TJMS Participates in Operation Mojo

The students at Thomas Jefferson Middle School were invited to “Mojo Up!” on Thursday, January 20, 2011. Travis Brown, “Mr. Mojo,” visited the middle school to talk about “Operation Mojo,” turning students into leaders.

Brown started off his presentation by energizing the students and involving them through call-and-response methods. He then jumped right into explaining “mojo” through the use of his “Mojo Dictionary.”

“Mojo” is used to describe people that have the highest level of positive energy and attitude. “Mojo swag” refers to the overflow of the positive “mojo” that others around you begin to catch the positivity. “Operation Mojo” refers to how the students will react after the presentation.

There are 3 parts to the operation:

  1. Live- the process we go through to live a great lifestyle
  2. Learn- the commitment we make to learn something new
  3. Lead- after the presentation, it will take leaders willing to do the right thing, every day

Brown then led the school in a game of “Mr. Mojo Says,” similar to “Simon Says,” in which the leader calls out commands that the students execute after he states, “Mr. Mojo says…” He led the group in silly commands, such as raising their hand, raising their leg, saying hello to their neighbor, and some more serious commands, emphasizing the point that, “everyone is having a good time and then someone leads you to cross the line.” It’s all fun and games until you go too far.

The things we say and do have a lot of power,” stated Brown, “Sometimes we forget we have that power.”

Brown went on to describe how we all have a different “core,” what is most meaningful to us. His core, for example, is that he is a father to a 9 year old daughter and tries his hardest to be the best dad he can be. If someone were to make disparaging comments about his clothes, his appearance and other things like that, that’s brushed off easily but comments about his fathering would hit his “core.” Similarly, others may have a “core” related to their appearance, their job, or their skills. “You have no idea what others challenges are,” reminded Brown, “Things we say can hurt.

The topic of bullying flowed from the “core” discussion. According to his “Mojo Dictionary,” a “bully” is someone who uses words to hurt others. “Bullied” refers to those on the receiving end, “promoter” is someone who claims to not be a part of the bullying but is egging on the bully by their actions, and a “bystander” is someone who doesn’t speak out, doesn’t take a stand against the bully.

Bullies can use not only words but also physical force to assert their power. They will also include “promoters” in their antics, to do the dirty work for them. Often times, we are desensitized to the situation we see right in front of us, viewing it like it’s something we’d see in a movie. But for the “bullied,” it’s a very real thing.

Cyber bullying has become the popular form of bullying today. The “Mojo Dictionary” describes cyber bullying as using Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube, photos, videos, blogs, cell phones, instant messenger and any other electronic form of communication to say negative things and hate on others.

The question is asked: why are kids so mean?

The answer: we’re all different but we don’t accept others that are different.

The way to overcome this: accept one another for who they are. Embrace differences.

Brown then brought a personal twist to his presentation, sharing the story of a young girl, Terri, who was harassed on the school bus because of her weight. Nicknamed “cow girl,” with a cow bell hung around her neck and mooed at, Terri was terrorized day in and out by her classmates. Worst of all, Terri’s own sister, Bobbi, was a “bystander” to this bullying, doing nothing to stop the hate, not taking a stand. 40 years later, Terri, Brown’s mother, still hurts from this bullying and hardly speaks to her sister. Bullying has a life long effect on the bullied.

Although fear remains the number one reason why kids are not willing to take a stand against bullying, it’s never too late. Stand up for others, step in when no one else will, or seek help from someone older.

Brown used a demonstration of a $100 bill to express the meaning of value. Even though you can crumple, drop, kick, rub in the dirt, and pour mud on the bill, it is still retains value. The same can be said for people: even though others may crush you, kick you when you’re down, that does not change your worth. You do not lose value.

A victim of bullying himself, Brown went on to talk about growing up as a bi-racial child of a single mom. Even though he excelled in sports, he was still bullied because he was different to others around him. He just brushed the criticism off and kept moving forward. Today, he owns his own company and has had many successes, including presenting to the Chicago Bears and the Department of Defense, as well as making an appearance on MTV’s Made.

It doesn’t matter what your situation is…all that matters is what you’re going to do.”

To learn more about Travis "Mr. Mojo" Brown, visit his website.