Having parties around the world in playboy type escapades. A lifestyle of networking and high living is so closely attached and intimately associated, that they are synonymous with the brand that is still so recognized by you and me. This brand ushered in an era which may have given rise to you and I, and so many others who do more than just get by. These were the people who had something to say. These were the people who aspired to do it their way. Much like Google the world’s most valuable brand, Google Me Baby recognized and took advantage of all that demand. But what’s in a brand? Would it by any other name still be as grand. And what is the distinction between African AmeriCAN and African AmeriCANT.
The idea to host “The Playboy Club Party,” an ultimate networking affair was born of the understanding that there are connections to be made, and they would occur in places where people understood the trade. These interactions don’t necessarily mean what you think, you see, but it’s the exchange of ideas mixed with emotion that people come to discern. This is where we should be. This fantasy given way to fruition, has now become part of the African American tradition. The idea that life is beautiful for powerful people is now in the hands of you and me. To think about how long this iconic brand has stood, now it’s coming right into your homes and into your neighborhood.
I wonder about other changes too, like what it means to be the most powerful African American in the world. President Obama, his family and the first lady too, all of African of heritage is like a dream heaven sent. Why would one view that reality as a fantasy instead, because it changes our world and we can’t seem to really get that in our heads. A shrewd capitalist would begin each day in collective thought about what’s to be sold and what’s to be bought. We too should be motivated and advocate to advance and not be mired in second thoughts.
Who would be proud enough and strong enough to remain single-minded in their pursuit of excellence each day. The board members on corporations who are looking our way, would then have so much more positive to say. There would be no sell-out talk of why inclusion and diversity are not as significant as we think. There would be no sell-outs who would betray these ideals for some paltry sum of pay. That’s what I mean by African AmeriCAN or African AmeriCANT.
So the show “The Playboy Club” has come to TV, with depictions of lavish parties and extravagant living where guest have a wonderful time, while they make deals, negotiate and dine. I think about the brand of African American that would be so inclined, to live a life so fine.
Then I think of all of the African Americans who we honor with shrines. I think of all of the great people who have endeavored to lead us to the promised land, you see. Dr. King and the memorial watching over the land, Frederick Douglass with an outstretched hand, Mary McLeod Bethune and the fact that she took a stand. Or Marvin Gaye, would he still sing ‘Trouble Man’ and make it his brand?
I think about and wonder if we will ever be those people again? Will we come to terms and realize that advancement is not out of reach and credibility is within. I wonder why we still call each other the n-word, when it should be treated like original sin. I think about how confused and puzzled we appear. Just listen to the lyrics in the music our children hear. That’s maybe considered art to a few, but it won’t help the AfriCANT get through. I wonder if we’ll ever return to the beauty of Sarah Vaughn and the songs of that day.
But we do have Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott, and we have brands that represent more than just those two. We can come together, and enjoy ourselves in an environment that’s more refined, we don’t have to hear the sirens whine to determine if we’re having a good time. We can have parties where women are in costumes that make us genuinely and earnestly smile.
I want us to continue to build our lives each day. Keep it moving in a professional way. I had a wonderful time at “The Playboy Club” party, where we all laughed and remarked that it was sublime.
We can party and be smart and have a wonderful day. I think of the MBA, and the Ph.D.s and all the intellectual patents there are to be had. It was a scene of African American pride and accomplishment — starring you. Bring out the best, and let us not rest on our laurels. Watch a little TV and see networking as an art form, and see how it’s done.
Smile for the camera, your day is here. Let us move forward and progress, come together and coalesce.
Peace.
Munson Steed
