This morning I had the privilege of meeting with four gentlemen – “pillars of the community” – who were hoping I would serve on a small community board with them.  I couldn’t imagine why they would want me – I have no clout, no power, no money.  Turns out they wanted me for my “youth.”

At my age, how can I turn down a pitch like that?

More than one of these gentlemen has been acquainted with my family since before I was born.  After all these years, to get to visit with them and to learn just a bit of the hard work they have been doing all this time, quietly behind the scenes, was inspiring.  Helping troubled, disadvantaged youth and giving them opportunities and support so they at least have a small shot at a productive life — a life that isn’t marred by repetitive incarceration or premature death — is just one example.  These men hope not only to sustain their current efforts but also to expand and extend them to other pockets in our community where poverty and the ills that accompany it thrive.

Unlike many of their much younger counterparts, these men are from a generation that doesn’t make a fuss about what they are doing, so all of this good work was news to me.  They simply go about their business, pursuing justice quietly.  And relentlessly.

This is going to be fun…