GERALD GARTH

In follow up to conversation led by Jeffery King, President of In the Meantime Men Group, I thought it was only fitting that we continue the dialogue, particularly on what exactly does legacy mean to you, how does it tie into your life, and what do you want to see next for yourself? Hits, likes, and views seem to be a major part of our lives today, but what about actually being remembered and for what. In the time of FOMO, YOLO, and “oh no,” what lasting impact are we having

Part of the process is knowing what’s not. You can’t allow for what you need without making room for it. That also includes people. Recently, I had a five day training for work. One of the first modules covered was on the trans-theoretical model of behavior change, or the Stages of Change. This model looks at person's readiness to act on a new healthier behavior and provides strategies for guidance. At the training, within the multiple role play sessions, one exercise wa

There’s a phrase that I live by that says “God whispers before the thunder.” What this means to me is that life will speak to you and gradually ramp up the volume until you get the picture. I remember as a boy my mother would often wake my brother and me up for school. As we were nestled in our beds, the mornings would generally begin with my mother slipping her head in the door with a light “Boys, time to get up.” Usually, I would begin to stir right away; my brother stil

So it seems I’ve been giving a lot of advice about “cutting folk off,” and I can easily see how people might be like, “Dang, he needs a friend… Or a laxative.” But after years of not saying what I mean or dealing with the other people’s baggage, it is a cleansing feeling to be able to “woosah” and make decisions that make me feel good. But even still, I understand how difficult it can be to actually think something—and then say it. Years ago, I was introduced to an amazing

“With so much shade in the world, why not walk in light… when you can at least? We’re all human, but strive for better. Try for different.” It’s okay to be inspired! Oprah's Top Ten: What you put out comes back. You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script. Whatever someone did to you in the past has no power over the present. Only you give it power. When people show you they are, believe them the first time. Dr. Maya Angelou Worrying is wasted time

I once read that an oppressed people long for a group to oppress. Does this explain why groups are so quick to divide? All these subcategories! I won’t even begin to ramble off the titles and designations groups have. Preferences are one thing, but to be rude, bitter, and just down right ugly is unacceptable. And it’s generally some extreme sub-sect that seeks this high horse. Now I will say, there are some things that turn my head (and stomach) more than others. But a w

“Son—how come you talk so much ‘bout money?” “Because it is life, Mama!” “So now it’s life? Once upon a time freedom used to be life—now it’s money. I guess the world really do change…” A favorite exchange from A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Lena and Walter contend what’s more, as Walter is grappling with his dream versus his reality. While the piece was written over 50 years ago, the story still rings strong-- the struggle over money, recognition, and self-wort

In my hometown there was a man who was at every beauty salon, every barber shop, every in-town football game. He had a great attitude, always very cordial, and was always stocked up with the latest of his wares: teacakes. And because of this, he was simply known as “The Teacake Man.” Teacakes, where I’m from, are a simple old-fashioned cookie made with vanilla and sugar. Because the recipe is as simple as it is, there’s lots of room for error. Yet the Teacake Man got it

As an actor, as anyone knows there are always dissenters in this business. You’re always too “something,” add a little of this, less of that, blah, blah, blah. Still, I was actually a bit surprised to hear that I was “too tall” to be a leading man. Gratefully so, I do know better and have played the leading man several times. My first roles ever were actually as leads. But even knowing that, I did have a moment. I had to ask was this person right or what? So this showc

I have a longstanding mantra about being specific, always purposing myself to be as specific as possible—that goes from prayers to potential mate to orders at the drive through. But one example especially is last New Year’s Eve as I was flying into Las Vegas with my friend, Shana. A longstanding dream of mine-- one I would say aloud quite often was “I will see Celine Dion in Vegas for New Year’s Eve.” As we bustled through the lobby of the McCarran International Airport, I