I’ve been saying for years that the only true way for people of other races to really build a true friendship, is to break bread together.
My own personal motto has always been, “for a meal… I’ll be there!”
And, in doing that, I’ve built dozens of true friendships through the years, especially with white people, as I’ve been welcomed into their homes, to meet the family and kids, to enjoy a home cooked meal, and talk and get to know each other, below the surface talk that we’re all so used to.
How many of you have ever had a person (black person especially) of another race, culture to your home for a sit down meal and conversation? I’m not talking about meeting at the local coffee shop, that doesn’t count the same.
When you open your home, you give others a glimpse into your world and home life. How your home is decorated, the neighborhood that you live in, the neighbors who might drop by, your kids and pets. It’s easy to spend 2 – 3 hours together, rather than a quick 30 minutes at a coffee shop.
I encourage all of us to do these kinds of friendship building. I put the impetus on white people, because blacks already live in a white dominated society, and we can’t escape it. Whites can escape our reality, simply by closing their doors or minds to it.
White America hasn’t had the need (especially since WWII) to learn about other cultures, or even learn other languages, and so they don’t know about that (in general of course). Communities of color and immigrants have had to learn English, American/White culture in order to survive in America.
But in order for us to ever really “get along and learn about each other, and make true friendships” this is something that we really need to do.
America was built on the “melting pot” concept, but that has never really happened. Perhaps this approach can help with that.
I’d appreciate your comments if you care leave me one.
Or better yet, have me over to your home for a meal. (smile)
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
