CNN

I would say that Chuck has it all together.

It is rare that most influential black people will talk about this unpleasant subject; it takes a good strong person with an outstanding personality to take a stand and publicly address an issues about their communities’ hang-ups.

Charles Barkley’s commentary has again landed the former NBA star in the middle of a controversial discussion. During a radio interview, the media personality said that he believed successful African-Americans are targeted by “brainwashed” and “uneducated” members of their community. “For some reason, we’re brainwashed to think if you’re not a thug or an idiot, you’re not black enough,” he said. “If you go to school, make good grades, speak intelligent and don’t break the law, you’re not a good black person. … As a black person, we all go through it when you’re successful.” This isn’t the first time Barkley’s fired off some brow-raising remarks.

During an interview with a Philadelphia radio station, Barkley expounded on claims that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson wasn’t liked by some of his teammates in part because he wasn’t considered to be “black enough.”

Barkley said he wasn’t at all surprised.

“There are a lot of black people who are unintelligent, who don’t have success,” Barkley said. “It’s best to knock a successful black person down ’cause they’re intelligent, they speak well, they do well in school, and they’re successful. Its crabs in a barrel. … We’re the only ethnic group that says, ‘hey, if you go to jail, it gives you street cred.’ “

The concept of “crabs in a barrel” isn’t new, and it’s universal. If you’ve ever seen a bucket of crabs at the market, the ones at the bottom will try to pull down the crabs that are closer to the top.

“I lived this, and if it weren’t for my parents I wouldn’t have pushed through it.” 

I have been a proponent of EDUCATION for all nationalities and races so they can develop a more positive status in life, becoming more accomplished and more responsible person. The black community is not alone in that department but it seems that they need a little more guidance than the others. The crime statistics prove that.

I am elated to see that Chuck has the balls to publicly address such an important unpopular issue. This is what “separates the men from the boys.“

It would be fantastic if some of the other leaders in the country would get on the same page as Barkley and push the EDUCATION issue. It is the ONLY path to change. By the others (it is no secret who they are) constantly pissing off their people, they are pushing them into fulfilling the current standard of the streets, ‘hey, if you go to jail, it gives you street cred.’ “

You know what I have to say to that 

Keep it up Chuck, you are just what your people need, a strong role model to look up to. Maybe you can help break the mold.