Don't Mess Up!!!!!

“Cycle Breaking” w/ Judge Dawson

“You Better Not Mess Up!”

My mission is to use every opportunity I have to help people realize their potential and live their best lives. I have this passion because I know about making mistakes. I have made mistakes and I have been dogged out and vilified for them. The good news is that every time I get knocked down I find a way to get back up, and you can do it to. 

The reason some people get knocked down and never get back up is because they’ve been told a lie.  The lie is that you have to be perfect, that you can’t mess up.  For this reason, some people don’t even try. I’m talking about don’t try to achieve their goals, don’t try to go back to school, don’t try to start that business, don’t try to leave those toxic relationships.  If you are in a bad situation, don’t stay there, get back on track. 

FAMOUS FAILURES

Oprah Winfrey: T.V. and Media

Winfrey was fired from her television reporting job because “she was deemed not suitable for television.” She became, as some might say, the undisputed queen of television with her talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Oprah is viewed as an influential figure who inspired people with positive and uplifting messages. She’s also a billionaire.

Steve Jobs: Apple Computer

At 30-years-old he was left devastated and depressed after being kicked out and fired,from the company he started, Apple Computer. Later, he regained control of Apple and created the innovative products that we enjoy today.

J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter

At one point in her life, Rowling was nearly penniless, depressed, divorced and a single mother with no financial help. While writing the manuscript of Harry Potter, she was on welfare. Adding to that, 12 publishers rejected the manuscript. She created Harry Potter, a global brand estimated to be worth $15 billion today.

Judge William L. Dawson: Cycle Breaker

As much as I produce through writing, speaking, blogging and posting I am human and I still make mistakes.  The interesting part is that some people run to tell me when a word is misspelled but never talk about or compliment me on the content of my message.  This behavior used to trigger resentment until I found the source.  It began when I was moved into an advanced english class in high school but struggled and felt insecure because, during  my schooling, I received continuous criticism of my poor writing skills. Today I have communicated to thousands through my workshops and programs. I write books, manuals and produce training to help people positively change their lives.  

THE KEY TO SUCCESS:  KEEP GOING!!!!!

Like all of the examples above, when people make mistakes or “fail,” if you continue to work, grow, dream, practice, write etc. you will reach  a breakthrough and become one of the legends that we speak of today. 

There will always be critics, there will always be people who point out every mess-up, miss-step misspelled word or mistake in grammar.  The key is to keep going, never give up and remember, it takes no courage to be a critic.  In fact it’s much easier to be a critic than to be a creator!

Judge William L. Dawson, 

East Cleveland Municipal Court

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com /Social Media: @judgedawson

Just Too Ghetto!!!!!

“Cycle Breaking” w/ Judge Dawson

Just Too Ghetto!

The world is talking about justice, and that is important, but no one is talking about saving your life. 

It’s easy to point your finger at the wrongs of the world and refused to look in the mirror.  I speak as a person who wants to help you save your life.  Saving your life means that I give you the necessary tools to make sure you live to see another day. Saving your life also means that I say the things that people refuse to say.  I am a disrupter and that has been my focus as an attorney and it remains my focus today as a Judge. You can count on me to say the hard things and to keep it real!  Let’s get our focus together on a couple of points. 

Point To Consider #1 Stop Being So Ghetto That You Block Your Blessings: I walked into one of the BP gas stations to get a bottle of water. While I stood at the cooler looking through the options, I heard a woman walking up next to me cursing up a storm. As I looked over at the woman, I noticed that she was the manager of the store. She continued to talk and I realized that she was either speaking to an employee on the other side of the store or just “loud talking.”  She said “they be stealing like a M___ F__….” and other choice curse words. She wasn't even bothered that customers where in the store.  What she didn’t consider was that her behavior may have caused her to block some blessings.  You never know who is around you, watching you, or in a position to bless you.  It could be a new job or a new opportunity, but so many people miss these chances because they find it ok to act ghetto in public.  

You know exactly what I’m talking about.  Either you participate in this activity of public ghettoness or you have witnessed it at your local Walmart, Walgreens or McDonalds.  

Point To Consider #2 The music you listen to labels you. I’m just keeping it real when I say that you are labeled by people, professionals and strangers when they hear the music you listen to. If you are driving down the street blasting music about fighting, stealing and robbing, people are going to think you are a thug. If you are listening to music that is disrespectful to women, people, or at least men, are going to think that you are ok with that type of behavior.  Recently, while in a local club for a birthday party, I watched with amazement how people reacted to certain songs.  At times its a beautiful thing to see people laughing and enjoying music.  However, it gets weird when the music turns nasty and disrespectful but still the women are dancing, partying, with their hands in the air and eyes closed like they are hearing the most romantic things.

Right now is a good time to look at ourselves and decide to put our best foot forward.  With all the negativity in the world, all the injustice,  and all the violence let’s choose to exemplify our greatness. If you don’t want to be great for yourself, be great for your community. Think about all the people marching and protesting and those who died for our rights.  Did Martin Luther King Jr. die for our right to, as the song says, “turn up on a Tuesday?” or “Be a Bad Bit_ _?”

If you don’t care about doing it for your community, do it for your family.  Your family wants to be proud of the person you are.  They want to benefit from your positive legacy.  Your family wants the world to speak positively about you when you are gone.  To get to that point, the work begins now.  Stop being so ghetto that you block your blessings!

Judge William L. Dawson, 

East Cleveland Municipal Court

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com /Social Media: @judgedawson

Black In America

I have been blessed by the opportunity to speak at numerous events for schools, businesses and organizations during Black History Month and for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  Its at those times that many of us take a look at the state of Black America and reflect on the struggles of the past.  We do this to see where we were, how far we have come and the path that we need to take to ensure a better future.  It should be obvious, by the recent events in America, that we are far from what may be considered an equal and free society, but at the same time we are far from where it all began.  

As stated by Bishop Joey Johnson at the House of The Lord in Akron, Ohio, “one of the powerful realities of today is that the perils of yesterday have been greatly lessened.”  Just look at the following facts:

Minorities and women have a measure of freedom.

Minorities and women can vote.

The practice of lynching has been greatly curtailed.

We have the opportunity to pursue happiness.

The other reality is that we still have a long way to go because,

Minorities and women have not attained true freedom and justice.

Prejudice and racism have largely gone underground, but they are not dead.

We are seldom lynched, but can still face substantial danger in caught in the wrong places.

Poverty is still a problem along with lack of education.

Bishop Johnson notes that the advancements in equality and justice appear to be moving at an increased rate.  For example, from the Declaration of Independence to the election of Barack Obama is only 234 years. From the Emancipation Proclamation to his election was fewer than 150 years.  From the marches of Martin Luther King Jr. to the inauguration is fewer than 50 years. It is my sincere hope that we will continue to advance at this same rate.  However, I submit to you that we have to work both ends at the same time.  We have to work on the laws and societal issues that keep racism and injustice alive while working on ourselves.  Its’ the later part, working on ourselves, that causes a great debate in this current generation, but its the position from which I choose to pursue change.  If you don’t change yourself, nothing will ever change for you.  I encourage you to use this season to look at ways that you can take personal responsibility for change.  Combining your personal efforts with those who pursue society change and progress will continue advance the position of all people.  If you ignore the part that you personally play in the change game, Things will remain where they are.

For more information on this topic visit the “Finish First Workshops” at the East Cleveland Court on Monday nights at 5:30pm or visit my website.  

East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

The Phases of Domestic Violence!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

We must not forget domestic violence.  I viewed a recent FaceBook post from a friend “outing” domestic violence situation.  I used the term “outing” because that’s exactly what was done.  The unacceptable, terrorism that is domestic violence was called out based on experiences that took place in that particular family.  I personally touched base with this individual in a small effort to short support and concern.  Based on the nature of domestic violence offenses, the people who need the support and concern often feel alone and like an outcast.  Even beyond the fact that I personally reached out this person, the entire event further justifies why it is important that we continue to shine the light on domestic violence.  

Domestic violence is a very intricate type of offense.  There will always be more questions than answers, like why did she stay, because every situation is different. However, there are some common phases of domestic violence the experts have been able to identify.  

There are three phases of the cycle of violence that repeat a pattern by the abuser and the victim/survivor.

The first phase for the ABUSER:  In this phase the tension builds up, in which the batterer blames the victim, makes unreasonable demands, misinterprets every move, and blocks and hovers. 

The first phase for the VICTIM: In this phase the victim tries to calm his/her batterer and believes he/she can control the partner. The victim does not get angry and denies their own anger.

The second phase for the ABUSER: In this phase the abuser starts out to teach a lesson, and the abuser’s behavior escalates to physical or extreme emotional violence. The victim’s behavior does not affect the outcome, and the victim may disassociate, remain calm and wait out the storm. I

The second phase for the VICTIM: In this phase, the victim’s only option is to find a safe place to hide or run to. Symptoms after the assault: denial, disbelief, rationalization and delays in seeking medical attention. Feelings of depression and helplessness often follow.

The third phase for the ABUSER: In this phase the batterer’s behavior is often charming and they want the victim’s forgiveness. This phase is known as the honeymoon phase and can be confusing to victims because they want to believe the battering will not happen again. Often, they are given gifts and friends and family are often asked to intervene.

The third phase for the VICTIM: During phase three, victims are seeking help from her physician as well as other professionals and they want to believe in the relationship and forgive. They choose to believe that this person is the real person and will not hurt them again. The victim needs the support of family and friends and needs to focus on safety and learn the signs of manipulative behavior.

If you know someone who is being abused, talk to them and voice your concerns. Let them know that you will keep their confidence and that you care. You may save a life.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Sh*t Goes Down On An Elevator

“Cycle Breaking” 

with Judge William  Dawson 

Sometimes Sh*t Goes Down On The Elevator!

Due to recent events, awareness of domestic violence is once again spreading across our nation. I commend all the men and women who’ve been on the front lines of this battle even when it wasn’t talked about as much as now. On the other hand, I am appalled at the few "leaders” or “people with voices” who have disregarded this very serious matter by stating that the “Ray Rice” situation is a distraction from the more important “Michael Brown” issue or “police brutality.” The fact is that any injustice is a tragedy. 

As opposed to being a distraction, domestic violence is one of the most serious forms of violence a person can experience.  While there are hundreds of people protesting and marching about the Michael  Brown tragedy, the statistics reveal that some of the same people seeking justice for that issue are, in private, beating their own loved ones. So while we are fighting the system, let’s also stand up to show outrage over the violence against women. 

From that stand point we now know that “Sh*t Goes Down On The Elevator.”

THE ELEVATOR REPRESENTS PRIVACY

Domestic Violence is the “secret” offense. Some of the people we see smiling, laughing, even giving relationship advice every day, go home and are victims to some form of violence or intimidation.  The statistics show that 1 out of every 4 women will experience some form of domestic violence in their lifetime. A challenge to understanding the impact of domestic violence is that in many communities domestic violence has become common place, normal and excepted.  As an example, when was the last time you heard a man or woman refer to their mate as a b*tch or another curse word? That’s verbal intimidation/violence. When was the last time you heard of a scenario where someone refused money or made other financial threats to their mate? That is mental and financial intimidation/violence. When was the last time you saw a person grab his or her mate, forcing them to go somewhere? That is physical intimidation/violence.  

For those who believe that these are normal relationship behaviors, I wonder if these offenses would be acceptable to you if they were committed against your sons or daughters.  I would certainly have something to say if anyone treated my children this way.

THE ELEVATOR REPRESENTS ISOLATION

In both of the Solange and Ray Rice situations, when the elevator doors closed the aggressors took advantage of the isolated environment to start throwing punches.  That fact alone makes domestic violence so outrageous.  Most of us don’t go into an isolated place with people whom we don’t trust.  When you are alone with someone in a private space and they use that moment to attack you it is a  total betrayal.

THE ELEVATOR REPRESENTS PAIN

Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults.

Women ages 20 to 24 are at the greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.

Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than men.

Every year, 1 in 3 women who are victims of homicide are murdered by a current or former partner.

In addition to the victim’s pain, the hidden victims of domestic violence are the children.  Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence suffer abuse or neglect. These children are likely to have health problems, experience violence themselves and display behavior and learning problems in school. Children even learn that violence against family members is ok and that violence is a proper reaction to frustration. The overall psychological abuse is devastating.

I’m working to address this problem through my leadership programs. In addition to giving instructions on how to avoid negative interaction with the legal system we also provide training, counseling and help to overcome the effects of domestic violence as well as training for those who have a habit of hurting people they love and trust.

Domestic violence is not cool, its not acceptable.  Sh*t should never go down on the elevator!

LET’S CONNECT

If you see my latest billboard in the city, take a picture, follow and tag me on Instagram @judgedawson for a chance to win prizes.

Judge William L. Dawson, 

East Cleveland Municipal Court

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com /www.Judgedawson.com

Self Control

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number eight is “Develop Self Control.” Self control has been described as a strong predictor of success in life.  Its ability to predict success has been ranked right up there with the certainty of success being based on intelligence.  So that means, according to some studies, you will succeed if you are intelligent or if you have self control.  As a Judge, I see how the lack of self control will lead to criminal activity.  There are several cases where I know that, if the parties would have developed and utilized self control, the crime would not have been committed.  

In order to be a Cycle Breaker, avoid trouble or negative interaction with the legal system you must develop self control.  As you know, I don’t give advise or Cycle Breaker leadership principles without including methods you can use to realize and achieve those principles.  My research reveals that to maximize your self control there are two strengths that must be developed, willpower and daily rituals.  With so much talk about success, it should not be surprising that defining and discovering willpower has become a hot topic, both with scientists interested in discovering the roots of willpower and professionals trying to help people improve their lives. First we have to understand exactly what willpower means.  According to Dr. Roy F. Baumeister, who authored the book “Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength,” willpower touches on nearly all aspects of healthy living: eating right, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, studying more, working harder, spending less. 

According to Merriam-Webster, willpower is the “ability to control yourself : strong determination that allows you to do something difficult (such as to lose weight or quit smoking).”  When you add this definition with the research by Dr. Baumeister and my experience as a Judge, it breaks down to the ability to avoid problems like addiction, overeating, crime, domestic violence, sexually transmitted diseases, prejudice, debt, unwanted pregnancy, educational failure, underperformance at school and work, lack of savings, failure to exercise and many more issues.  As a more practical everyday example, we have all witnessed the lack of self control in our work environment.  It shows up when people disrespect each other or are not considerate of other’s needs.  For the most part, no one comes to work looking for a confrontation, however when a person lacks self control they will inevitably cause friction in the work environment.  

The problem with relying on willpower alone is that, according to Dr. Baumeister’s research, willpower is a limited resource subject to being used up.  However, as a Cycle Breaker I have a back up plan to make sure you  stay on track and avoid derailment.  The additional tool is to establish daily rituals. According to Merriam-Webster, “Rituals” is defined as “an act or series of acts regularly reposted in a set and precise manner.”  To stay in line with living your best life you will need to use daily rituals on the days when you don’t have the willpower to do what you said you would do.  That’s when you rely on daily rituals.  Once you allow certain things, acts or behaviors to become a part of your daily rituals you will be able to keep moving in your desired direction even when your will is low.  Take for example a desire to loose weight.  You can use your willpower to get up and go to the gym as well as avoid certain foods, but when the “will” gets low, you will go back to your old habits.  However if going to the gym is a ritual that you set in your schedule at 4:00pm everyday, that ritual becomes a part of your life and therefore easier to stay committed to. 

Though I make it sound easy, I know its not. If you want to learn more about

Cycle breaker Leadership Principle number eight, “Develop Self Control” join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Self Control in Light of the Michael Brown Shooting!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number eight is “Develop Self Control.” I recently wrote about the basics of applying this Leadership Principle and how applying it in our lives will help us reach our maximum potential.  Now, with the recent shooting in Ferguson, its important to expand on this topic and discover ways that we can quickly move our lives to a place of peace, safety and success.  

There is no denying that in this society there is an extreme need for self control.  Professionals, which include police officers, are often quick to overreact just in the name of authority. Its at these times our emotions flare up leading to us overreacting.  However, professionals are not the only ones loosing control.  Everyday people, when faced with feelings of unfairness, sometimes overreact in response to any perceived unfairness. In the Ferguson case, as we wait for the facts to become clear, one thing for sure is that whenever there is a questionable death, there is a possibility that people did or will overreacted.  

The Ferguson tragedy and others have lead me to identify two areas where we need self control the most.  1. We need to use self control before we do something that could derail our future and 2. We need to use self control after a tragedy has occurred.  Its at those two times when our ability to stay calm and considerate of the big picture will determine if the situation will go from bad to worse.  

For this expanded discussion on self control, I like the definition that states self control is “the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations.”

How do you use self control before you do something that could derail your future?  This discussion is important because too many people find themselves in destructive situations simply because they didn’t do the proper pre-planning.  The first step is to “pre-plan” your life by clearly defining the vision for your future.  By this I mean a vision for every area of your life.  Your finances, your education, your profession and your relationships.  When you clearly identify your vision you will know where you are going.  Knowing where you are going will keep you from “floating” in any direction.  That means, when you are faced with a decision to take controversial action, controversial to your vision, you will be less likely to take that action and you will be more likely to make the right decision.

How do you use self control after a tragedy?

Once a tragedy hits, it takes a lot of discipline to keep from loosing focus on your overall vision.  In fact, sometimes the pain and disappointment is so severe that you may consider abandoning your vision.  This is when the power of “Emotional Intelligence” comes in.  Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize emotions in your self and others so that you can regulate those emotions and make good decisions in the face of negative situations.  When you intelligently use your emotions, you will avoid over reacting in your initial and later responses.  Remember life is long and many of the situations we find ourselves in will be just small parts of our story.  Let’s make sure we are not doing something in the “now” that we may regret in the “future.” 

Though I make it sound easy, I know its not. If you want to learn more about

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number eight, “Develop Self Control” join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Why Do Boys Grow Up To Be Dangerous Men? Pt. 3

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Why Do Young Boys Grow Up To Be Dangerous Men Part III.  We are one week away from a discussion that will provide solutions to a major problem in Cleveland and American as a whole. 

In the daily news there are examples of dangerous and violence acts in our community.  One such act was played out in the City of Cleveland Heights when a popular business owner, Jim Brennan, was murdered in his restaurant.  The allegations are that two sets of brothers conspired to rob Mr. Brennan when gun shots were fired.  Mr. Brennan died later at a hospital.  The charges are aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence. 

Some may find it hard to believe that the charges in this case are against two sets of brothers.  I find it very believable.  I find it typical of what I see playing out in this day and age.  Just a few weeks ago in my Court I told a set of brothers that it was obvious to me that their connection was not healthy.  I could tell that they didn’t take the legal system seriously, I could tell that they were not capitalizing off their opportunities.  I could tell that they were influencing each other to go further down the path of criminal activity.  

The writing was clearly on the wall for the brothers that I had in my court room so it is not that far of a stretch to find out that the robbery/murder in Cleveland Heights involves family members. Being on the topic of family members and crime, one reason that young boys are growing up to be dangerous men is that the family members are sleep at the wheel.  I call it “Careless Care.”  By careless care I am referring to the fact that too many people in this generation are not properly raising their children, with the morals and principles, to ensure that they make the right decision when faced with hard choices.  Additionally, there are many parents who have blinders on.  These parents ignore the fact that it doesn’t matter if the parent has morals and positivity in their heart.  It doesn’t matter if the paren has learned many life lessons.  If they are not communicating these lessons and morals to their children the children will find themselves in legal trouble or becoming violent.  It is primarily up to the parents and the family to make sure young people are not growing up to be violent or dangerous.  

Now, I know that some of you have the attitude that if violence is not in your life or your family then the issue doesn’t concern you.  That is so far from the truth. First, don’t take it for granted that your decisions to stay crime free as a parent will automatically trickle down to your children. It will not.  Don’t be careless in your care for your family.  Don’t sit back and assume that everything is ok, that the youth will learn through your silence.  Break the cycle, talk to the youth about violence, talk to the youth about crime.  Don’t let another set of brothers, or any youth for that matter, find themselves in a situation where they become dangerous adults.  

This is the world and communities that we live in.  We can no longer sit back and think that crime won’t happen to us or our families.  It takes a village to create a positive community.  The forum, “Why Do Young Boys Grow Into Dangerous Men,” The East Cleveland Library on July 21, 2014 at 5:00pm, will boldly address the problem, the lack of community collaboration but most importantly, the solutions.  

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Why Do Boys Grow Up To Be Dangerous Men? Pt. 2

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Why Do Boys Grow Up To Be Dangerous Men Part II.  I’ve been writing about this subject in response to my participation as a panelist where this question was the topic.  As a result of my preparation I expanded my analysis of “dangerous men” to include “dangerous people.” This expansion is based on the fact that we know both men and women commit crimes. 

Being elected Judge has different effects on each person.  For me it is nothing more than taking on the responsibility to be a leader, example and educator for the community.  In this role I regularly conduct workshops aimed at helping people discover and develop their leadership ability.  The best part about these workshops is that they are absolutely free.  I’m basically begging people to come get this knowledge.  

My recent workshop called “Hustle Rehab,” took a direct approach to analyzing and then correcting the ghetto mentality that can lead to a life of delinquency and crime.  With this valuable information being shared through this provocative topic, I excepted to have a standing room only audience in the courtroom.  However, its’ hard to get people to come out and learn about change or bettering their lives.   That is one reason why young people grow into dangerous adults, failure to grow!

The scriptures say “My people parish because of their lack of knowledge.” Today, this scripture is playing out in real time.  True to form, and unfortunately, during the same time of my workshop four people were involved in the exact type of crime that my workshops aim to stop.  Fox 8 news reported that four young men were arrested after reportedly beating a 16-year-old and taking his cell phone.  According to Cleveland Heights police, it happened Monday, June 23, 2014 just before 6:30 p.m.  As I said, this was right in the middle of my workshop called “Hustle Rehab: Turn Your Hood Swag Into Good Swag.”  I can only imagine that if half the people who said they were going to come to the workshop came, if half the media outlets who knew about the workshop attended, if every parent who has a child who has been in trouble brought that child, lives would have been changed and ultimately saved.  If our community really cares about crime we have to get actively involved.  We have to be an example and leader of change.  Even if you don’t worry about yourself or your family being a victim of crime, we should encourage development and leadership in our communities for the greater good and safety of all.  The victim of this Cleveland Heights beating told police he’d been with the four male suspects at the Noble Road Library prior to the incident.  They then walked to the Noble Elementary School playground where one of the suspects grabbed him from behind and strangled him until he lost consciousness, while the three other suspects searched his pockets and took his cell phone.  Two of the men were 19 and face adult charges, two others are juveniles.  

This is the world and communities that we live in.  We can no longer sit back and think that crime won’t happen to us or our families.  It takes a village to create a positive community.  The next forum, “Why Do Young Boys Grow Into Dangerous Men,” The East Cleveland Library on July 21, 2014 at 5:00pm, will boldly address the problem, the lack of community collaboration but most importantly, the solutions.  

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Why Do Boys Grow Up To Be Dangerous Men?

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

I had the pleasure to participate in a panel called “Why Do Some Boys Grow Up To Be Dangerous Men?” It was held in partnership with City of Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell and featured various panel members.  In preparation of part II of the conversation, which will be held in the City of East Cleveland on July 21, 2014 at the East Cleveland Public Library, I want to recap some of the findings of this first event.  The first noticeable takeaway i that the audience was mainly populated by mature adults.  By mature adults I am referring to the residents who support strong families and strong communities.  I hoped that there would be a larger majority of young people at the forum but, as with many of the events today, there were only a few.  I personally drove a few teens to the event, but instead of being present at a forum that can effect the future of this community, many young people, who were in the same building, were either not asked to attend or ignored the significance of the discussion.  

The second take-a-way is how the main topic of conversation leaned in the direction of father’s rights.  This was a very productive discussion considering that the panel included the very knowledgeable Al Grimes from the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood initiative. Accordingly, the participants were able to get very valuable information on this topic.  Specifically, many of the participants left enriched on how to establish paternity and work within the legal system to ensure that they are given the right to visitation and enjoyment of their children.  When I rose to speak I mentioned fatherhood from a different angle.  I discussed the feeling of parents when their young children go astray.  I discussed how its the responsibility of the parents to make sure their young children don’t grow up to be dangerous.  I discussed how my heart cries out every time I see a person in my courtroom who is living below their potential by choosing to live a life of crime and destruction.  

As a Judge I see dangerous men and women everyday who did not start out that way.  I come face to face with people who have lost hope and who are not concerned about themselves, their community or other people.  This discussion is very important.  The evidence of dangerous men and women is constantly on display.  Just this past weekend in the city of Cleveland there were four shooting deaths.  We see that everyone expresses outrage over killings but very few are willing to do anything about it.  This reactionary yet lackadaisical approach to stopping crime is evident by the lack of media attention or leadership support at this particular event.  There were no news cameras, there was no joining of forces with the other Cleveland Council members.  In my experience, any serious change and advancement to stop the trend of dangerous men and women must be approached by massive collaboration.  It takes a village to create a positive community.  The next forum, “Why Do Young Boys Grow Into Dangerous Men,” that I host in East Cleveland, will boldly address the problem, the lack of community collaboration but most importantly, the possible solutions.  

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle #7

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number seven is "You Must Keep Learning.  Education is vital to your success.  It doesn't matter if you are eight or eighty years old, if you are not growing or learning you are dying. At a minimum, no matter how old we are, we have to know the basic current tools for survival. For example,you have to the traffic rules if you are traveling.  Similarly, you have to know basic financial rules if you are a consumer. My point is that in order to be a leader, to be a Cycle a breaker, to live your best life you have to keep learning.  

Court rooms across this country are full of people who don't have jobs or are working jobs beneath their potential because they didn't continue to learn and prepare themselves.  Daily I see young men who are not prepared to get a job.  These young people are not prepared in their walk, not prepared in their talk and not prepared in their presentation. Any one of these forms of "the lack of preparation" will keep you from reaching your potential.  As an example I'll address the occurrence of showing that you are not prepared for a job or success  by the form of your communication or, in other words, your talk.   Though looks and appearances allow people to make assumptions about you, your words allow people to make determinations about you.  Standing in court using broken english, not speaking clearly or failing to communicate at all is a dead give-a-way that, somewhere along the line, this person stopped learning.  People who fit into this category are surely not going to get a "good" job and are likely headed to jail.  When we look at all the possible causes of the inability to communicate, its possible to blame the home and even the schools.  As a Cycle Breaker, instead of looking to place blame on other people, I'm all about personal responsibility so I will place the blame squarely on the individual person.  At some point you become aware of the difference in your speech and the speech of a person in authority or management.  At some point you realize that you should speak their language in order to get to their level.  In other words when you know better, you do better.

In order to secure your ability to provide for your self and your family you must be educationally prepared.  Here is a game changing tip.  Look out in the American horizon and identify the industries where employment demand is high. Now go and get the skills required so that you can enter that industry.  Getting the skills now will make you ready when the opportunity presents itself!  To keep learning means to sharpen your tools. Sharpening your tools means you are getting ready for the endeavors ahead.  It may take going to school at night, I did. It may take leaving some of your negative associations, I did.  It will take sacrifice but it's worth it.   Leadership and Cycle Breaker Principle number seven, keep learning.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Jay Z & Solange: A Hot Ghetto Mess!

“Cycle Breaking” w/ Judge Dawson

Jay Z & Solange: A Hot Ghetto Mess!

     Now that I have your attention let’s be Cycle Breakers and break down the Jay Z and Solange episode.  By now we have all seen the video of the attack on the elevator.  Many of us commended Jay Z on his restraint while others, like myself, looked at the chaos as a hot ghetto mess.  I also noted that in most cases a prosecutor could have charged Solange with assault, even if Jay Z didn’t cooperate, but that’s another article.  Many of the comments on social media expressed that “even celebrities have family issues.”  Indicating that what happened on that elevator is normal.  

     Why is this considered normal behavior?  When is it normal for a married man’s sister-in-law to viciously attack him?  Or, let me bring it closer to some of our situations, when is it normal for a family member or friend of a “baby mama” to attack the man? When is it normal for any woman to attack a man or a man to attack a woman?

     By considering this as normal we are being desensitized to the ridiculousness of these occurrences.  These are cycles that we must break. The challenge is that, in our communities, neighborhoods and families these activities happen often. It’s normal to be at a cook out where the drunk uncle starts arguing and then challenges everyone to a fight.  It’s normal for us to use threatening language like, “I’m about to go get my gun” with each other.  However, here is the wake up call:  THAT MESS IS NOT NORMAL. Living and existing in chaos is not normal  We all have greatness in us and living in this manner is below our greatness.  

1. Be a Cycle Breaker & “Change Your Normal”

My Bailiff, Maurise Sanders, calls it the “new normal.”  We have to redefine what we will except in our lives as normal because many things we consider normal are negative and could have a detrimental effect on our future.  For example, it is not normal (in a positive way) to:

      * Go to jail

      * Buy clothes from the barbershop and salons

      * Stay in a physically or mentally abusive       relationship.

     * Drop out of school 

     * Sit around without a job.

     I could go on forever with this list.  The point is that the cases I see in my court room are based on people embracing negative normals like the ones I listed.  

Let me prove how negative normals = negative lives:  

     * If going to jail is normal, committing more crimes with the possibility of jail becomes normal.

     * If buying clothes from boosters is normal, doing other shady things to get material items becomes normal.

     * If being in an abusive relationship is normal, a regular cycle of abuse for your family becomes normal.

     * If dropping out of school is normal, underachieving and negative hustling becomes normal.

     * If sitting around not getting a job is normal, robbing and stealing from others becomes normal.

     * If JAY Z being attacked by Solange is a normal family relationship, your tolerance for unhealthy and unproductive environments become normal.

     I am not judging or criticizing Jay Z and Beyonce’s relationship, nor am I saying that issues don’t occur in our relationships.  I am saying that we should not except chaos as normal. It’s fine to look up to celebrity relationships and situations but hopefully they won’t become the benchmarks for what we will or will not except in our lives. Don’t except chaos and negative controversies as normal.

1. To Be a Cycle Breaker, Avoid Chaos.  

     Mental and physical peace for you and your family should be a first priority.  You can't be the best you can be when your life is full of chaos.   I have a friend who told me, in order to focus on achieving her goals and dreams, because she couldn’t move out of her chaotic environment at the time, she would physically go into a closet to do homework and to concentrate.  She knew that chaos was unproductive and would keep her from her potential. Today she is a highly successful business women who provides inspiration for thousands of people. As a community we have to get to the point where we change and raise the level of our expectations. No more hot ghetto mess, establish your new normal. Judge William L. Dawson, 

East Cleveland Municipal Court

For more on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights, 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  By the way, thanks for all the encouraging emails.  It’s fuel to keep me moving!

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media: @judgedawson

Hustle Rehab: Turn Your Hood Swag Into Good Swag!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

WHEN ARE WE GOING TO STOP HUSTLING?

At the East Cleveland Municipal Court we are Cycle Breakers.  To define what a “Cycle Breaker” is I have been breaking down the elements and strategies of how to live your best life, avoid negative interaction with the legal system and become cycle breakers. Part of the process is recognizing cycles in your life, your family or community that must be broken.  A cycle that we must break is the “Hustle Mentality.”

It was during one of my life skills workshops at the East Cleveland Public Library where I informed the men and women that I developed a workshop to help people get out of the negative hustle mentality.  The negative hustle mentally includes selling drugs, stealing, boosting as well as all other activities that have the possibility of a jail sentence.  The challenge is that many people wear the hustle mentality as a badge of honor.  People walk around and proclaim with pride, “I’m a hustler.”  I understand that not all hustling is bad.  For instance, if you are working two jobs to take care of your family, that is not a bad hustle.  If you are going to school while taking care of your family, that is not a bad hustle.  However, when your focus on hustling causes you to cross the line of illegal activity, that is  bad or negative hustling.  So what is the answer to getting people to think above the hustle mentality?  Next week I will give the tools when I present: Hustle Rehab, “How to Turn Your Hood Swag into Good Swag!”  The workshop will take place at the East Cleveland Public Library on June 23, 2014 at 5:00pm.  

Part of getting out of the hustle mentality is to change the definition of what’s cool.  That’s why my title includes the term “Swag.” If you don’t know, “Swag” is the current day “cool.”  Everyone wants to have it, but they don’t see how “Swag” can limit their possibilities.  I will address how to be cool and employable at the same time.

I see men and women in my court who are stuck in the hustle mentality cycle. I spoke to a childhood friend who, despite his wife having a good job, is always starting a new hustle, many of which are on the boarder of illegal.  This is a prime example of being caught in the hustle mentality.  Even though he doesn’t have a financial hardship to make him “have to” hustle,” he continues the activity. 

Another example is a person who sells drugs.  When people in our community enter the drug game at a young age they cut off other possibilities of employment and legal careers.  They go full steam ahead selling drugs and then find themselves in a head on collision with the legal system. The old saying is worth repeating, when you sell drugs the road leads to death or jail.  

Why should you attend the “Hustle Rehab” workshop?  The answer is simple, illegal hustling is bad for the future, all of our futures.  In order to enrich our community, come hear the pitfall of, and learn the tools to break, the hustle mentality.  It’s all about advancement and moving to the next level.

Instead of excepting jail as the destiny, instead of living below your best potential lets transform our lives into being Cycle Breakers!

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on June 23, 2014 at the East Cleveland Municipal Court at 5:00pm. East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle #6 Stay Curious

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Cycle Breaker Leadership Principle number six is “Stay Curious.”  I see a collision course with destruction every day in the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  From domestic violence to dropping out of school and wandering the community, people are making decisions that will lead to derailment or jail.  When I have a person in front of me who seems willing to learn or at least interested in going to my programs instead of jail, I put them through the “Cycle Breaker Probation Program.”  This program is a minimum six months of reading, writing, studying, presenting and education.  It’s  intended to provide skills for decision making and success.  However, the only way to make it through the program is to be dedicated to improvement and to have a curiosity for positive potential. 

In order to move from point a to point b.  In order to leave an abusive relationship or achieve any positive goal, you have to be curious.  I use the term curious because it implies that you are ready to learn but also, beyond just being ready, you are excited about learning.  I picked this up from watching and listening to my four year old daughter.  She always asks me “daddy, what are we doing tomorrow?”  When I tell her that she is going to school tomorrow, her face lights up and she says “I’m excited about going to school!”  That’s the enthusiasm that goes along with curiosity.  

Having curiosity is very important to high level success.  Look at these examples.  Do you think google would have been created without curiosity for the possibilities of internet search?  Do you think FaceBook would have been created without curiosity for the possibilities of social connection on the internet.  Do you think McDonalds would have created the fish filet if there was no curiosity of how to better supply every type of appetite?  I can continue with these examples supporting the point that high level success requires curiosity.  The problem is that many of the inner city communities are void of high level success except in the entertainment, sports or illegal industries.  I know, not every one thinks like this but too many do, so I must address the issue.  Don’t just settle for graduating from high school, be curious about higher education.  Don’t just settle for having children out of wedlock, be curious about the possibilities of creating a nurturing home for you and your children.  Don’t just settle for a 9 to 5 that leaves you frustrated, be curious about being involved with a project or team that has legacy building purpose.  

Remember, curiosity is beyond just wanting to learn something new.  It’s about the energy and enthusiasm that you bring to your life that is able to keep you going when things get hard.  

Cycle breaker Leadership Principle number six is “Stay Curious."

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson