Negativity and selfishness gets great publicity in our social networking, indirect-contact society. You’d be led to believe the world’s running low on good people and that no one cares for or respects one another anymore. Their only concerns are themselves; and when they’re in need, no one is willing to lend them a hand without reward.
This is not the case. Kind, caring, selflessly-generous people still exist. Russell Hornsby is a shining example.
An award-winning actor applauded for his intense passion and believable performances, Hornsby has been wowing audiences for more than 20 years.
An Oakland, California native that’s become a staple in Hollywood, Hornby’s career includes memorable turns in Lincoln Heights, The Hate U Give, Creed II, Fences, Suits, Lincoln Rhyme, Lost In Space, and BMF (Black Mafia Family).
While good at what he does, he’s also a good person and one who believes in helping others.
I asked Russell Hornsby to tell me about a time when he did something nice for someone that he didn’t know. Here’s what he shared.
“Wow. I’ve done so many things for people over the years, I don’t measure it.
I’ve helped people go to school, I’ve given strangers big money, I’ve donated to charities…everything. And I just do it because I’m moved to do it.
You do whatever you can when you’re moved to do it. That’s when I do it. When I feel compelled.
Like, I hate Christmas. I don’t hate Christmas because of the music… I love that part. I hate Christmas because of the commercialism aspect of it. Now you have compelled me to buy people gifts. I’m not going to buy someone gifts just because you say.
If I’m traveling, if I’m out of the country somewhere and I see something and go, ‘Man, that’s dope. I think that’s something my friend would love. I’m going to get that for them.’ You know what I mean? I’m moved to do something. Me helping people, it happens when I’m moved to do it.
I help as many people as I can when I can but it’s mostly when I’m moved to do it and when I’m compelled to do it. And if I feel like I’m not being compelled to do something I walk away from it. That feels inauthentic to me.
There’s a lot of grifters and hustlers out here. Whether it be with philanthropic endeavors or otherwise, something just hits me and says, you know what, this charity rep is full of shit. I’m not doing it. I’m the type of person where I’ll give to the person directly. Or I’ll give to the kid directly.
But the truth is I just don’t keep count. I don’t do it for the clout. I do it because I’m moved to do it. You need help with you light bill? Give me the account number, I’ll pay it. You’ say you’re hungry? I’ll get you something to eat. I give to my school and to my university. I’m not clout chasing. I don’t need it! It’s anonymous.
People always say it’s between you and the Lord, you and God, you and the universe, or whatever it is. So, if that’s the case, you shouldn’t need to get the credit. Unless you’re doing something big, like, I’m a billionaire and I’m going to send kids to college, and I’m doing the send 10 kids to college challenge with other stars, athletes or whatever like that, that’s something different.
I’ve put 2 million dollars into this general fund and we’re going to send 10 to 20 kids to college. You’ve put in 2 mill or 3 mill or a mill. Alright, here we go! If not, just shut up and go do it.
It’s just like that whole thing about telling people every move you’re making. We say don’t talk about it, be about it. When the time comes the right people will hear and know about it. That’s all you need to worry about.” |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker and Alex The Host]
Our Shining Example column features a remarkable person sharing an inspiring personal story about an act of kindness.
“We are the ones who make a brighter day, so let’s start giving.” – ‘We Are the World’
