Intentional or Deliberate?
For Umoja Faculty Leaders,
Did Baldwin get it right? In The Fire Next Time, he warns us that our fears of death shape our drives, decisions, and divisions. What does that mean for how we show up in our classrooms and village spaces today?
In James Baldwin's book, The Fire Next Time, he writes, “Perhaps the whole root of our trouble, the human trouble is that we will sacrifice all the beauty of our lives, will imprison ourselves in totems, taboos, crosses, blood sacrifices, steeples, mosques, races, armies, flags, nations, in order to deny the fact of death, which is the only fact we have.” Baldwin suggests our fears of death shape our drives, decisions, and divisions.
Life is often unstable, and we yearn for a sense of security. Let’s consider flash floods, inhumane immigrant treatment, the war in Iran, DEI program cuts, homicide, and less severe challenges with professional deadlines and relationships with coworkers. Regardless of where we sit today, hardships rest beneath our feet.
Whether you occupy benches in high courts or control the paint on basketball courts, the human trouble Baldwin recognizes is inevitable. In an MSNBC article, a reporter noted Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has acknowledged difficulties with her role in democratic affairs and the current administration. Spurs Forward Victor Wembanyama has played a pivotal role in his team’s success, but recent injuries could jeopardize his involvement in a playoff run.
Regardless of our positions in society, it’s impossible to avoid setbacks, and that shouldn’t be our goal. We must process rage, anger, and frustrations to inform strategic responses.
Umoja’s Practice: Raising Intentional and Deliberate
“In Umoja we deeply value intentional and deliberate purposefulness.” It’s one of our eighteen practices to guide teaching and learning experiences. Outside the classroom, it encourages focus during the most challenging moments of life.
Regardless of how you feel today, hope is not lost.
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Perhaps the whole root of our trouble, the human trouble is that we will sacrifice all the beauty of our lives… in order to deny the fact of death, which is the only fact we have.
— James Baldwin, The Fire Next TimeAre you curious about how to find signs of sanity during tumultuous times? Try implementing this strategy from Robin Sharma’s book, The Everyday Hero Manifesto.
Set aside time this week, answer these questions, and take these steps to organize your life.
1. What do you want family, friends, colleagues, and comrades/associates to say about you when you die?
2. Reflect on your week. How did you show up in your personal and professional life?
3. Where did you go above and beyond expectations?
4. How would you rate your week?
5. What will you do differently next week?
6. How will you improve in the best of human practices — Self-mastery, Fitness, Relationships, Craft, Money, Mentors, Adventure, Impact — next week?
7. What schedule will you need? Answer this question and create it.
8. How will you execute? Remember your response to question 7.
Sharma suggests that you allow approximately one hour to provide an accurate response to the previous questions.
You can complete the weekly design plan every week, and problems will continue to arise. The problems are signs that your life has purpose. Apply Umoja’s Practice of “Raising Intentional and Deliberate” and move forward with focus.
Remember Baldwin’s words: troubles persist. Develop awareness and move forward.
Enroll in Umoja’s Global Institute to explore African-centered education and expand your understanding of Umoja’s educational philosophies. Attend the UGI webinar to take the next step.
Follow and connect with us via LinkedIn and Instagram. The Foundation is launching the Umoja Global Institute, a professional learning resource designed to enhance teaching and learning across our network.
In solidarity with your success,
Dr. V
Author
Dr. Vernon Lindsay
