Orrin Hudson is a dynamic motivational speaker and motivator to youth. His organization Be Someone, Inc. is on a mission to change the lives and thoughts of our youth. He teaches survival skills and critical thinking with the classic game chess.
Hudson is a US Air Force veteran and a former Alabama state trooper. His non-profit has reached more than 40K kids, teaching them that their actions have consequences. Rolling out spoke with Hudson about his organization, education and reaching today’s kids.
What is the vision of Be Someone, Inc.?
To empower one million students to think strategically about their future, make smart moves and always give more than they get and pass it on by paying it forward.
Why did you decide to use chess as an avenue to reach kids?
In 1978, a white teacher in an all-black high school taught me six magic words: take time to think things through. And it changed my direction; it got me out of a gang and into the game of life.
What event made you decide to take action in the lives of young people?
After seven employees were shot in the head in a robbery for $2,400, I said to myself we need to teach people the new currency. That is “KASH” with a K for Knowledge, A for Attitude, S for Skills and H for Habits. Think it out; don’t shoot it out; push pawns, not drugs. Brains before bullets. The only way to fight is to use your head.
What are your thoughts on the Spring Valley High School incident?
We all are responsible, on some level. We all have to do better. We’ve got to look in the mirror and say what can I do better. Police never should have been in the room.
Is there a growing problem with policing Black students in school?
No. Don’t get it twisted. People are overreacting.
What three things should parents do if their child is displaying anti-social behavior in school?
Communicate with children, get involved in school and remind children that the purpose of school is to learn so you will be prepared to solve problems in the future.
What is the new model that parents should employ with problem children?
Teach children that there are four types of people: subtracts, dividers, adders and multipliers; be a multiplier, that means, give people more value than they give you.
Does corporal punishment have a place in school today?
No
What are some of the biggest challenges children have expressed to you about school?
Learning is not fun.
If you were giving a commencement speech to graduating seniors today, what three things would you tell them and why?
School is never out. Give more than you get. Treat everyone like you want to be treated, because everyone is important and everyone is your teacher. Treat everyone like the most important person in the world. As well as this quote: “It is the responsibility of the conscious to make the unconscious conscious of their unconscious behavior.” – Stokely Carmichael. This is what Dr. Erik Fisher did for me. He helped me discover some things I was doing that I was not aware of.
Tell us about your upcoming event on Dec. 19.
It’s called “Get In the Game.” Join us Dec. 19, 1 – 4:00 p.m. at Fairfield Inn & Suites, Stonecrest Mall Lithonia, Georgia. We are promoting racial unity in the community. You must RSVP by Dec. 12 to [email protected]
