The mentorship program really aims to develop the mindset of self-worth and finding a sense of determination within our young men. “The challenge with my generation is that we focus too much on our image and how we are perceived by others instead of on the relationships we need to build to accomplish our purpose,” says Grandberry. “Determination and focus may put you on the path toward breaking barriers, but ultimately your character will make the greatest impact on the people that you have been called to serve.”
Being called to serve, requires resiliency, boldness, and the ability to endure great adversity while channeling hardship into success with a positive attitude. “I am not afraid to get in the trenches and be with anyone,” says Grandberry. “My community requires consistency, relevance, authenticity, and integrity, and if one can display such attributes the impact is guaranteed.”
When mainstream media talks about Chicago the narrative is the same. This is the main reason Grandberry started the Wise Gentlemen Mentorship program. “I knew that if others could hear the journey that I had to take to get to where I am and the journey that I am still taking to get to where I am going, that it would provoke a level of hope that will cause others to not judge anyone so quickly or at all,” Grandberry tells BE Modern Man. “Transparency brings out a level of deliverance. Our stories can’t all be filmed or scripted but some must simply be lived.”
So what does a BE Modern Man mean to you we asked? “A BE Modern Man is a Godly man of great character and pride that is scholarly and relatble,” says Grandberry. “A profit and priest of his home and business who has come to grips with his finite and limited abilities but who completely relies on his faith to succeed.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team commends William Grandberry for believing in himself and his abilities despite the reaction he may face from the peers on his community. Beyond the belief he has in himself we are encouraged by his vision to create the Wise Gentlemen Mentorship program that has already been successful in giving young men the mindset to believe in themselves. Building himself while building the next generation, we proud to call Will Grandberry a BE Modern Man.
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