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Greg Smith has enthusiastically accepted his life’s assignment: to use the mainstream mass media to report on what he has observed through his unique lens that comes from being an African American man with a severe disability. Through his insights, as you welcome his perspectives and become comfortable with his message, you will find yourself feeling the power of inner strength growing inside you, to the point where you’ll be stimulated to grab hold of new directions and opportunities to embrace the energy of life!
Self Definition
Greg developed a new speech that was delivered for the first time last Monday at the National Speakers Association Conference in Atlanta. Greg was one of five “Showcase Speakers” at the BlackNSA Reception at the Hyatt Regency. The morning of his speech, as he meditated and prayed, he listened to an inner voice that told him to change his plans. Greg had planned to deliver a 7-minute excerpt from his usual speech, but in the silent early morning peace, as he awoke for the big day, he realized that he was supposed to dig deeper for this presentation to his peers and write some new material. The result was the following opening, in which he acted out the following vignettes from people who had defined Greg in ways that were not congruent with Greg’s own self definition. In delivering this speech, Greg BECAME these people onstage, acting out their characters:
“Your son has muscular dystrophy. He won’t live past the age of 12. We suggest you get your tubes tied because all of your children would get this disease.
You mean you wanna date me, Greg? Awwww... hee hee hee. I’m sorry but I’m looking for Mr. Right and he’s not in a wheelchair. But you’re a nice guy.
“You can’t play sports. You can’t dance. Women ain’t gonna give you the time of day. You MIGHT as well hit this joint! Here...We think it is courageous of you to want to work as a radio sales representative, but we just don’t think you can do it. How would clients respond to you in a wheelchair, and how would you be able to get around?
What kinda husband are you, Greg? We got three kids and you done quit your job and started a radio show about disabled people and it ain’t makin' no money! You NEED to go get your JOB back!!!
Boy, your marriage failed. I knew it was gon’ fail. Your radio show is failing. I’ll take you in and take care of my grandchildren because I don’t believe what you’re doing is ever going to pay off. But I’ll take care of you.
Other people’s definitions: It takes inner strength to rise above other people’s definitions of you! I love the people who have defined me differently than I have defined myself, but if you allow other people to define you, you will become what they believe. If you define yourself, you will achieve your destiny. "My definition of Greg Smith is that he is a man given a unique lens from which to view the world. Until the day I die, I will observe the beauty and the treasures that this lens brings into focus and then write, broadcast and speak about what I have learned, and how my lessons can benefit others. I am honored to have been given this assignment.”
Greg’s speech was incredible. He wowed the audience of his peers with material that he had not yet even memorized! His publicist, Melba Williams, held bullet points for him to remember the vignettes.
This week's show
Self Definition! Greg will talk about Self Definition with a few members of his inner circle: Filmmaker Joanne Caputo; Creative Genius Michael Ivey and comedian Murv Seymour. How do you define yourself? Write your definition down and don’t miss this show!
Promote, Promote, Promote: Big Stage at Black Journalists Conference
At the National Association of Black Journalists Annual conference in Atlanta, Aug. 3-8, Joanne Caputo's documentary film, "On A Roll" will be screened at the NABJ Film Festival. More than 3,000 media professionals will learn that a man in a wheelchair is on the verge of making history as the first severely disabled, multiple mass media talent and social commentator, who happens to be African American. Six hundred of them will become emotionally connected to his mission by viewing the documentary and listening to him speak immediately after the screening. He will be a subject of discussion at the after parties and the receptions as media minds mingle. He will have his book on hand and will address a meeting room full of journalists who are aspiring authors in a session entitled "Writing Memoirs and Autobiographies." He will carry himself with dignity, and speak with thunder, and unleash the physical jolt of inspiration that lends itself to immediate surrender to the word "yes!" If your corporation would like to sponsor this event, call 877-331-7563, but time is running out.
Book Greg to speak
Energize the audience at your upcoming conference or event. Greg's schedule is filling up rapidly! Corporations, universities, meeting planners and speakers bureaus are taking note of his timely message: “Strengthen America!”
To schedule a sensational, inspirational live presentation for your next meeting or event, call "The Strength Coach" at 877-331-7563 or complete this
booking information form.
"While in town..."
Check Greg's schedule to see if he has plans to be in your area. If you would like for him to speak on an adjacent date while in town, he can offer exceptional discounts for keynote addresses or workshops. Call 1-877-331-7563 soon so he can arrange his travel schedule to fit in your group.
Greg's work is supported in part by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. Does your state's DD Council support disability media initiatives? Why not? To find out how, call 1-877-331-7563.
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