End of Convention

Ok, so I lied. I didn't have time to blog everyday about my experiences at the convention but just to update...I met plenty of people in the journalism industry who I admire and networked with numerous individuals.

The event I was in charge of, "Salute to Excellence," went very well even though there was some confusion at first. Usually I'm not the loudest person in the room but I had to step out of my comfort zone and put on the journalist cap which makes me break out of the usual laid back and reserved Royce and become aggressive, persistent, won't accept no for an answer Royce Strahan.

By the end of the convention I couldn't believe I was getting paid to do something that I love. Working with other journalist who are on the same path as me and want nothing more than to get their big break was a priceless opportunity. Many people have the same dream but never manage to implement the actions necessary to make their dream a reality. The people I encountered at the convention were completely different. Every single individual had drive, passion, and a desire to just break out of the norm and become a leading figure in their specific field.

The last day of the convention brought emotions to most of the staff. We all pretty much spent most of the day working with each other without any tempers flaring or problems arising. Our staff was the epitome of a team that worked well together to plan the largest event for journalists of color. I came to love this organization for the things they have accomplished and the impact the organization has had on journalists of color around the world.

Unfortunately my "vacation" only lasted so long. Coming back to my dorm at Howard, I realized I had been locked out of my room as a result of not having fall housing. It's amazing how things can all of a sudden change in the blink of an eye. One minute, I'm living it up in Tampa Bay and the next I'm a homeless college student trying to exhaust every option in order to have a place to sleep.

Luckily, a friend allowed me to stay with them until I came back to Chicago. If I didn't learn anything else in Tampa, I learned to let people know how much I appreciate their help when they go out of their way to assist me in anyway. Whether it's a server in a restaurant or someone who helps me with a situation with a smile on their face, I'm sure to let people know I appreciate the time they take to make my experiences in life a little easier.

I'm now back home in Chicago, hoping to hear something back from the places I've applied to live for the fall semester. Hopefully everything works out. Pray for me...to be continued.

Convention FINALLY starts!

It's Wednesday morning! Which means the NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) Convention officially starts. All of the preparation and preliminary work I and the staff have done will finally be seen throughout the remainder of the week.

Firstly, let me start by talking about a funny comparison. I was told yesterday that I have a celebrity twin and was mistaken for Andre 3000. The concierge at the hotel thought I was there to perform at the convention. I've heard this comparison before from a friend but I just don't see it at all. Rajon Rondo...I can understand how people say I look similiar. Chris Tucker...maybe when my voice is really high, but not looks. Mr. Burns...I hate anyone who has ever made this comparison lol.

Yesterday I was walking into the hotel and I spotted a familiar looking guy who I thought was just one of the members who was here for the convention but didn't put two and two together until he had walked pass me and was gone. I thought about it for a second after he passed and realized I had just walked past Detroit Pistons president, Joe Dumars. Also a NBA Hall of a Famer, Joe Dumars gave me my first star struck moment at the convention. Still upset that I didn't get a chance to speak to him.

While down here, I'm trying to make as many connections as possible. Still waiting to talk to one of the sports journalist who is here in regards to being my mentor but I haven't gotten the chance yet.

Tonight is the all-white party at the poolside of the Marriott. The event should be packed judging by the small size of the pool area and the many individuals who plan to attend.

I definitely need to get a new phone. My blackberry has cut off on me continuously since I've been down here, which is not a good look when you have people calling you to get logistical information and when you're giving out your number to professionals. Can't miss that call! Whoever it's coming from. A BROTHA NEED A JOB AFTER THIS!

Life From Tampa

As I stepped off the plane and came through the Tampa International Airport, I was oblivious to the experience I was about to encounter. I'm in the city for ten days working for the National Association of Black Journalist Annual 2009 Convention and I had no idea what to expect.

I and several other staff members made our way to baggage claim, retrieving our bags and then heading to get cabs to take us to the Marriott. As soon as the doors to the airport opened, the heat hit us. It was hot, humid, and sweat began forming on my forehead before I even got to the cab. Now the trip to the hotel.

Being new to the whole traveling aspect of journalism, I hadn't been outside the parameters of Chicago, DC and the surrounding areas. It was an entirely new experience and I was prepared to take advantage of every opportunity. I was in amazement in the cab feeling like a toddler at Christmas, seeing palm trees for the first time. The heat became a non-factor because of my excitement from being somewhere I had never been, but that was only temporary because of the air conditioning in the cab.

After a 15 minute cab ride, we were at the hotel. As a part of the staff, we were the first of journalists to check in. Jubilated to have my own room, I got my key and came to my room which would be home for the next ten days. 12th floor overlooking the bay and the poolside of the hotel, I realized how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. Scheduled to only put my bags down in my room and head back down to the lobby for lunch with staff, I didn't want to leave the room that displayed a view of downtown Tampa's skyline (which is no competition for Chicago's skyline above).

Making my way downstairs in an obviously good mood as a result of my room, I and the staff settled on a restaurant in the hotel, Champion's Sports Bar & Grill. The walls were plastered with autographed sports memorabilia and pictures which was a welcoming environment for anyone who has loved sports as much as I have over the years. The slow service was an afterthought as a result of the great environment. I tried my best to hide my excitement amongst my colleagues, but it was clearly visible in my expressions and shown on my face.

Meeting journalist who are in the position I wish to be in has a profound effect on any up and coming journalist's life. To actually call these people your mentors after meeting them and talking with them over a drink or through casual conversation is a priceless opportunity. I will definitely come back from Tampa with a new outlook on life as well as my career.

On my way out for a board meeting now, but stay posted. Much more to come!

Lakers Now a Dynasty

Now that the confetti has fallen, bottles were popped and tears were shed, the Lakers are once again the NBA champions, and without Shaquille O'Neal. The Orlando Magic fell seemingly without a fight in Game 5 and some are questioning whether they were the best team in the Eastern Conference to face the Lakers.

Nathaniel Sligh, senior business management major, wasn’t pleased with the outcome of the game, but gave credit where it was due.

“Even though I didn’t want the Lakers to win or go to the NBA Finals at all, I feel that Kobe Bryant did a great job leading his team,” Bryant said. “He was able to take control of the game when he needed to as well as delegate tasks to his team.”

One can't seem but wonder if the outcome of the series would have been the same if the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers, would have beat the Magic as predicted. Everyone had Kobe and LeBron facing off in the finals, even Nike, which used commercials of Kobe and LeBron puppets to promote the two going to battle for an NBA title.

I'm sure we would all agree, unless you're a die-hard Magic fan, that a Kobe and LeBron matchup would have been more entertaining than the quickly subdued Orlando Magic. The Magic fizzled out quicker than Master P's basketball career, playing like they were just content with being in the Finals instead of having the Lakers hunger to win.

While Dwight Howard reevaluates his position with the Magic and prepare for next year, Kobe Bryant is in his glory after winning his fourth NBA title. Bryant led his team to winning their fourth title in the past ten years as well as solidified himself as an immortal in sports, silencing all critics who claimed he was incapable of winning without Shaq.

"It was like Chinese water torture," Bryant said in reference to his discontent with critics saying he couldn't win without Shaq. "I would cringe every time. I was just like, it's a challenge I'm just going to have to accept because there's no way I'm going to argue it. You can say it until you're blue in the face and rationalize it until you're blue in the face, but it's not going anywhere until you do something about it."

Although both have taken their jabs at each other in past seasons, it seems they have finally found a common ground being away from each other.

O'Neal acknowledged Bryant on his Twitter page saying, "Congratulations Kobe, you deserve it. You played great. Enjoy it my man enjoy it."

The Lakers have solidified the team as a dynasty without the assistance of two star players, but one. With Bryant and the tandem of the core players who played major roles this season, the Lakers are prepared to be a force in the NBA for years to come. Now that the cloud of O’Neal and the doubts that Bryant couldn’t win without another star player have been removed, Bryant has placed himself in a position to be considered one of the greats in sports history.

Shock of Playoffs

Upsets in sports are inevitable, but no one saw the upset of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James not facing each other in the finals.

Keeping up with the NBA playoffs this year has been a roller coaster ride to say the least. Being a die-hard hometown fan, of course I was crushed when the Bulls didn't take the series against the Celtics but as a Chicago fan you get used to the phrase "Wait until next year." We've actually all been brainwashed to believe this optimistic phrase year after year. Most of us are still waiting for a ridiculous Billy Goat curse to be broken.

With all of the commercials and advertisements playing the role of the Oracle, it was almost a certainty that King James and Kobe were going to face off for the ultimate prize in the NBA. Some even questioned whether the entire playoffs were fixed to have the two best players in the NBA compete, which would ultimately boost ratings and mean more revenue for the NBA. Although this would have meant more revenue for the NBA, the Orlando Magic defied all the corporate big wigs and fans rooting for a Kobe/LeBron matchup.

Capturing the Eastern Conference title, the Magic have positioned themselves to be a force in the finals as well as for years to come. With young players that have a drive and passion to win, the Magic may be a force for the Cavaliers and King James to reckon with even in the distant future. Dwight Howard is gaining more experience as he goes along and is averaging over twenty points and fifteen rebounds in the playoffs and is emerging as a powerhouse of the NBA to the likes of Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Charles Barkley.

The strong supporting cast of Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu are becoming more unified and providing their opposition match-up problems as a result of the height advantages of Magic players.

The Lakers have their work cut out for them come Thursday night on their home court. Orlando has become the Cinderella team that no one expected to get this far. The NBA now has to pull the Kobe and LeBron commercials and replace LeBron with Dwight Howard. Might not sound as appealing, but the Magic have earned their place in history.

Under the Microscope

What does it take to have adoration, fans, money and endorsements stripped from you? Kobe Bryant, Michael Vick and Sammy Sosa can definitely give the answer to this question, but it seems like an unprecedented amount of athletes are being added to this list of asterisks and shame in recent years.

The latest names to be added to the list of asterisks and shame are Alex Rodriguez and Michael Phelps. Two highly regarded young athletes in their prime lives changed at the release of a picture and the issuance of a statement. Although these individuals are human and will make mistakes like any other, the crimes they committed have the potential to tarnish an entire generation.

Before the steroid plague in Major League Baseball and illegal drug usage across the field of sports, Americans expected their poster boys to be exempt from such activities. In recent years star athletes have given fans a reason to be doubtful that monumental accomplishments were achieved as a result of pure skill. Making mistakes are human and should be forgiven as a result of the person being apologetic but the individuals who are in the limelight are held to a different standard. Even though human, these celebrities are thrown into the fire whenever the slightest mistake is made on their part and rightfully so.

When athletes such as Michael Phelps and A-Rod sign their names to lucrative contracts that will pay them millions in endorsements and salaries, they do much more than just add their name to a paper overloaded with contractual jargon. When they sign their names they become a role model.

According to Webster's Dictionary, a role model is defined as a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. So this is the problem. When you have athletes who sign their names over to be role models to kids across the country as well as the entire world, the young fans are going to imitate all they see their role models portraying.

The mindset of kids who see picture of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana or see Alex Rodriguez admitting to using performance enhancing drugs is being tarnished with thoughts that these crimes are acceptable as long as an apology is issued shortly afterwards. The mentality of this generation, which believes in having a competitive edge at all cost and using illegal drugs in order to have a good time is acceptable, will carry over into the next generation if the actions of this generation are not changed.

How do we want America portrayed to the rest of the country? These athletes have certainly not been a role model according to Webster's definition or most of American's definition. Before signing their name to the dotted line, athletes should know exactly what they are getting into. Instead of being dazed by the money, fame and stardom, they should all be thinking about the effect they will have on the future.