Dear Black Boy, a new children's book by former NFL star Martellus Bennet

Dear Black Boy, written by former NFL star Martellus Bennet is a letter of encouragement to all of the black boys around the world who feel like sports are all they have. It is a reminder that they are more than athletes, more than a jersey number, more than a great crossover or a forty-yard dash, that the biggest game that they'll ever play is the game of life, and there are people rooting for them off of the courts and fields, not as athletes, but as future leaders of the world. The same things that make these strong beautiful black boys great on whatever playing surface they choose are the same things that will propel them forward in life: mental toughness, dedication, passion, determination, and effort are all things that carry over into the game of life. With the right preparation, every Black Boy can win. 10% of proceeds from book sales will go to charity.

"I just felt like I needed to write something for the Black kids who had to see or witness these things," Bennett told The Root. “I thought about myself as a kid and the things that [kids today] see because of the way media is consumed. We didn’t have access to as many things that were happening in the world. Now, you see all these things.”

The book can be purchased through Bennet's own website at https://www.theimaginationagency.com/shop-categories/books/dear-black-boy/

Martellus Bennet not going when New England Patriots visit the Trump Whitehouse

Now I don't care much for the New England Patriots (although as a NY Giants fan I probably should like them) but I'm really liking one of their tight ends, Martellus Bennet. Bennet has been outspoken on social issues of importance to African Americans such a Black Lives Matter. He has spoken in support of Colin Kaepernick's protest and against Kanye West visiting Donald Trump. But I'm really loving him for saying he won't be following tradition and going with the rest of the New England Patriots organization to receive congratulations from Trump at the White House when that visit happens.

Martellus Bennett said to reporters:

"I haven't thought about it. I am not going to go," the New England Patriots tight end said. "I can elaborate later on in life; right now I am just trying to enjoy this ... People know how I feel about it, just follow me on Twitter."