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As you welcome the positive mental nourishment you receive through these newsletters, you may find yourself feeling more and more connected to our important work. Through the process, I invite you to notice how wonderful it feels to experience inner strength growing inside you.
In less than two weeks, my book and the documentary film that profiles my work will be exposed to 3,000 media professionals at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention in Atlanta. As I brace for impact, the observations I am making about myself, the people around me, and our society in general may strike a common thread in your heart and mind. I hope these thoughts entertain and inspire you.
Go See "Murderball!"
I watched the new documentary "Murderball" with my sons, Greg Jr. and Donovan, and their friend Anthony. The boys are a little younger than the target demo, but I decided a long time ago that kids can't be sheltered from the realities of life presented through media.
We were all mesmerized by this documentary about rugby players who have quadriplegia. It flows like scripted fiction, performed by skillful actors, but it is all so real.
Having been involved in Joanne Caputo's "On A Roll" for five years, I can relate to what it feels like to ignore the camera and be yourself. In "Murderball," these guys did that well. The character development is masterful. The introduction of the antagonists, in the form of people and concepts like fear, are woven together in such a way that it binds the audience more tightly as the film progresses.
In two weeks, I'll be speaking to thousands of media professionals at the National Association of Black Journalists conference and I will make them all aware of the popularity trend that is happening with disability-related films. Let's all do what we can to help this movie succeed. Learn more about "Murderball" by visiting the movie's official site. The disability movement is on the verge of a TIPPING POINT where we may soon find ourselves in demand, capturing the imagination of the mainstream through mass media. I am convinced that our unique lens offers a perspective that provides value and insight.
Don't Park Like This!
I'm the red Venture on the left, parked in a van accessible parking space. The white diagonally striped area to the right is for loading and unloading of wheelchair drivers and passengers only. When I returned to my van Thursday after attending the ARC of Mississippi Conference at the Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi, my back was aching and it was HOT outside, and this is what I found! I was unable to let the ramp down from my van because somebody parked illegally. I snapped this picture and showed it to the valet guys, who immediately called a tow truck to remove the Isuzu. People, PLEASE don't park in the diagonally striped access area unless you wanna get towed and have your vehicle's photo blasted all over the Internet!
Define Yourself!
An encore presentation of last week's incredible show!
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I developed a new speech that was delivered for the first time last Monday at the National Speakers Association Conference in Atlanta. During my presentation, I acted out vignettes from people who had defined me in ways that were not congruent with my own self definition. On Sunday's program, filmmaker Joanne Caputo, creative genius Michael Ivey and comedian Murv Seymour, members of The Strength Coach's inner circle, discuss the topic of self definition. How do you define yourself? Write your definition down and don’t miss this show!
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Let Me Sign a Book for You!
My autobiography, "On A Roll: Reflections from America's Wheelchair Dude with the Winning Attitude" will be in bookstores nationwide in October, just in time for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The book is being distributed to the trade by Biblio Distribution, a sister company of the National Book Network.
When I wrote the book, my goal was to tell a story that is as enjoyable to read as it has been to live. Many people have told me they couldn't put it down.
You don't have to wait until October. I have books here! And, I can send you an autographed copy. The first five people who order a book today will receive a free Strength Coach T-shirt! Place your order right now and you'll receive your book within a week!
Book Me to Speak (while you can!)
You know that a best-selling author's speaker fees are substantially higher than mine are currently, so with all that is happening, now would be a great time to sign me up to speak at your upcoming event! Energize the audience at your upcoming conference or event. Check my schedule to see if I'm available on your dates! Then call "The Strength Coach" at 877-331-7563 or complete this
booking information form.
The Extra Point!
Some people will lift you up sometimes. The same people will let you down sometimes. The same people will never do either always.
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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