…"Bassa High has done a remarkable job"
Asserts Calvin Johnson
By
Robert Sayon Morris
Editor-In-Chief
Liberian Media & Advertising Services
Mr.
Calvin Roosevelt Johnson, BA, MA, PMP
Class of '75, BHS, delivering the Convention
Keynote Address
Mr. Calvin
Roosevelt Johnson says,
Bassa
High School in
Grand
Bassa
County
“has done a remarkable job of producing fine national and international
citizens.”
Speaking on the theme: “Building For Tomorrow”, Mr. Johnson said:
“As members of BHS USA and friends of BHS, and as fine citizens of the world, if
we want to build for tomorrow and succeed by achieving our ultimate goals, we
should ponder over the question, ‘What will be my legacy’?” He urged
the audience to utilize "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" to ensure that
SUCCESS is achieved. The full text of Mr. Johnson's Speech is below:
Before I proceed, permit me to
introduce three important guest: The retired US Air Force Captain,
currently, a Professor and the Director of Admission of Nyack College,
Washington, D.C., also, CEO of Hairston Enterprises Mr. and Mrs. George C.
Hairston, a long time American friend. I also like to introduce to you the
President and CEO of Liberia Media and Advertising Services, the Hon. Robert
Sayon Morris, former Asst. Minister of Information, Republic of Liberia, a long
time friend and colleague from the University of Liberia… Let me finally
introduce to you the most beautiful lady in the world in lieu of my worldview,
in person of Mrs. Marietta Freeman Johnson, my beloveth wife.
Building for Tomorrow
Speech Delivered to Bassa
High School Association (BHSA), USA, Fourth
Annual Convention Bowie, MD, USA, August 19th.2006,
Bowie, MD.
by: Calvin Roosevelt Johnson, PMP, MA, BA
Mr. President, Officers and Members
of the Bassa High School Association, USA, Mr. Chairman, and Members of the
Board of Directors, Distinguished Officials and Former Officials of the Liberian
Government Present, Distinguished Officials of the U.S. Government Present,
Representatives and Leaders of the Bassa Counties Association and Liberian
Community Association present, Representatives and Leaders of the "Friends of
Liberia" Association (which comprises former U.S. Diplomats, Peace Corps, and
Public Servants, Representatives and Leaders of other Associations and
Organizations, Corporate Executives present, Representatives of Academic
Institutions,
Distinguished Guest, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is with heartfelt gratitude, yet humility, honor, and a sense
of commitment, I accepted the invitation to serve as Keynote Speaker for the
Bassa High School Association, USA Fourth Annual Convention... While it is
true that my selection as Keynote Speaker for this all-important occasion was no
accident, it is important to note that there are many other products of BHS who
have embraced the challenging road to success; thus, would be just as capable or
more capable than I am. Considerably, let me express my sincere thanks and
appreciation to the entire Planning Committee, the National Leadership, and all
those concerned for inviting my participation.
My friends, it is interesting and
no doubt benefiting to note, that the theme of this year's Convention is:
"Building for Tomorrow." I do not know if this was a coincident, nor do I
know who decided on the Theme for the Convention; however, this year's theme
brings about a significant reflection of my past... Yes, the identical
theme "Building for tomorrow" was the Motto of my Kindergarten Graduation Class,
from the Urias A. Porter Kindergarten School in Edina City, Grand Bassa County,
Liberia, in the year 1963. I remember vividly, the current National President of
BHSA, the Hon. B. Wilmot Nekpo Howard who also happens to be a former
Congressman in Liberia and a former Vice-Principal of the Bassa High School, was
a member of that Kindergarten Class. In fact, we were neighbors in Edina;
we played together; and in our little great and beautiful city those days, even
kindergarten kids were nurtured to become orators.... As such, I delivered
the Valedictorian address while Wilmot delivered the solitarian address for our
kindergarten class of ‘63... I remember that it was my dear father, the
late William A. Johnson, who dictated both of our speeches and we hand wrote
them and memorized, and rehearsed them on our piazza prior to exceptional
deliveries during our kindergarten graduation ... Ladies and Gentlemen;
these significant activities are all evidences of building for tomorrow...
Against this backdrop, I request your kind and undivided attention as I share
with you some thoughts on the theme “Building for Tomorrow,” Within the context
of BHS environs…
BHS Reflection:
As I strive to walk you through the scope of building for tomorrow based on my
personal experiences and the BHS Paradigm, I request each and every one of you
to take a retrospective approach to examining your respective lives in relations
to SUCCESS as you would define it… To these ends, I request you to think about
where you were in relations to where you are to date; how did you get to where
you are? And where do we go from here? For those of you who attended or
graduated from BHS, I am sure, you will agree that BHS did play a significant
role in your respective lives…
As for me, building for tomorrow
within the BHS mosaic began in the year 1968 when I was an elementary school
student, wearing “short pants/trouser” uniform to school, and I traveled from
Edina to Lower Buchanan with my late dear father to attend an annual celebration
of the Fraternal Society known as “Odd Fellows…” On a Monday morning we
were in a Taxi Cab on Preston Street, in route to Upper Buchanan to travel
across the river back to Edina, I looked through the cab window and saw two of
Bassa High School students walking to school, dressed up in their BHS long pants
uniforms… Later, I will come to know them as Robert Kilby and James
Harris. The following year, 1969, I was sponsored on a “boarding school”,
Julia Slocum Mission in Bong County, Liberia by my oldest brother Robert
Johnson. Those days many of my classmates were men and women in their
twenties but many of them befriended me to help them with their homework
assignments or take a sneak peep at my test papers during test or exam…
The work related choices on the mission were difficult for me and I missed being
home with my parents dearly… Further, we were only allowed to wear long
pants to church on Sundays; hence, I could not wait to complete the 6th. Grade
and attend BHS to begin wearing “long pants” to school on a daily basis.
To my challenge I was awarded a scholarship for room and board as I topped the
6th. Grade going to 7th. At the end of the school year… The owner of the
mission, Mother Julia Slocum notified my mother of the scholarship, and my
mother was very happy and impressed… But I began to cry continuously to my
mother, begging her not to let me go back on the mission. My father helped
me to convince her to let me begin attending Bassa High School instead, which
began from 7th. Grade… The bottom line is, I wanted to begin wearing “long
pants” to school daily like Robert Kilby and James Harris… In March of
1970, I joined the family of BHS… In the 7th grade class At BHS in 1970, I
came to meet a number of rising stars, all kids like myself at the time, which
will later become major contributors to society. They included such great
personalities as Ausman Jalloh, S. Loyola Fleming Jr., affectingly called S.
Lorac, Blyden Bonar, Mary Karnga, and Francis Porter who scored 100% in just
about every subject, and will get a rapid promotion to the 8th. Grade
immediately following the second marking period. Following our promotion
to the 8th. Grade, we were joined by other rising stars such as Joel King, Roy
Reeves, Ida Lloyd, among others… We all developed a bond and became members of
the class of 1975… Many of us went on to college and as far as I know,
succeeded in life. Will members of the Class of ’75, BHS PLEASE STAND!
Following our class came members of the great class of 1976.
This class had great stars like, Diplomat Nathaniel Brumskine, Hon. Wilmot B.N.
Howard, Victor D. King, among others… Will members of the class of ’76 please
stand. Will members of the classes of ’77, 78, 79 please stand… Will
members of the classes of the ‘80’s and 90’s that are present please stand…
Now let’s look at my seniors, will
members of classes from 1970 to 1974 that are present please stand!
Will members of classes of the ‘60’s please stand…
I must note that one of the members
of the class of 1969 of BHS not long ago made a well-earned and serious bid for
the presidency of the Republic of Liberia. That honorable gentleman is non
other than Former Senator, Counselor Charles Walker Brumskine, the Valedictorian
of BHS Class of ’69…We congratulate him for his all success endeavors…
BHS as a Symbol of Motivation:
When I think of the “Tower of Light,” I think of an Institution of motivation…
Yes, I remember the essence of Seniority according to grade level… During
assembly in the auditorium, members of the senior class were assigned to sit in
the “front rows.” Next, were the juniors, followed by sophomores, than
freshmen or 9th graders, followed by 8th. And 7th. Graders… Such tradition
motivated many of us to work hard and become seniors also…
When I think of BHS, I remember the
“good old” days where it was mandatory that all students had to join the School
Choir, even if you couldn’t sing… We had a brilliant music teacher and
choir director, known as Nathaniel Hodge, affectionately called Zoe… He
was so serious about singing business until he constantly flogged those of us
who could not sing well… I am a living witness, Ausman Jalloh can also
attest to this…
When I think of BHS, I think of Teacher Estelle Harris calmly
teaching us Literature in the 7th. Grade class, I think of the late Dean Dalmeda
Jackson introducing us to the works of the great English Writer, William
Shakespeare… I think of fine young college graduates at the time,
traveling to Liberia as Peace Corp volunteers from the U.S., and making
significant contributions through teaching… Ms. Pat Reilly, my 10th. Grade
English and Literature teacher, who is with us today is a great example…
Others include Mr. William Hares, Ms. Marion, Terrance Johnson, among others…
Yes; BHS is an institution to
remember when building for tomorrow… I remember when the school’s
administration was led by such great Liberians as Philemon E. Harris,
affectionately called “Joe Prince,” the Rev. Edward Harris, affectionately
called “Prof Eddie.” Then there was a man called Phillip Vacanderick
Saywryane, affectionately known as “P. Vat.” . Based on my candid
reflection, I have continued to consider “P. Vat” a fine Liberian
Philosopher.
BHS as a Symbol of Success:
Friends; BHS has done a remarkable job of producing fine national and
international citizens… As I sit to ponder over what makes some of our
colleagues successful, my thoughts lead me to what I describe as one of the most
brilliant master-peace of work published during the 20th. Century. It is
non other than the book entitled “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,”
authored by Steve Covey. The seven habits discussed in his book, is no
doubt common to just about all-successful people in the human race.
Accordingly, I’ll like to briefly share them with you:
Seven Habits of Highly Effective
People:
Habit One:
Be Proactive – Take the required initiatives to maximize your achievements.
Trust God and act upon the world to make things happen for the betterment of
mankind instead of being acted upon. Recent initiatives by this great
organization to invest over $10,000.00 to renovate, paint, and furnish the Bassa
High School in Buchanan, is an excellent case in point… Thanks to the
leadership and committed members and supporters of this association for a job
well done. I salute you and may I request the audience to please join me
in applauding all of you…
Habit Two: Begin with the End
in Mind – As rational beings with rational faculties, always think about the
kind of legacy you want to leave, following your departure from this earthly
world…
Habit Three: Put First Thing First – While it is very
important to multitask, be sure to take an organized and systematic approach to
whatever you do. The name of the game here is to “focus” and take it
step-by-step. By practicing this habit, which is in essence “self
management”, I guarantee, you will reach your ultimate goals.
Habit Four: Think Win-Win
Friends, the world is in a state of “imbalance”… This state of imbalance comes
from the struggle between “good and evil,” The struggle between
“selfishness and unselfishness,” between realism and unrealism, between
ignorance and intelligence, between healthiness and unhealthiness, between rich
and poor, between young and old, and between morality and immorality… YES!
The evidences are clear and explicit… They are rampant in our families,
academic, religious, corporate, and public institutions. They are rampant
in North and South America, in Africa, Europe, and Asia and the Middle East…
Considerably, it is about time we come together and practice the philosophy of
“win-win” instead of win-lose during our dealings with one another… No
doubt the most promising president of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency
William Richard Tolbert was right as he introduced his philosophy of “humanistic
capitalism… He made a clarion call for maximizing one’s humanistic and
economic potential, and being willing to share with others… By shifting to
this “win-win” paradigm, he enabled one like me along with many others, to
obtain undergraduate college education for a small fee of only $37.50 per
semester. In fact, his educational policy went beyond expectations, by
providing full scholarship of $550.00 per year for any university student who
scored a 3.0 GPA or better… Unfortunately, the “vocal minority” coupled
with the “enemies” of Liberia did not rest until they destroyed this
“far-sighted” leader… Later, many of those who participated and rejoiced
under the “dangerous cloud of blood-shared which hampered the nation, will
become victims of their own bad deeds.” This obviously validates the old
wise saying that “he that liveth by the sow shall die by the sow.
Considerably, we should learn to build for tomorrow with an attitude of
gratitude, the element of unity, patriotism, and share our achievements with our
alma mater, BHS.
Habit Five: Seek First to Understand than Seek to be Understood…
Too often we treat one another unfairly by not understanding others as they
intend to be understood… In fact some of us begin formulating and articulating
responses before the other person completes his or her statements… During
meetings or very important discussions, we practice this behavior…
Friends, if we want to be credible, and generate support from others, we need to
listen deeply, understand others from their perspectives… By so doing, we’ll be
in the position to response appropriately, and receive the kind of cooperation
we really expect…
Habit Six: Synergize.
This habit is the essence of principle-centered leadership and creative
cooperation… If we succeed by practicing habits one through five, we will
certainly come to grip with a mosaic of achieving our goals… At this point, all
we need to do is to keep on employing the strategies that work, to obtain
intended results… To this end we can continue to synergize by establishing
a mosaic of successful endeavors.
Habit Seven: Sharpen the Saw
It is through habit seven we perform self-evaluation or self-analysis to modify
our approaches to our social interaction with others. This is were we
realize our mistakes and take corrective measures… This will enable us to be
ahead of the “game” and maximize success…
As members of BHS USA and friends
of BHS, and as fine citizens of the world, if we want to build for tomorrow and
succeed by achieving our ultimate goals, we should ponder over the question,
“What will be my legacy?
Fellow members of BHS USA, Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen… Life is too short;
both, the young and old are departing these walls for eternality on a daily
basis… We cannot wait until tomorrow to contribute; we need to establish
our legacy now by making significant contributions…. I recall while
planning for the Elijah Johnson Family Reunion about two years ago as I was
talking about the Johnson’s legacy, my little then six year old daughter who is
now eight, Leyeama Caldella Johnson asked me “Daddy, what do you mean by
legacy?” I responded, Legacy is the very good or bad thing one does on
earth so that when they die and go to Heaven, people will remember them…
She proceeded to ask me what was Grandma legacy? I responded, Grandma
legacy was to love and serve God, feed people, and care for her children as well
as other people’s children… I then asked her what she would like to be her
legacy, she noted, “to sing well and be a good teacher…” I told her that
was great, and that she has the choice of becoming the best in whatever she
decides to be, and people will remember her for that.
Having briefly discussed the seven habits of highly effective
people, one may ask how do we begin? My suggestion is, begin by first
drafting your own or personal mission statement and revisit it daily or weekly.
Let it guide you in shifting to a new paradigm of principle-centeredness.
As an example, let me share with you my own personal mission statement; it
reads thus:
Calvin Johnson’s Mission Statement:
I shall Seek and merit Divine help;
I shall Be Proactive in Harmony with my Ultimate Goals;
I shall Succeed at Home first and Love People Unconditionally;
I shall Listen Twice as I Speak,
I shall Hear Both Sides Before Judging, Highlight the Good Sides of People,
and Always Defend those who are Absent;
I shall Seek First to Understand than Seek to be Understood;
I shall Be Sincere, yet Decisive;
I shall Be Selective in my Battles, and never Compromise with Honesty;
I shall Develop at least One Proficiency Each Year;
I shall Hustle While I Wait;
I shall Maintain a Positive Attitude and be Ethical in my Work;
I shall Fear not to make Mistakes but Fear the Absence of Corrective Measures to
Sharpen my Consciousness to Avoid Similar Errors in the Future;
I shall Seek Knowledge, Avoid Distractions, Acknowledge those who helped Along
the Way, and
I shall Remember, "SUCCESS" is the only Option.
Calvin Johnson's Mission Statement, copyright 1997, 2000, 2003, 2006. All
rights reserved.
With this in mind, I can recap the postulates of former U.S.
Congressman Gray, during his keynote address as I along with others obtained our
Masters Degree from Howard University in May of 1986; he said… “Aim far, run
fast, jump higher, and be a success!
Unquote:
It is against this backdrop, I call upon all of you members of BHSA USA, friends
of BHS, let us join hands, be thy brothers and sisters keepers, share telephone
numbers, email addresses, talk about the good days, and inspire one another to
make a positive contribution to BHS, “Tower of Light,” By so doing we can
guarantee our respective places in history; by so doing we will leave a good
legacy… and when all is said and done, we will have well played our respective
parts. And History will attest to the fact that we actually did build for
tomorrow.
God Bless Liberia!
God Bless the USA!
God Bless Grand Bassa County!
God Bless Bassa High School (BHS)!
May the Tower lf Light continue to shine on all of us!
I thank you!!!