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Mario vs. Melo Trophy '09

Melo vs. Mario: Produced by Sonjay Productions

Mario gives the trophy to Melo, 9.6.09

(PHOTO by Mark Dennis) - R&B Sensation Mario, NBA Superstar Carmelo Anthony, and BMORENEWS' Doni Glover

By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com
 

(BALTIMORE – September 5, 2009) – They are both at the top of their games: dynamic, appealing, charismatic and determined beyond reason. They both know of the challenges facing young people – and older people, too, for that matter – in a city like Baltimore.

Nonetheless, they insist on putting their permanent imprint on Charm City in the most positive way. Both young men have foundations with similar missions: to help empower young people.

In a majority black city where it is easier for young black men to go to jail than to Melo’s Syracuse … in a majority white country where black males alone comprise some 44% of America’s prison population – especially considering that blacks at-large comprise some 15-20% of the US population – NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony and R&B powerhouse Mario apparently understand their day-role.

It would be easy for them to enjoy their stardom and never look back on their roots. It is, quite possibly, even more challenging to not forget their hometown especially when everything in the mainstream media suggests something to the effect of Bodymore, Murderland.

Yet, both men have survived. Instead of wearing orange jumpsuits or instead of being on a detox ward at the nearest hospital or haphazardly sporting the nearest gang colors – both Melo and Mario are making global waves – setting records – and, in Mario’s case, literally making records: “Why you wanna break up?” They are taking no prisoners and making a solid impression on the world in which we live.

To me, that is a beautiful thing. And what’s even more beautiful is that these two young guys have the wisdom, the guidance, and the footing … far beyond their years … to give something back.

As for Melo, he will tell you: Giving back is innate to him. For as long as he has been in the NBA (7 years), he has given back to Baltimore. Period. Point blank. End of story.

Heck, he has his name on a youth center in Baltimore and on a center in Syracuse, New York.

What’s most astounding is that somehow, some way – these two have joined forces to make a positive difference for youngsters, some of whom are in similar situations as they were once in.

Now, that’s a shot of hope!

Could you imagine if our leaders did the same thing? Can you imagine our mega-preachers and black millionaires and black politicos joining forces to make, hypothetically, Baltimore City Public Schools what they ought to be … for real? Could you imagine all city students getting an equal education?  

Can you imagine black folks on the Liberty Road corridor and those on East Monument Street uniting to make black businesses the most attractive thing you’ve ever seen … like Macy’s, like Newports, like the Benz dealer, like Hennessy … as opposed to them closing at record levels? 

Mario and Melo have not let the so-called crab-in-the-pot mentality stymie their progress one iota. They have not let ego (edging God out) hinder their unity. They have not let drugs, addiction, crime or misunderstood “Stop Snitchin’” videos get in the way. These men refuse to be victims; instead, they are victors!

These beautiful young brothers have navigated the waters, bobbed and weaved, and side-stepped the bull feces and the trap of hundreds if not thousands of unwanted baby mamas so as to create a life for themselves and those they love. They have manned-up and let the people of Baltimore know that they are ours and we are theirs.

Most importantly, in my book, they have demonstrated that they understand a message my late father would always share: With a closed hand, nothing gets in and nothing gets out. However, with an open hand, there are endless possibilities. The moral to the story is to help somebody when you can.

Honestly, I think Melo and Mario – two of the most approachable celebrities you will ever meet - have shed new light on a city riddled with gunfire and empty casings. I think they have put to shame, for instance, the so-called leaders who have years on them – simply by their quintessential example of unselfish and unconditional sharing.

”Many be called, but only few are chosen; oh, how happy are they few.”

I think they are, in essence, true leaders … and in more ways than one. I think they have the Holy Spirit.

You see, I have come to realize that you have that spirit when you help empower others. And, for the past two days, they have done that. They have demonstrated that they are grounded and rooted in the universal principles of love, peace, and understanding.

Having shared some space with them as of late, I am witness that we all should be proud of them. And, even more, we all should learn from their example of philanthropic giving. You see, we all can give something because we all run across people everyday who are less fortunate than us.

Keep up the great work, men! Baltimore is so proud of you!  

Tags: black philanthropy, Carmelo Anthony, mario