Tag: Inner City Innovators

The Power of Groups

Today’s a new day! I believe committed individuals and a small group of passionate people can help change the world.

Let me remind you that Jesus chose a small group of disciples to share an example of what happens when a group of committed individuals come together for a greater purpose. If we follow just that example, we can see how a small group of people can change their communities and beyond. Just think, we are still talking about twelve individuals who came together and committed themselves to the cause of Christ, thousands of years later. Small groups are still the primary focus of most churches, especially ones that want to accomplish purposeful ministry.

I can look no further than my godson Ricky Aiken, who saw a need in his community and started Inner City Innovators (https://innercityinnovators.org/), which is not just making a difference in Ricky’s community, but communities across America. One person with a dream and some committed people to help him develop and create a life changing organization.

As we celebrate Black History Month, I think about some unknown heroes who were committed to the Civil Rights Movement. They are the individuals and families that opened up their homes to the leaders in the Movement because they were not allowed to stay in most hotels or restaurants in the South. These individuals and families offered food, rest, conversation and shelter to the heroes we read about in history. A group of unassuming individuals and families opening their homes and encouraging the Civil Rights leaders, as they led peaceful marches and protest across the south. Without these kind and loving souls, the bodies and minds of the great leaders of the Civil Rights Movement might not have carried on.

Small groups of humans, just like your friends or colleagues that gather for common themed conversations, have been changing the world since the days of the caveman. It is no surprise, at least now reflecting on each phase of my own life that every step I have taken to make an impact for the greater good has been in the company of a small group of people with similar questions, passions, ideas and the determination to take action.

What is your mission and purpose in life and who will sit around the table with you to help encourage and support your dream to make a difference? ~OC

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”” ~Matthew 18:20

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

“While others hit the streets, marching, singing protest songs and risking arrest, these women made their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in their kitchens.” – Rosalind Bently, Hostesses of the Movement

0

Hope Dealer

Hope Dealer:

I want to tell you about a Hope Dealer. A Difference Maker. His name is Ricky Aiken. My amazing godson.

I met Ricky when he was about 13 or 14 years old. He was a inner-city kid trying to find his way in life. I was a white guy from the suburbs trying to make a difference. A unlikely pair, but we just clicked. Fast forward a lot of years and Ricky has more than found his way and is making a major difference in his community. Ricky founded Inner City Innovators and is a leader of change in his community. I believe what Ricky is doing will go beyond West Palm Beach and Florida. Ricky is changing the culture of the inner-city. He is showing people that the inner-city is more than what they see on the news. Laura West Shoemaker and I are so proud of Ricky. We think of Ricky as our son. We are excited to see what he is going to do next. Ricky is truly a Difference Maker. A Hope Dealer. ~OC

0

My Hero, The Hope Dealer

Last night, Laura and I had the honor of attending the first Inner City Innovators Gala to celebrate the young men who this amazing organization helps. It was also a time to celebrate one of my heroes Mr. Ricky Aiken. Let me tell you about my hero.

I met Ricky when he was about 14 or 15 years old. I was volunteering with a great organization Urban Youth Impact at the time. Ricky and I just hit it off. I think it was our mutual love for books and sports. You know God is real when he brings a Boston Celtics fan and a LA Lakers fan together. As happens in life, we lost contact for a brief period. When Ricky turned 18 we reconnected around his birthday. My wife had heard about Ricky and wanted to celebrate his birthday. Oh, did we celebrate. My wife had a blast taking Ricky shopping. I think Ricky might have been a little overwhelmed by Laura’s enthusiasm, but he indulged her. That day Ricky became Laura’s son. It is a relationship that has continued to grow throughout the years. Laura still loves celebrating Ricky’s birthday.

Back in 2015, one of Ricky’s friends was shot and killed. For Ricky that was the last straw. He could no longer sit around and watch his community be destroyed by gun violence. That is when Inner City Innovators was born. Ricky has become a leader in his community. A leader in his city. And I believe in time, a national leader. This from a young man labeled emotionally disabled by the educational system. How I wish the person who made that incorrect diagnosis could see Ricky now. To see the Man he has become. The Leader he has become. The Hope Dealer he has become.

I could go on and on about my godson and the man he has become. Laura and I are so proud of him. Sometimes we have to pinch ourselves when we see all that Ricky has accomplished in life. We are thankful God has blessed us with a front row sit. I pray that one day, Ricky will write a book and share his amazing story with the world. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to check out Inner City Innovators at http://www.innercityinnovators.org.

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑