(Part 1) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

BET Networks recently presented Steve Harvey with its Humanitarian Award. The Comedian, syndicated radio host and Philanthropist was honored for the work of his foundation. It’s how he develops ‘young kings’ for the next generation. In his words, “the focus is on manhood and dreams.”

You don’t have to look too far to see how he teaches what he lives and lives what he teaches. The story was told how Harvey received a call from his sister seeking his help with her son Thomas. Nephew Tommy, as he’s commonly known, was trying to get his comedy gig off the ground.

So Harvey decided to bring Tommy under his wings. Since then we’ve seen lots from the ‘king and young king.’ They’ve even hosted at the Essence Festival. Their example shows how mentoring works in a ‘bloodline relationship.’ Think in back-to-school terms. There’s biology, chemistry and history in the mix.

On-air, Harvey and Nephew are related by blood. They’ve hung-out and worked together developing chemistry. Their story is also tied to that initial phone call. They show how star power upload makes you shine in the mainstream. Even if you’re not related by ‘Bloods,’ the relationships feel like family.       

Harvey uses mentoring to bring a sense of family. This teaches young men options apart from gangs. In family you develop shared values. You might discover relatives with whom you have a shared connect. But a critical benefit of a sense of family is in creating a track-record for success. The rest is history!

(Part 1) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

BET recently honored ‘the king.’ Steve Harvey received an award, not a ring. Given the humanitarian commendation. For his Philanthropic foundation. More than a comedian and radio host. He feels for ‘young kings’ the most. Raising the next generation with his teams. Focusing on manhood and dreams.

You don’t have to look too far. To see Harvey producing a star. He teaches what he lives. And lives what he teaches. As the story goes, taking his sister’s phone call. To help nephew Tommy stand tall. Trying to get his comedy gig off the ground. Making sure he wouldn’t be among the lost and found.

Bringing Tommy under his wings. Showing him the ropes in life and things. With lots from the ‘king and young king.’ As seen doing Essence Festival toasting. Now that’s ‘bloodline relationship’ mentoring. If you think in back-to-school terms. There’s biology, chemistry and history without being a book worm.

Yes, on-air they’re related by blood. Having gone through the fire and the flood. Spending work time together. Using chemistry like birds of a feather. Sharing a common story. Which has propelled them to glory. So, even if you’re not ‘Bloods’ related. Star power upload feels like family, together or separated.

Harvey’s mentoring brings a sense of family. That’s the lesson in today’s ditty. Giving young men options from gang activity. Family provides shared values. You discover relatives who’ve taken similar avenues. But a critical benefit I want to confess. Is creating history from a track-record of success.

Tip: Mentors, role models and sidekicks make you shine by tapping into a shared history, creating a sense of family and putting you on a success trajectory.

Talkback: How has a family member helped you make it, break it or take it to the next level?