I need to clarify something:
When I teach self-accountability, I am not saying that racism, economic exploitation, discrimination, or other forms of systemic injustice don't exist.
They do. I know this because I've been protesting and teaching others to protest injustice for the past 40 years.
I am also not blaming Black men or other men of color for poverty, mass incarceration, or the many other societal barriers that disrupt our lives.
Being politically naive is not cool or helpful in any way. However, I reject the idea that we should transform society without also transforming ourselves.
My work is about helping men become stronger so they can improve their communities or the world we live in. Governments, organizations and movements are composed of people. So if we want to improve society, we must develop more honest, disciplined, healthy, and knowledgeable individuals. History by the way, provides examples of how some freedom fighters led people to overthrow oppressive governments, then became oppressive themselves!
It's more difficult to deceive or manipulate empowered people. And a community filled with capable, principled men is better equipped to challenge injustice, build institutions, protect families, and create lasting change.
My message has never been, "The system doesn't matter."
My message is, "The system matters—and so does the man."
True liberation requires both: confronting unjust systems and developing the strength, wisdom, and discipline to overcome them and transform them.
That is the mission of Wise OG.