<p>Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to the show.</p><p>First, I want to say how glad I am to be back podcasting. But today, I want to get serious.</p><p>Black America, we need to do a complete 180—and we need to do it quickly. The direction many of our communities are headed is not good. In many ways, we are regressing as a society instead of progressing as a culture, and that is very dangerous.</p><p>If we do not change our trajectory soon, I fear the worst. We risk repeating the same struggles that previous generations fought so hard to overcome. We cannot continue pointing fingers at everyone else while refusing to look at ourselves.</p><p>Real change begins when we at look the man or woman in the mirror and hold ourselves accountable. Accountability starts at home. It starts with parents, families, communities, churches, schools, and local leadership. We must take responsibility for the environment we create and the values we pass on to the next generation.</p><p>The truth is that no politician, celebrity, or government program can save us if we are unwilling to save ourselves. Strong communities are built by strong families, personal responsibility, discipline, education, faith, and a commitment to doing what is right even when it is difficult.</p><p>If we want a better future, the work starts today. It starts with us. It starts at home.</p><p></p>