Crossroads

February is Black History month which is set aside to acknowledge African Americans and their contributions to this country’s development. Additionally, this month is an opportunity to understand Black history, the challenges, and the crossroads people of color have faced.

Larry Miller is one of those people who came to a crossroads in his life. He was raised in Philadelphia and by the age of thirteen had a criminal record. On September 30, 1965, at the age of sixteen, he committed the crime of murder and was given a life sentence. At this crossroad in Larry’s life, he realized that his striving for acceptance as a gang member led to the commission of this senseless crime. While doing time the prison offered educational programs which Larry took advantage of. He received his GED as well as a degree from Temple University in accounting. Then and there he realized that his life did matter.

Upon Larry’s release from prison, he applied for a position with a major accounting firm but was denied the position after revealing his past to a senior partner. Larry, through his resilience, secured a position with the Campbell Soup company. From there he became President of the Portland Trail Blazers. After five years of working with The Portland Trail Blazers, Larry joined Nike as an executive where he remained until 2012. His next career move landed him the job of CEO for the Jordan Brand.

Larry recently published a book detailing his unusual journey entitled “Jump: My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Board Room.” Larry intimated that he hopes this book will bring attention to his journey and the resources the criminal justice system can provide to assist and elevate incarcerated individuals around this country. Larry has met with the family of the murder victim and has established a scholarship fund for members of that family. Additionally, he has offered scholarships for troubled youth in the Philadelphia area.

One can never replace a life once it is taken. Acts of violence are destructive in many ways. However, I salute Larry Miller for having the courage to take responsibility for his wrongdoing and personally make it right for himself and the larger society. Most individuals continue their life of crime once becoming involved because they feel that there are no other options. I am sure that there are other success stories similar to Larry’s story. I believe in second chances and hope that you do as well. We all stumble, fall, and need help getting back up. Larry fell and got back up. Once he got on his feet, he” paid it forward.” The world would be a much better place if we all followed Larry’s example. Whatever your level of success, take the bold step to pay it forward. Black history’s positiveness should be practiced not just in February but every month of the year. Let us follow Larry’s example.

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Marvin Dixon/Founder
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