May 19th 2008
East Bay & National News: Jim Walberg & Joshua Packwood Share A First!
A white East Bay Realtor / Community activist, and a white graduating college senior continue to blur the color lines of our world.
History was made last week as Jim Walberg - an East Bay Realtor was inducted into the Diablo Black Men’s Group, and Joshua Packwood (a U-Tube Link) was chosen as the Valedictorian of Morehouse College - the all-black men’s college outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Both of these men are white and both realize that color lines are drawn by everyone, and they hoped that it would not prevent them from making a difference in worlds in which they live and serve. Both me subscribe to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s statement, “We are prone to judge success by the index of our salary or the size of our automobile, rather than by the quality of our service to others and our relationship to humanity.“
The Diablo Black Men’s Group
The Diablo Black Men’s Group began in the mid 1990’s as an outlet for Diablo Valley African American men. By 1999, the group had evolved into an organization of men who wanted to see their collective influence to enhance the lives of their members and families as well as make significant contributions to the community in which they live. They encourage each member to appreciate liberty and all that it encompasses, including embracing community involvement.
DBMG is committed to support activities with the goal of improving the health and welfare of their citizenry. In addition, DBMG is actively involved in promoting the education of the impact on heart disease, prostate cancer awareness, and health screening of African American men in collaboration with the Alta Bates Summit Ethnic Health Institute, Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, and the American Cancer Society with support from the ChevronTexaco Corporation. Additionally, DBMG helps socially and economically challenged Bay Area youth pursue cultural and educational opportunities through their college scholarship programs.
Morehouse College 2008 Valedictorian
Founded over 144 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, Morehouse College has focused on the mission to develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service. A private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse realizes this mission by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students. In addition, the College assumes special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people. Founded in 1867 and located in Atlanta, Georgia, Moorehouse is an academic community dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and service, and the continuing search for truth as a liberating force.
Editors Note: Some of the Morehouse College graduates who have made a significant difference in our lives and the world: Martin Luther King Jr. led the country through one of its most transforming civic movements; David Satcher resuscitated the issues of health care disparity and access; Maynard Jackson taught the world the value of diversity and equal access as the first African American mayor of Atlanta; Donn Clenendon scored in the history annals and was part of a miracle when he was named a World Series MVP; and Shelton “Spike” Lee continues to challenge how the world views blacks in life with critically acclaimed films. These are just some of the Morehouse Men.
In 2004 Joshua Packwood became one of the “Morehouse Men”. The 22-year-old from Kansas City, Mo., graduated on May 18th with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a degree in economics. He could have gone elsewhere, to a school like Columbia, Stanford or Yale, but his four-year journey through Morehouse has taught him a few things that they could not have learned at any other university, and he makes it clear that he has no regrets. The Morehouse College professors chose the Valedictorian, and he was their candidate of choice because of his academic accomplishments and his contribution to the college. He graduated as a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and will be joining Goldman Sachs in New York City.
“I’ve been forced to see the world in a different perspective, that I don’t think I could’ve gotten anywhere else,” he said. “None of the ‘Ivies’, no matter how large their enrollment is, no matter how many Nobel laureates they have on their faculty … none of them could’ve provided me with the perspective I have now.“
It is important for all of us to make a positive difference in worlds we live in everyday. Now it is your turn. Let us know what you are doing with the legacy you are leaving behind…
4 Comments »
Kirk Bailey on 19 May 2008 at 1:47 pm #
Jim,
Congratulations! Your and Joshua’s decisions and associations may come as a shock to some people but I am not surprised.
From what I know, you are concerned with the “internal” not the “external” qualities people possess. I have no doubt that you would be welcome in any group who’s purpose is to serve those in need regardless of race, creed, country of origin, religious affiliation, etc.
I think your induction into the Diablo Black Men’s Group is a FANTASTIC example of your desire to serve put into action. It demonstrates your ability to see the “big picture” regardless of superficial factors that may discourage those less enlightened.
Congrats again.
Your friend,
Kirk
Jim Walberg on 19 May 2008 at 2:28 pm #
Thank you for your kind acknowledgement, Kirk. You are correct that the only ones that place issues on the color of one’s skin are people. It is a man-made issue, not one that has any basis in reality. In fact, it is probably a case of fear and lack of information. For me fear is defined as False Evidence Appearing Real. Martin Luther King, Jr. has provided me a guide as to what success is in life. “We are prone to judge success by the index of our salary or the size of our automobile, rather than by the quality of our service to others and our relationship to humanity.” I like the values he describes in this short sentence. I look forward to our continued service to our community and to our world. Enjoy your week, and thanks for stopping by.
Lorrie Sullenberger on 20 May 2008 at 2:48 am #
Hi Jim,
You are breaking barriers and old models of thinking every day and I am personally so impressed. Thank you for sharing your journey with the rest of us.
Like the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” I believe it takes a village of support for just about everything we do in our lives. From our families, to careers and my area of expertise, exercise and weight loss, we all benefit from our ‘village’.
Thank you for being part of my village.
Lorrie
Jim Walberg on 20 May 2008 at 4:04 am #
Dear Lorrie,
Thank you for being a part of our lives. The impact you have had with just our family has been significant. Your commitment to empower women to be the best they can be is inspiring everyday. Here it is 9PM and my wife is hiking with you in the hills of community and there is barely any light, and…she loves sharing the experience with you each week. As you, we are so glad to be a part of your “village”. Thanks for your commitment and daily inspiration. Until next time…
Jim