A common question asked to children is, “What do you want to become when you grow up?” The seed of envisioning one’s power in creating her future is planted early in life, if she is lucky.
Oftentimes what fails to follow this question is a draft of how to make her goals attainable. Many times, she is expected to figure it out. While doing so, she searches until her dreams of “what do you want to become” becomes “I am.”
What other seeds, however, grow near? How do they affect her harvest?
Were you encouraged to dream the impossible dream and then supported in obtaining its possibility?
Did you feel free to evolve into your best self, or did the pressure of remaining confined stifle you?
In the garden of life where seeds are routinely planted, she learns to encourage others along the way. When, though, is she encouraged to identify talent to help in the midst of securing her success? Should she make this a priority? Should you?
Meet Bessie Regina Norris, more famously known as Betty Wright. Wright is a singer and songwriter who made history by becoming the first black female artist to score a gold album on her own label. She accomplished this in 1988 with her 1987 album entitled “Mother Wit.” Wright was born on December 21, 1953.
Many know Wright for her hits “No Pain, No Gain,” “After the Pain,” “Clean Up Woman” and “Tonight is the Night.” Fewer know that in addition to paving her own way, Wright proactively discovered new talent.
Although she began her professional career at the age of two, she signed her first record deal in 1966 at 12. Just as someone discovered her, she wasted no time giving others their big breaks.
At 13, Wright was responsible for discovering local talents. Then, she helped soul and disco singers George and Gwen McCrae sign with the Alston Records label. (Note: George and Gwen McCrae are best known for singing the 1975 hit entitled “Rockin’ Chair”)
Imagine that, a world where children committed to the idea of pursuing their goals while at the same time identifying talent and helping others achieve theirs. No longer would she believe that she would need to devalue her own pursuits in order to assist another.
Keisha Bell
