What's In Your Bag

As previously posted, yesterday was the 95th Bornday anniversary of my father Otha Donald Barbee. I decided to lay flowers at his gravesite.
Despite several failed attempts locating the graves of his father, my paternal grandfather William Nathaniel Barbee, whom I am named after and his uncle, Irving Barbee, I was willing to try again. Coincidentally, they are buried in the same cemetery. Two major factors that impacted my search over the years was their lack of headstone markings, and the fact they are buried in the older part of the cemetery that dated back to the 1800s.

Therefore, I once again solicited the help of the cemetery’s office staff. This time, I demanded that they helped me locate the marker. To my surprise, they obliged. So, together and after an hour search, I, along with two of their workers, finally located the unmarked graves of my grandfather William Nathaniel and great great Uncle Irving. Happy as I can be, I took several pictures and asked the staff to take one of me at the empty gravesite. I can now rest easy knowing that a headstone bearing their names will be engraved. That is so history will record, here lies the bodies of two great men whose contributions were never forgotten. 

Rest Easy Grandpa William and Uncle Irving.

Fun Fact: My father and his dad transitioned 49 years apart on the same February 12th date. 😉🤔❤️

❤️🙏🏾

D I S C I P L I N E

Recently, the long awaited Michael Jackson biopic was released. Many voiced opinions about the father, Joe Jackson’s methodology of discipline through corporal punishment. Some viewed his approach as abusive, without having any considerations to his culture or the era of his generation. Neither was there any considerations to corporal punishment as a normalized intergenerational learned behavior that was rooted and enforced by White Europeans in American slavery. Ironically, some within the Black community took offense to the heavy criticism. They felt embarrassed and even judged by the degree of criticism, mainly because Joe Jackson’s methodology of corporal punishment was familiar in many of their households.

According to the World Health Organization, corporal punishment is of no benefit to the child or parent and viewed as a public health concern. In addition, research has correlated corporal punishment, flogging, beatings, whippings, etc. to increased risk of mood, anxiety, and personality mental health disorders. They state, “it causes severe toxic stress, alters brain development, and significantly increases the risk of aggression, anxiety, and depression.

With a MAN VILLAGE Men’s Support Group membership of 209 men, of whom 98% of them identify as African-American (Black), let’s take a deep dive into the sensitive topic of DISCIPLINE, its impact, effectiveness, methodology, moral contradictions, cultural considerations, and the framing of misbehavior. Questions must be addressed. Do the means justify the end? Is corporal punishment, within African-American community, a byproduct of learned intergenerational cycles of normalized trauma? Is the methodology of discipline heavily influenced by one’s race, ethnicity, and/or culture? How do we turn the corner? What say you?

RSVP is required.

Mike
William Michael Barbee
F a c i l i t a t o r
M A N V I L L A G E
Men’s Support Group

The Next Generation

Under the topic of “The Next Generation,” MAN VILLAGE Men’s Support Group discussed intrenched intergenerational disconnects between our youth, young men, men, aging men, and senior male populations. We were blessed to have in our midst, youth as young as 14-22 and seniors who ages ranged from 79 - 82 years young. As a point of reference, it was an honor having the lineage of three generations of men from the same family who epitomized the value, successes, and importance of having a consistent male figures present in a young man’s development. Nuggets of learned experiences were received by all in attendance.

All present in yesterday’s session agreed that bridging communication gaps between the generations was essential for the overall growth of our families and community. Some of the key factors we discussed regarding bridging gaps were as follows: Enter any and all engagements with Love, Engaging one another without judgment, Maintain respect even though our communication styles are different, Do better at listening, Set healthy boundaries with consequences, Be more flexible, and Be willing to engage one another in areas of common interest.

As MAN VILLAGE continues raising our individual levels of emotional intelligence & self-awareness, forgiveness of self and others, creating healthy boundaries that maintain and protect our mental wellness, and being intentional about incorporating mindfulness activities into our daily lives, we believe that those once uncrossable gaps will slowly close. We look forward to seeing you at our next session. Until then, be intentional about sowing deeds of kindness and seeds of love into the lives of strangers. ❤️

Peace,

Mike
F a c i l i t a t o r
M A N V I L L A G E
Men’s Support Group

F a m i l y F i r s t

Today has been full of meetings. Even though I enjoy conducting business here in Atlanta, the best part of my day was spent with my nephews Ron and his sons: RJ, Royce, and Romain. The boys did not know I was in town. However, as soon as they got a glimpse of their Uncle Michael, they began running. They fill voids that I never knew existed. i feel seen, valued, and loved. After my first meeting, Ron took me to this breakfast spot. The food was delicious. I love and appreciate my family. ❤️❤️❤️👌🏾