on my brother, press on. The BEST is yet to come!!!
-MJ
Nomination from DBW:
Brian has a very warm and caring personality. He is a down to earth people person and would relate instantly with Tom Joyner and all of the morning show radio personalities. At the same time he is a highly intelligent, critical thinker and like Tavis Smiley, he enjoys boldly unpacking underlying issues relative to African–Americans the regular media consistently fails to detect in the daily news reports. He is quite likeable even when he is sharing views that may or may not be popular. Please read my more detailed comments below.
I am recommending Brian as the replacement for Tavis Smiley. I am Brian’s former Biblical Studies professor at the Howard University School of Divinity where he received his Master of Divinity Degree. Like Tavis Smiley, Brian is a profound critical thinker and gifted orator. A prolific writer, in his first book, Expositing Christianity: My Way of Sharing an Alternative to the Church’s Truth, he boldly, simply, and directly raises the troubling questions many Christians secretly harbor but are too afraid to openly address. He does not limit himself to religious issues, however. His blog, Mustatruthtelling.blogspot.com, clearly demonstrates his courageously universal approach to life. Examples of his blogs are:
1. Are we American the Only People Receiving God’s Grace (5/2008)
2. I ain’t never scared. Who are you fooling black man? (3/2006)
3. Brand Name Whores (8/2006)
4. Disappointment and Devastation: Another Black Athlete Ruins his Image (7/2007)
5. Hypocrisy: The Black Response to Racism (9/2007)
Of course he addresses political issues - most recently the Obama campaign and all of the drama attached to it such as the Rev. Jeremiah Wright fiasco. Please be advised, his responses are not always the ones everyone wants to hear.
In addition to his writing, Brian also loves helping others. As evident in the brief bio below, he has worked with the YMCA and served in the Peace Corp. I believe he can carry the weight of the mantle that will be passed on from the powerful Tavis Smiley.
Brian is a native of the former furniture town, Thomasville, NC. Brian received his bachelor's in Physical Education/Health at High Point University and a master's in Divinity from Howard University. While at High Point, Brian was a dynamic campus leader and he became a Five-Time Track and Field All-American, and received an invitation to compete in the 1991 Olympic Track & Field Trials. Immediately upon graduating from High Point University, Payne worked for the YMCA of Thomasville as a Youth Fitness Director, with an array of responsibilities ranging from teen health fitness to adult fitness. After one year at the YMCA, he entered the Peace Corps. In Antigua, Payne was responsible for developing and implementing a Physical Education curriculum. He also worked as a Peace Corps trainer for incoming trainees, host country teachers, and host government community leaders. In his most recent service with the Peace Corps, Brian served as the Recruitment Coordinator for the Atlanta Peace Corps Recruiting Office. He was responsible for coordinating all recruitment activities within six states and two United States territories. Prior to the Recruitment Coordinator position, Brian served in various capacities within Peace Corps. As a testament to his leadership qualities and productivity Brian was granted the maximum tour of service (8.5Years).
-DBW
Reader Rsponds:
Well, all I have to say is that they missed out! But its all good...there will be other great opportunities for you to display your wonderful talents.
-KG
Reader Responds:
Exuberance, that's what you've got. Exuberance and spirit and the words to back them up. This is a gift, whether or not you're a radio host. This is what you've got to stick to--you've got the power to rally people, and not everyone has that. It's good to hear from you again.
-Erdaddy
Reader Responds:
I love and respect you for always keeping your head up and keeping your eye on the prize.
You know as well as I, that God has a plan. Hang on; your Divine Destiny is on the way. What a great route you have already been traveling.
Love one of your biggest and cutest supporters!
P.S. By the way, I found a misspelled word (sill praising Him in spite of…) I think you meant STILL…..
Inspired by my next Tavis Smiley & Cornell West: Brain E. Payne!
-VEW
Reader Responds:
The TJMS missed out on a great orator, it's just a small roadblock. I know that soon you will be fulfilling your purpose; running your mouth on the big circuit. I will keep my eyes & ears open for other opportunities and if I hear of anything I will let you know.
-JM
Reader Responds:
Hey you!!!...in spite of...this is truly awesome..and you are a awsome writer....All things happen for a reason and season...for this it was not your season...but it will come....keep the faith!!!!
-Bree
Reader Response:
Sorry Bro, but I'm sure bigger and better things are on the horizon....
-KD
Reader Responds:
I am proud of you Ni**a! There will be another opportunity. Stay on the grind, FOOL!!
-JA
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