Want to shape the future? Start with a thought.

"Thoughts are the property of those only who can entertain them” Ralph Waldo Emerson

This week, I had an "aha" moment. I believe we can change the history of a generation by making them more civic-minded.

The backstory: I entertained the thought and decided to bring our eight-year-old granddaughter, Rajah Nia Tate to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 's Annual conference in Washington, DC.

It is never too soon to get our children involved in civic engagement at a national level. It is critically important that she understands how much power she holds, and gets involved civically early in life.

Little did I know that while attending her first meeting on the first day with The National Association of Black Women In Construction as everyone introduced themselves, during the National Strategic Planning Meeting at the Embassy Suites Hotel, she introduced herself as CEO of NABWIC (Where'd she get that thought?).

After the laughter subsided, the thought remained with me.

But who’s laughing now about the idea of a Black Woman in construction? Not the 4,000 plus people who registered for our #NABWIC Reception at the CBC.

What if we, as family members, were more mindful about civic engagements?

This is pipeline-building, as we prepare future entrepreneurs to be more civic-minded and understand their power earlier. Civic education is vital.

The CBC Foundation has a leadership institute that prepares the next generation to take their place in the field of community service and policy development. Simply having a thought cross your mind does not make it truly yours.

You need to actively consider, analyze, and grapple with its meaning, essentially entertaining it in your mind. I am continually entertaining, engaging, and owning this idea, locally and nationally. It is never too young to become civically informed and involved.

Just ask my Congresswoman, Frederica S. Wilson. She entertained the thought of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. It's now sitting at 5000 and counting.

I love how Emerson describes why you should believe in your thoughts. “To believe your own thought and believe that what is true for you... is true for all men is genius. Speak your latent conviction, and it shall be the universal sense, for the inmost, in due time, becomes the outmost.” My life's purpose is to help you and other entrepreneurs become more profitable in business and life and more civic-minded.

Book of the Month

The Greatest thing in the World

By Henry Drummond

Based on 1 Corinthians 13, this well-loved classic provides life-changing insight into the nine components of love: patience, kindness, humility, generosity, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, guilelessness, and sincerity.

The simple beauty and positive truths of this dynamic message will encourage readers to practice the power and blessing of love in every area of life.

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