Salome Thomas-El - The Immortality Of Influence

by

Will Smith

If you finish this book and are not inspired to immediately go out and effect change in your community, then you were not paying attention and should read it again. Salome Thomas-EL was called to serve and has had amazing experiences in his career as a teacher and author. He uses these experiences and his own personal struggles and triumphs to inspire a new generation to pick up the torch of service. With this book, he illustrates how as responsible adults we can and should influence those around us for the better, beginning with leading by example. He draws attention to the scores of children who are labeled early on as lost causes, and he points out that if we allow them to go through life without any positive role models, then they will become self-fulfilling prophecies. But , if someone takes the time and does not give up, Thomas-EL knows from personal experience that these children can grow up and become some of the best minds of the next generation.

Influence is a powerful tool, one that we often forget that we wield. The hidden danger is that we never know exactly who we are influencing and what it is we do that influences them. Every time we interact with people, we are giving them an impression of who we are, what we believe and what we think of them. It is important that we make choices that we would want others to emulate, not only those of us that work in a very public position like Thomas-EL as a principal and myself as an entertainer, but anyone who is a parent, brother, sister, son, daughter, cousin, friend, neighbor, colleaguethe list goes on. You never know who is looking to you for inspiration, so first and foremost you must be mindful of the message that you are sending out.

In todays media-saturated society, it is hard to miss so many of the tragedies that have hit our worldwide community. Between the tsunami in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast, and the continuing AIDS epidemic in Africa, there are plenty of reminders that suffering is a universal constant. While it is important to contribute to our local communities, we should always be mindful that we are part of a global environment. Although money is often requested to aid victims both at home and abroad, time is also one of the most valuable donations we can make. Giving of ones time to any of these causes is just as meaningful as writing a check.

So read this book, be inspired by the great things that Thomas-EL has accomplished in his community, and take that inspiration and make an impact in your own. If influence can be immortal, then why not make yours worth remembering?

In 2005 we lost a tremendous number of influencers who have shaped us as a nation and people

IN MEMORIUM

Constance Baker-Motley, Stan Bernstein, Johnny Carson, Shirley Chisolm, Johnnie Cochran, Ossie Davis, Arthur Fletcher, Peter Jennings, John Johnson, Pat Morita, Rosa Parks, Pope John Paul II, Richard Pryor, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, C. Delores Tucker, Luther Vandross, August Wilson, Georgie Woods and many, many more. Your Influence Lives On!

To the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita and all other natural disasters: Your courage and determination has inspired us all to remember that we are brothers and sisters in this world together! A special thank-you to the many celebrities who used their influence to make a difference in the lives of others: Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ellen DeGeneres, Tavis Smiley, Tom Joyner, Dr. Phil McGraw, Jamie Foxx, Harry Connick Jr., Branford Marsalis, Master P, Dave Matthews, Celine Dion, Kanye West and so many others. God Bless You All!

I would like to thank God (Our Creator) for loving me unconditionally. None of my work would be possible without your love and blessing. To my lovely wife, Shawnna: Thanks for persevering through the tough times with me and loving our children faithfully. A mothers love and attention are so important to children. Your constant editing of my writing and speeches has allowed me to look good and take all the credit. Keep up the good work! To my baby girls, Macawi and Nashetah: Continue to grow into intelligent and strong young ladies who will lead this nation, and take care of Daddy and Mommy when they are old and gray. To my greatest influence, my mother, Amena, who is resting in heaven: Save me a place because someday I will be worthy of your company. I am sure you are praising God every day with our beloved sister Delores who is with you. To my family: Thank you for always supporting me and keeping me focused on the mission of service. I have learned that it is not about me. It is about us! To my mother-in-law, Delores: Thanks for being a wonderful mother and grandmom, helping us navigate this thing called parenting, and influencing us every day. To Karen and Dexter: Thanks for the countless hours of cheap, expert legal advice.

To Cecil Murphey and Deidre Knight: Thank you so much for your support and love over the years; CAA: Your representation and hard work with Disney on my behalf is appreciated. It does not get any better than you; My editor at Kensington, Karen Thomas: You have surpassed my expectations again and continue to amaze me. You are a powerful influence on your authors; Steven Zacharius and everyone at Kensington Publishing: Thanks for believing in me the second time around. I promise not to disappoint you; Ellie Deegan (The Lecture Bureau) and Nancy Eisenstein (American Program Bureau): Thanks for ensuring that people around the country get to hear my message. Derek and Quentin: Thanks for your friendship.

To Will Smith and family: Thanks for being great role models as parents and philanthropists. You make us all proud; Lonnie Downs, Jana Babatunde-Bey and everyone at Overbrook Entertainment: Thanks for your support and love; Tim Chambers: Thanks for believing in my story and inspiring me with the title for this book. You are truly a special person; Gavin and Greg OConnor at Solaris: Thanks for giving my students a chance to tell their story to the world; Walt Disney Company: Your commitment to our project will send a message to our nation that every child matters.

Thanks to all of my former teachers; the Association of Black School Administrators (ABSA); the faculty, staff, students and alumni of Nova Southeastern University, Cheyney University, East Stroudsburg University, and Philadelphia Futures; Thank God for the staff at Bryn Mawr, Childrens and Lankenau Hospitals; My pastor and teacher Sean Wise; Pastors Damon Jones, Ronald Parks, Keith Reed and Paul James; Cathy Hensford and Juanita Johnson: Thanks for your editing and proofreading; The Brothers of Diamond Lynx and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.; Corey and the staff at Wilkie Lexus in Haverford, Pennsylvania; My students: Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your lives. I apologize for those times when I was a little tough on you.

I would like to thank the following people for supporting the chess team, my students and me: The wonderful teachers and staff members at Reynolds Elementary School and Vaux Middle School. My brother and friend, Ishmael Al-Islam, Michael and Octavia Lewis, Elmer Smith and the entire Philadelphia Daily News/Inquirer family. The Philadelphia Tribune staff, Calvary Baptist Church, Miller Memorial Baptist Church, and Sharon Baptist Church. Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities. To the best secretaries in the world: Edith Bridges, Debbie Brooks, June Ezekiel, Cheryl Henderson, Lillian Rochester and Denice Ross, I will always love you; Men of BACA, Vaux Alumni Association and all the former members of the chess team: You started the tradition and we are proud to preserve your legacy.