He Said He Would - And He DID It!

Much can be learned from young Barrington Irving. Yes, he's that brash and confident young fellow who took on all the naysayers and proved them wrong...who had nothing but hopes, prayers, and a lot of adrenalin flowing in the right direction. By now, you should know his story. I was there from the beginning when he first attempted to get the ear of those who would listen. Mr. Irving, an aerospace student, built his airplane from more than $300,000 donated over a period of time for parts. He left attempting to become the youngest pilot to circumnavigate the globe, and is believed to be the first of his age and race to do so. To boot, he has earned private and commercial pilots licenses, while founding Experience Aviation, a non-profit organization to encourage other minority youths to become motivated and interested in flying.

Contributions flew in from those that believed, yours truly included, but there were plenty people who doubted and formed skeptic views. As I watched and dried the tears that clouded my eyes, I prayed that this would truly come to fruition. I mentor to young black boys that needed to see this, and needed to be in the number that was on hand to see him off. I wanted them to know that they too, can dream, and should let nothing deter them from using diligence to measure success.

I watched the throng that braved the high wind and cloudy skies on his landing and knew that admiration, pride, and a sense of belonging was inherent in all. I had butterflies and was antsy myself awaiting his arrival. Opa Locka airport is but a stone's throw from my mother's back yard and in the front of my visionary goals for my boys. The new millennium has not been kind to young boys of color. They needed something to point to decry the ill-will permeating their communities. Now, Barrington has given them a new lease and yet more time to commune and endeavor for the same type of success. Rising to the occasion, stepping up to the plate, and advocating change are subjects that have been prevalent in my mind, and this event is par for the course - and welcomed! Thank you, Barrington Irving for believing and making a possible dream yours. Young minds are apt to follow!