(WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 6, 2022) – If Barack Obama could go back in time and talk to inner-city black males as teenagers, what would he say? That’s a question many people have been asking since his farewell address. In my opinion, Obama would share advice regarding young black men and their future careers. Here are 10 pieces of advice that Barack Obama would give to young black males:
1. Barack Obama would tell young black males that it’s never too early to start thinking about their careers. He would encourage them to start planning for their futures at a young age.
2. Barack Obama would tell young black males to find a qualified mentor who can help them navigate into those careers. He would advise them to seek out someone who has walked in their shoes and understands their challenges.
3. Barack Obama would tell young black males to wear clothes that make them feel confident and professional. He would remind them that they are representing their families and communities when they go out into the workforce.
4. Barack Obama would tell young black males to read books that will help them develop their careers. He would suggest biographies of successful people, self-help books, and books about business and entrepreneurship.
5. Barack Obama would tell young black males to be persistent and diligent in their career pursuits. He would remind them that success doesn’t come easy and that they need to work hard for what they want.
6. Barack Obama would tell young black males to stay focused on their goals and dreams. He would remind them that anything is possible if they put their minds to it.
7. Barack Obama would tell young black males to be confident in themselves and their abilities. He would encourage them to stand up for what they believe in, even when others try to bring them down.
8. Barack Obama would tell young black males to be grateful for the opportunities they have been afforded, no matter how small the opportunities may seem. He would advise them to use these opportunities as stepping stones towards bigger and better opportunities.
9. Barack Obama would tell young black males that it’s ok to make mistakes along the way – everyone does! He would encourage them to learn from these mistakes and move on stronger than before.
10. Barack Obama would encourage these young black males to read his books, read his speeches and read about decisions that he made as President of the United States.