Baker Goes 'Savage against #5 OBU', GAC Defensive Player of the Week

The Great Change: How do you and your teammates feel about pulling off the upset win on the road against ranked OBU?

Baker: We are just happy to make history but we don’t think it’s an upset because we knew we were better. We talked about it all week, especially with our strength and conditioning coach, Coach Fears, he stressed it all week.

The Great Change: You told us before the game that you felt like you guys were the better overall team, what part of the game do you feel that you guys showed that?

Baker: I feel we showed it all game. We came out on the first drive with a statement that they had to respect all game. We played all 4 quarters.

The Great Change: You recorded 11 solo tackles, with 3 of them for loss, 1 assisted tackle, a huge 3 Quarterback hits and a forced fumble, what played into your individual success?

Baker: Man, first off I want to say none of this was possible by myself. It took all eleven of us for this and I knew what I had to do to make plays against them, because they are a good football team. I stayed loyal to myself and my teammates and did what I had to do.

The Great Change: How do you feel about the momentum that your squad is now taking into the post season?

Baker: I feel great and I’m ready to make history with my team if /when we win this week. We will head into playoffs. I feel we can win it all if not make it to the finals. We have a great offense, with great coaches and players. Same on defense, but, when our offense is on fire, it’s a lot easier on us on defense.

The Great Change: Do you have anyone you want to shout out after such a huge win and week?

Baker: First I want to thank God as always, and my teammates, and coaches, my family.. [you] already know they are my motivation.

The Great Change goes 1 on 1 with: Jarron Crump

Hello valued readers!

Today we will be sharing our one on one interview with Jarron Crump about his new shoe deal and his what his basketball career holds next, check it out below!

The Great Change: Hey Jarron! Congratulations on your new show deal, in a few words describe what this milestone means to your career and the #HardWorkNFaithNGod movement:

J. Crump: First off a special thanks/shoutout to Donovan Bridgeforth and The Great Change for following and supporting my career. Also, I purchased the last piece of material you released, it was amazing; more blessings for your future endevors. This shoe deal was nothing but a blessing. Growing up it was always a dream, so I was happy to see the hard work make that come true.

The Great Change: What are the upsides of the shoes that you are endorsing?

J. Crump: The upside of the shoe I'm endorsing is there are a few featured NBA guys already signed to the brand and I have the opportunity to soon be the next big thing from the overseas side.

The Great Change: Where can fans and supporting hoopers go on-line to order the Peak Indonesia XTRA LITE hoop shoes and support?

J. Crump: Right now, I suggest fans follow my Official Instagram page @jarroncrump it's the best way to hear what moves I'm making, where to watch my games, videos and pick up merchandise.

The Great Change: What are a few goals you, as an professional athlete, have for yourself and team next season, on and off the floor?

J. Crump: Next season of course one of my goals is to win a championship, I have not done that yet. Individually I would like to make the all star game again, lead the league in assist and keep running my kids camps!

We thank you for reading with The Great Change today, please checkout our Online Bookstore for more reading by clicking the blue button to the right!

History is History

On this day in history we are given then power and wherewithal to create what will be remembered on this day. It is easy to see why history repeats itself, because we are dominated by humans who are lost without repetition and routine. Routine ways of eating, sleeping and dreaming. Most of everybody is consistently waiting to see what everybody else is going to do, before they, themselves, do what they do. History goes to those who create it, not those who witness it, nor those who read about it after the battle is fought. On this day, have the spirit of a fighter.

History will be made... the question is who willed it?

Universe²

A multiverse

Contrasting and clashing

So diverse

Everlasting and flashing

I am immersed

Forecasting and grasping

Cosmic converse

Laughing and laughing

Forward reverse

Splashing and crashing

The Mind

Where does our mind end?

Where does time begin?

Limitless waves make my mind bend.

Back from another dimension, like...

Where has my mind been?

Thoughts flowing and growing.

I hope mine win.

Flowing thoughts turn tornado...

Call it mind wind.

Happy thoughts come when my mind grins.

Young guru trying to find wen.

Guest Writer: Taylor Isom | 3AM Thoughts

Hello valued readers!

Today we have a piece from a familiar guest writer to The Great Change Blog, Taylor Isom. She has written a fabulous piece that poses pertinent questions to our generation as we are all so tightly engaged in social media on various platforms. Her piece is below, please enjoy, share with friends and family, and leave any comments you all have at the end of the article. Thank you!

3AM Thoughts by Taylor Isom

Do we post for “likes” or do we post to be heard? Research has shown that millennials specifically thrive off of likes. But if we’re getting likes are we not being heard? Do we not click the “like” button to express a sense of support for the individual who posted? Is that not what it means? Or, do we simply click the “like” button to be nice or considerate.

Should we not remain conscience of what we post on the internet, seeing how it could very well affect the views that others have on our character if the post is interpreted incorrectly? Is this not the very reason we are told from a young age to be careful about what we post on the internet? Remember, I am speaking in consideration of millennials. We aren’t all like this, but we cannot deny that receiving “likes” feels good, because it does. The feeling I am referring to comes from a happy chemical that is released in our brains called Dopamine. It makes you feel accepted, cool, or popular in this given scenario. You begin to compare your number of “reactions” to the next person. And yet, the same people who express their support, can’t even spare an easy “hello” when you run into each other at Chili’s. By hiding behind smart gadgets, we lose the ability to socialize.

What about privacy on the internet? Just because you create restrictions to the general public, do you think your posts cannot be found? It can be found, and it will be kept. Once something is out there, that is a wrap, it is out there, forever. Have you thought about higher power? The government, does your password protect apply to them? If they want to see something, they could have direct access. The only way to guarantee that nobody sees what you post, is to NOT POST.

Sure, as millennials we are addicted to acceptance. It causes us to come up with new and inventive ways to express ourselves online so that people will see it, like it, and then we find the next best thing. Nothing is ever enough. So, we post without thinking. I challenge you to ask yourself, are you posting for “likes” or are you posting to be legitimately heard? Chances are, you are posting for “likes”. Dopamine is a crazy chemical, certainly my favorite. It is the same chemical released when you smoke a cigarette, drink alcohol, or even when you get puppy kisses, aww. It is also released when we receive "likes", or a response to a text message. This is what keeps us coming back for more. It is an addiction.

If you want likes, post a cute selfie with a puppy, I did. If you want to be heard, post with you brain, not your emotions. Quit mindlessly saying and doing things on the internet to get a “reaction” or a “like”. What you post can jeopardize everything you have or are about to work for. Instead, create a conversation with people, educate each other. Do not be mindless. CARE!

Thank you for reading!

Interview: Comedian Stacy Whitaker

Hello valued readers! Today we want to introduce you all to one of the best rising comedians of the millennial generation, Stacy Whitaker. Whitaker is a long time friend of The Great Change, former athlete and student, Stacy is now focused on nailing performances and proper delivery for his audiences. A comedian has a unique task, to not only make you laugh, but to also make you remember them as a comedian and entertainer. We had the chance to catch up with Stacy, our conversation is below, enjoy!

The Great Change: What are your thoughts after your most recent performance at Hyaenas Comedy Nightclub?

S. Whitaker: I just saw the video of my performance from Sunday night and even though it's not perfect it was beautiful to see the work pay off on stage. It felt amazing to see the strides I'm making in comedy.

The Great Change: What was your thoughts on the other comics', who made up Butcher Lord's Stranger Comics, performances?

S. Whitaker: The other comics did really great. There were a few in particular that made my stomach hurt from laughing. I love seeing different comedians, because we each bring our own unique style to the stage. Butch Lord was made by the one and only Butch Lord. Butch is the man in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area and other areas as well. If you ever see his name on a show you better believe that it's worth clearing your schedule for.

The Great Change: Do you have any upcoming performances?

S. Whitaker: I was planning 2 more performances for 2016 however I'm thinking I'm going to take some time to do some under the hood work on my game. I have some big plans for 2017 so I'm really putting a focal point on those plans. However, you can still see me at open mics throughout the week in particular Backdoor Comedy Club on Thursday Nights.

The Great Change: What advice would you give to other aspiring comedians and youngsters pursuing their dreams?

S. Whitaker: Take your time to study the mechanics of comedy first. Be prepared for some tough performances and alot of learning. I would recommend reading comedy books or even taking a stand up class before going public with comedy. You'll save yourself alot of stale face that way.

Devonta Abron pens professional contract: Interview

Hello valued readers!

Today, we would like to share with you some exciting news about a dear friend of The Great Change who is succeeding in obtaining their dreams of being a professional athlete. Devonta Abron, standing 6'8 and weighing in at 255 lbs, is not new to the spotlight that comes with being a well known athlete and hoop star. Devonta received a high recruitment as a forward out of his high school in Seagoville, Texas, while playing with one of the nation's elite AAU teams, Dallas Mustangs. His talented play landed him a scholarship that set Abron up for a solid college basketball career for both Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Christian University Horn Frogs men's basketball programs. The professional level is the next feat on Abron's list. Devonta has accepted the chance to play in Austria and bring his talents to a professional ball club. We got the chance to talk with Abron's about this experience. Our conversation is below, enjoy!

The Great Change: How excited are you about the opportunity to play basketball professionally?

D. Abron: I am more than excited about playing on the next level. Its a dream come true for me. This is a lot more to come.

The Great Change: What is your biggest focus going into this opportunity?

D. Abron: My biggest focus going over there is getting better and getting the job done. I now have a job that I'm getting paid for and it will bring more of the beast mode out of me because I will be hungry to succeed to get to the top.

The Great Change: Who would you like to thank for helping support you and your success thus far?

D. Abron: I would like to thank everyone that has been in my corner and never doubted me about making it in life. It has been my haters that motivated me to get this way and because of them I am hungry to show everyone why I'm here.

The Great Change: What advice do you have to college athlete who wish to take their talents to the professional level?

D. Abron: I want to say to the college athletes that anything is possible. Always follow your dreams and don't let anyone tell you that you can't. There will be people in the same boat as you that are your friend but don't want you to be better then them but you just have to stay focus and strive for greatness.

A Walk With The Sun...

I took a walk today, in hopes of getting away from my thoughts.

I walked through the glass doors, into the cooling heat of the day.

An image of the sun shining down in the distance greeted my eyes.

A glimmer of hope just from the glimpse, life made sense.

We are simply energy here to provide for everyone, but ourselves.

Like the sun, we are the source of our energy meant for others, to give them life.

Just the simple presence of the sun allows for our life to flourish.

The sun asks us for nothing in return, he just burns, she just shines.

We must do the same, grind without the need for reciprocation.

The sun even shines during precipitation, just blazing, how amazing?

Be the source of energy for another. That is your purpose.

Life is like the sun.

Interview: Arlington Longhorns 5-0 start inspired by fallen player

Hello valued readers!

Today we want to highlight a spectacular story developing in world of arena football. The Arlington Longhorns arena football league team has begun their season by stringing together five straight wins to hold an undefeated record. The team has obviously been experiencing a great deal of chemistry which has turned into success. The team has received additional motivation and inspiration to play harder in order to honor the passing of former Longhorn player Alex Sanchez. We at The Great Change got the chance to catch up with his brother, who is also a Longhorns football player, Andrew Sanchez, and ask him about how the start to the team's season.

Our conversation is below, enjoy!

The Great Change: How has your team’s recent success with a 5-0 start help you honor your brother’s memory?

Andrew Sanchez: I feel like it's a great honor and tribute to him so far. Ever since he passed, the entire team has kept his name alive and has committed to excellence for him. However, it's not how you start. It's how you finish. So we are looking forward to staying perfect and winning that ring for little bro!

The Great Change: What is the ultimate goal for your team and organization this year?

Andrew Sanchez: The ultimate goal is to remain undefeated for the duration of the season and win that championship ring. Every season we expect nothing less than to be perfect.

The Great Change: Perfect starts are clear signs of a team’s chemistry, how would you describe the team chemistry?

Andrew Sanchez: I would say our chemistry is getting better each week. It helps that most of us have been playing together for a few years now. With that being said, we still have a lot of work and improvement to do in order to get where we want to be. We are a family oriented team and that is what puts us on a different level than most other teams. We truly care about each other as brothers on and off the field.

The Great Change: How has your game improved from last season?

Andrew Sanchez: I am playing with a lot more attitude and emotions this year, obviously with the loss of my brother. I think that has made me a better all around player. I want to leave it all out there now more than ever. Most of all I want him to be proud of me and I never want to let him down.

The Great Change: What words do you have for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one, that might help give them strength to carry on?

Andrew Sanchez: Honestly, nothing will ever fill that void and it will never feel the same without them. Good times and bad times will continue to come and go, but the main thing for us is to remember the special moments we shared with that loved one and to look at as many pictures as possible. Seeing him smile on my side is what makes me feel better. A lot of people get down and out and cannot function for a while. But we have to remember that life goes on and responsibilities never go away. So I use that as motivation to go even harder in everything that I do to make him proud. He always wanted the nicer things in life and I'm gonna get it! ALL FOR HIM!!

Stay tuned to the Arlington Longhorns and their chase for a championship and perfection in honor of Alex Sanchez and their organization!

Thanks for reading with The Great Change!

- The Great Change Team

 

The Story of The Genie

There once was a man who was approached by a wish granting genie. The genie said to the man, "Sir, I am a genie. I have the ability to use my magical powers to shift the universe to bring about any wish you desire to be granted. You have been granted one wish, there is but only one rule, you shall not wish to be granted any additional wishes. The man was at first very startled by the appearance of the genie, but after their dialog he was overjoyed and humbled. The man asked, "Genie, I am grateful for your power and timing in my life, yet this is a life altering decision and I would appreciate just one night to think to myself what it is I truly want most in this life." The genie complied and agreed to rendezvous with the man at the same location in 24 hours. The genie then poofed into thin air, out of sight, leaving the man standing alone.

A day later...

The two rendezvoused at their location. The man arrived several minutes before the designated time and gathered his thoughts and prepared to make his wish of a lifetime. The genie arrived promptly. Both enjoyed a moment of silence before the man abruptly said, "I wish I could grant wishes like a genie. In my life far too often have I been the person who receives and benefits from interactions I have in my life. I want to be the source of joy as you were when you appeared in my life, with the promise to grant any one wish. Well genie, this is wish I choose and I am certain that I will come across others who wish to be genies too!"

And the man's wish was granted...

NFL Draft Interview: Demarcus Ayers

Hello valued readers!

Today we would like to send our best wishes to Dallas native Demarcus Ayers as he prepares for today's 2016  NFL draft. Today many young men will see their drams come true. These young men have put in years of focus and dedication and will now finally rewarded. Demarcus Ayers attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Texas where his talents earned him college attention. Ayers committed to the University of Houston Cougar football program where he dazzled audiences, opponents and defensive coordinators with his speed and ability to make plays. Ayers was seen from all angles in the Houston Cougar offensive attack during his three years on campus. In the ACC, Demarcus excelled as a slot receiver, special teams kick returner, and even had a moment as quarterback, in the Cougar's win over the Florida State University Seminoles in the Peach Bowl, when he threw for a touchdown. Ayers is now ready to make the leap of faith to the next level.

We had the chance to catch up with Demarcus Ayers on Draft Day, our conversation and Demarcus' NFL Draft Profile are below!

The Great Change: The process to becoming an NFL Draft pick is a ling process beginning the moment you declare for the draft, how has the process been for you?

Demarcus Ayers: It has been an unbelievable process for my family and I, we're enjoying it.

The Great Change: What words do you have for your teammates that you will be leaving behind in the University of Houston Cougar program?

Demarcus Ayers: To keep working. To take advantage of every opportunity you get. Keep God first.  Anything is possible.

The Great Change: Who would you like to thank for helping you along your way to success?

Demarcus Ayers: My high school coach Chris Gilbert. I've been knowing him since eighth grade. He recognized my potential early and pushed me to be the best in school and with football. He taught me how to carry myself and how to do everything with confidence.

NFL Draft Profile: Demarcus Ayers

Height: 5'9"

Arm Length: 31 1/4"

Weight: 182 lbs

Hands: 9 1/4"

40-yard dash: 4.66 seconds 

Vertical: 35 inches 

Broad jump: 10 feet 

Short shuttle: 4.33 seconds 

3-cone: 7.0 seconds

Source: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/demarcus-ayers?id=2555465

Thanks you for reading with The Great Change!

- The Great Change Team

Interview: Chappelle Continues Football Career

Hello valued readers!

Today, we have the privilege of congratulating and commending East Texas football standout, Jeremey Chappelle, for his opportunity to continue his career at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. Jeremey Chappelle has had a remarkable journey to this point in his career. Originally from Jacksonville, Texas, Chappelle has always had success in various sports. Whether in UIL competition or on the AAU circuit. Mentored by Stacy Hunter, Chappelle's uncle, he was able to harness his skill sets and make the leap to the collegiate level at Tyler Junior College. After completing his time at TJC, Jeremey joined the Stephen F. Austin State University football program. From SFA, Chappelle accepted the opportunity to hold a roster spot with the Mississippi State University Bulldogs, until ultimately deciding to seek other football programs. In the midst of school changes, Chappelle's family and the entire East Texas community, including myself, suffered a great loss when Stacy Hunter was murdered at his nightclub on October 20, 2012 in Jacksonville, Texas. In the face of this darkness, Chappelle retreated to the depths of his mind, leaning on his support system and made the decision that his passion for the game of football was still burning and maintained his faith. Faith without works is dead. With that being said, Chappelle has put in the work to join the Northeastern State University football squad. We had the chance to catch up with Jeremey and ask him a few questions.

Our conversation is below enjoy!

The Great Change: At this point in your football career how do you feel about your abilities and confidence on the field?

Chappelle: I'm twenty-four now. My knowledge of the game is much better. I feel as if I'm better right now than I ever been. I was coming off a great spring at Mississippi State. Hopefully it will transgress to my new school.

The Great Change: What has your career taught you about the game of football, thus far. that you want to immediately put to work in your upcoming opportunity at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma?

Chappelle: My career is a lot different from others. This will be my fourth college I'm attending. My career has taught me to never give up and to always keep faith. I will IMMEDIATELY showcase my hard work and dedication to the game when I arrive on campus. Football is life for me. Its the greatest game to teach you about life.

The Great Change: Aside from the legacy that Stacy Hunter, your uncle, has left on the program you will be joining, what legacy do you plan to build?

Chappelle: The past few years NSU hasn't been very successful. In fact, they've been pretty bad. I want to win games, that's it. Winning games brings things like breaking records and scoring a lot of points but I care more about winning games.

The Great Change: What relationship are you looking to build with your fellow teammates and coaching staff?

Chappelle: Every school I've been to, I've built special relationships with my teammates and coaches. I don't think it will be different this time. Teammates are your brothers and that's how I treat them.

The Great Change: Who do you want to thank for your success?

Chappelle: I was raised by my mama, my grandma, and uncle. Those three had a big hand on my life. My mother is a single parent. She has been through it all, with me. Time, and time again I got myself into situations. My mom would come to the rescue. Getting me out of a bind. She's the reason I'm graduating with my bachelors degree. Her love for me has pushed me to do better for myself.

The Great Change: What advice do you have for youngsters with big dreams that are facing adversity?

Jeremey Chappelle: To any youngster with dreams that has been facing adversity, please don't give up. Keep a vision of your goals and do what you have to do to attain those goals. Life is all about highs and lows. In the midst of your highs be ready for your lows. The true content of a man is seen when he faces adversity. Keep your faith and finish.

Thanks for reading with The Great Change!

- The Great Change Team

#86

Societies, full of piety and rioting.

Social norms, crazy like freshmen dorms.

For education, look at how kids perform

And you expect us to conform?

Volatile speech and toxic eats

How long will we be subjected?

Technology left the world neglected

Our screens being our only connections

Death over life, just to keep on texting

Constantly updating, oh this is frustrating

While the earth crumbles beneath our feet

I side with the Lorax, save the trees

Stealing from Earth, truly thieves

If money does not grow on trees

Then why are still printing on leaves?

#85

We travel along an invisible path

Seeking joy and fearing wrath

Above it all, we continue our life

To answer the call to live it right

But what is right and what is wrong

Are the righteous those who live so long

Experiences teach us all we know

Like whether to stay or whether to go

Life changes with the blow of a breeze

Ride your waves like a boat of the seas

For not even you control the ocean

But the life you live, you have choosen

To Whom This May Concern: LaKia Shepherd

Leon Aldridge, Editor-In-Chief

East Texas Light and Champion

137 San Augustine Street

Center, Texas 

To Whom This May Concern:

Racism in Shelby County is alive and flourishing. Shelby County is 66% white, 17% black, and 16% Hispanic or Latino and 12% other races (2014 Shelby County Texas Statistics). Current areas such as Union Acres and The Quarters are micro sized sub-divisions that are looked down upon by the middle-class, mostly white community. For example, annually the community conducts an MLK March which starts in town around our square and the historical lynching tree. In November 2013, the city began street repair during the March so it had to be rerouted. The repairs lasted from 2013 till late September 2014. Transportation, including bus routes were thrown off, causing many to walk for miles. These communities are unkempt and uncared for. It has been addressed during several city meetings without response or action. Now its 2016 and many things have changed. This year for the MLK march my community marched around the square and other neighborhoods celebrating Martin Luther King’s vision.

I am advocating because people of color in many rural places have little choice as to where they reside because of the racism in our community. My hope is to improve the social conditions, to meet the basic human needs of all residents of our city, and promote a community of justice. I confess I am not a literary scholar, however an individual who thinks every person, group, or class deserves equality. Please respond with your story or share the stories that you have seen and heard in last five years. 

Sincerely, 

LaKia Shepherd

#83

Firstly, we all posses the power to create of reality. Creation is harnessed by the mind. You are the interpreter of what your senses are sensing. Our senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, sound and intuition) are the receptors of which we understand our reality. All of our senses are received as vibrations. Of those vibrations that you are interpreting through your sense receptors, those that you choose to give your attention to will continue to manifest in your reality, those that are not acknowledged will be non-existent. So what will you notice and what will you not?

Blog Dictionary Entries

Life.

The journey experience of seeking truth, beauty, and nobility, all interpreted through a vibrational reality.

Love.

An experience of a high flying vibrational experience.

Curiosity.

Driven intentions behind questioning and seeking knowledge.

Wisdom.

The knowledge that one can never truly know anything.

Blog Dictionary Entries

Anger.

The feeling of increased energy in the body and mind due to the current manifestation of reality being in a state of resistance.

Vibration.

The movement of energy in our reality; used to manifest the reality we inhabit.

Home.

A combination of where the heart is and where the mind wants to be.

Death.

The awakening of the non-physical self, the higher self after sufficient life experiences.

#80

In a time of the most convenient communication, we as people in a "first-world" country have a duty to discuss and talk on what is happening around us. We waste our time talking about subjects that have no effect on the world we live in. Most take zero time to consider the impacts of our conversations. The need for meaningful conversation is turning into an epidemic. The spreading of knowledge determines the meaningfulness behind the conversation. So people, lets discuss meaningful topics until we die. All that other bullshit, let it die.