OPEN LETTER TO JAY-Z…THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO DO SOMETHING REALLY BIG!
By: Mo Ivory
So, you want to be a certified NFL agent?
That's great. It seems like there is nothing you can't do.
I'm proud of you, your progress, your maturity, your overall growth. I've met you before, I was actually there in the Green Room at HARPO studios when you made your first appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" after she visited you in Brooklyn. I told you how unbelievably humble you are you thanked me for the support.
I've been a fan since Reasonable Doubt. I'm from the Bronx.
These past few weeks, you've been in the news a lot. The Cuba trip, the Response song, the references to President Obama and Roc Nation Sports.
When I heard that in order to become a certified agent with the NFL, applicants have to not only have a college degree, but also a post graduate degree, I was surprised. I began to think about it and realized it makes sense. As an agent, you are negotiating multi-million dollar deals and endorsements, therefore business and negotiation skills are a must. Obviously, you have those skills after years of being the subject of deals and learning the ins and outs as your manager and lawyers negotiated the fine points. I know you get involved.
So, when it comes to you, I think the NFL Players Association should waive the requirement for the post graduate degree since you meet the standard of having "substantial negotiating experience". This is in within their bylaws to do.
But what about the college degree? That's a requirement the NFLPA cannot waive for practical experience.
Jay-Z…you have a real teachable moment here to be an example for millions if not billions of people, you can use your enormous celebrity to change lives, you can cross into a category you have never been in before…COLLEGE GRADUATE.
JAY-Z…I'M CHALLENGING YOU TO GO BACK TO COLLEGE AND GET YOUR DEGREE! YOU CAN DO IT!
Imagine what that would do for our community.
Imagine how inspired black kids would become to get their education. Any kids.
Imagine how many adults you could inspire to go back and get their degrees.
Imagine the movement you could start to make getting a college degree cool.
Imagine walking across the stage to get your degree and throwing your specially Roc-Nation designed graduation cap in the air.
Imagine telling Blue Ivy the story when she grows up.
Actually, it won't be that hard. You can do it online so it doesn't affect your tour schedule or your prior commitments. You can get help from tutors and your college counselor and maybe even finish in less time than it usually takes. You could write papers the way you spit out lyrics, you already have all the words you need. Just make sure someone actually writes them down, like you did in your book Decoded. You're brilliant with words, so this is not going to be hard for you.
Start a movement Jay!
When you go to college, you should do it big…like you always do. Encourage other entertainers to get or finish their degrees. Make an album about the experience, write a book and then make it into a movie…"The Education of Shawn Carter". It will be a collector's item, a tool for teaching like no other.
I know you have a ton of people that would be willing to help. Just in case you need one more, I'm really smart and I will help too. I'm good at college applications and personal statements and getting recommendations letters for your package.
I work at the radio station V-103 in Atlanta, call me if you want to talk about this. Just ask for Mo.
Looking forward to speaking with you soon.
