“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
This short article was inspired by an email we received this morning from a new course student:
Dear Marc and Angel,
I’m a single mom to two wonderful teenagers, and I’m also a (rather passionate) domestic violence attorney. Although I’ve been told I do a great job on both fronts, I wish to make an even bigger difference. With all that’s going on in society right now, there’s so much positive change and growth I feel I could instill in both my children and the world at large if I could just find the right approach. I wish there was a way to open people’s eyes to the possibilities I see! How can someone like me—someone who has the means—make a bigger difference right now? Do you have any relevant stories or lessons to share?
Sincerely,
A Caring Student
Our reply (an open reply to all who want to make a bigger difference right now):
Dear Caring Student,
It’s time for a quick true story about life…
In 1955, Ella Fitzgerald had a professional music career that spanned nearly two decades. She was a critically acclaimed Jazz musician, and yet she was hardly known by the general public because she was an African American doing amazing things at a time when racial segregation in the United States was still widespread.
So despite her undeniable talent and accolades, it was incredibly challenging for Ella to book shows at concert venues that appealed primarily to white audiences. She didn’t let this stop her though, and with the odds stacked heavily against her, she set her sights on performing at Mocambo in Los Angeles, which was arguably the most celebrated west coast jazz club at the time.
Predictably, the club owner, Charlie Morrison, turned Ella down, again and again. He tried to be kind, but he simply refused to suffer the potential consequences of booking an African American performer. “Not only might I forgo ticket sales for the night, but having you perform here could also damage my club’s brand over the long haul,” he told her.
Still, Ella did not give up on her goal. She strongly believed performing at Mocambo could help her crack into the mainstream music scene. But she now realized she was going to need some assistance. So she picked up the telephone and confessed her goal and frustrations to her friend and fan, Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn was one of the most adored white female film stars of the 1950’s.
Marilyn was appalled by what she heard. As soon as she hung up with Ella, she picked the telephone back up and called Charlie over at Mocambo. She asked him to book Ella at once! But he again refused, and reiterated his fearful reasons. So Marilyn persuasively sweetened the deal. “Charlie, if you make my friend Ella the headlining act at Mocambo for a full week, I will sit in the front row every single night Ella is there,” she said.
At this point Charlie had to consider the offer. He knew he would get ridiculous amounts of media attention if he announced that Marilyn Monroe was in the house every night for a full week. “The press will go nuts over this!” Marilyn assured him. Charlie was convinced, and so he agreed to make Ella the headlining act at Mocambo for a full week.
As promised, Marilyn sat front and center every night Ella performed. Despite all of the era’s widespread and obvious racism, the club was packed at maximum capacity each night. And the excited crowds of people that initially crammed into the jazz club to see Marilyn quickly fell in love with Ella’s powerful performances.
That one week of performing launched Ella Fitzgerald’s career into the stratosphere and secured her spot in Hollywood as a bona fide music star. She never again performed at a small club… and it was all thanks to her determination, her incredible talent, and some loving assistance from a friend and fan named Marilyn Monroe.
REMEMBER:
We may not have the influential fame of Marilyn Monroe or the musical talent of Ella Fitzgerald, but we can still learn a lot from what these two inspiring individuals were able to pull off at Mocambo more than 60 years ago.
When we wish to inspire positive change in our loved ones’ lives, or in the lives of the masses, by persuading and influencing them to see the world differently, we must first recognize where our power lies—our leverage points—and then anticipate and counteract the objections to our proposals with ready-made solutions that are basically too sweet to refuse.
Although a strategy like this takes extra work, it creates a win-win scenario that’s far from surrendering. It’s working gracefully within the boundaries of a broken system of thinking to help the system shift and improve over time. And for our efforts, we may not get front row seats at Mocambo to see Ella Fitzgerald, but we will be making a bigger positive difference in people’s lives and moving the world forward in incredible ways.
Sincerely,
Marc and Angel
Your turn…
Please leave a comment below and let us know:
In what way would you like to make a bigger difference right now?
Anything else to share?
We would love to hear from YOU. 🙂
Also, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Kathy Greenwood says
Thank you, Marc and Angel, for sharing that beautiful, powerful story! Thank you for all that you do.
jennifer says
ThankU Marc & Angel for sharing this powerful yet inspiring story.I do not think the world knows this-you may want to share this beyond the realms of personal inbox:) Cos this story is important & an eye opener in these challenging times, silly by far.
Best wishes to you both,
Peace & luv from BC
jennifer
Vancouver
Hleziphi Mudau says
Hello,
My name is Hleziphi Mary Mudau from Johannesburg South africa. Thank you for such a motivating open letter.
Keep doing this wonderful work of uplifting souls. My soul in particular.
Guitty says
You are gifted with words. No wonder you have so many followers.. As for making a difference, I believe we have to fix the problem from ground up. This story was half way successful, as it’s source was a talented and determined woman, who had faith in herself and the world around her to see her with all her potential and embrace her. She was positive with her approach. But in the instance of what is going on right now, we as a nation and community, must fix problems with criminal behavior, and lawlessness by helping these less privileged communities with resources so that they can also raise healthy and positive children that approach society with patience, optimism and faith, not anger and bitterness.
Katie says
Well said!
Barbara Regenspan says
Thanks so much, Marc and Angel for another very inspiring story.. It’s also helpful for white people to think about not acting as individuals only, and joining local groups organizing for racial and economic justice. No groups are perfect, and some can feel too dogmatic, especially to people who have worked hard on our spiritual and psychological development, but we have more impact when we can act in concert with similarly-minded people. This posting of the very loving black activist teacher-student pair, Barbara Ransby and Charlene Carruthers, called “Defund the Police 101,” was extremely helpful perspective to me this week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f70pFkMYeBQ
Mf says
Hello Mark and Angel ?!! It’s been a while now, I love your work and it is not a easy job, but still both of you carry so much load on your back, and looking at your passion and love to all community makes much difference, and boy!!! You both have tons of blessings, in your hat. To whom ever you reach out to help, to any platform, you have that spark plug, I mean it,whom ever you touch, they glow in every way, and iam one among them. Thank you , and coming to these motivational stories, it does change my perspective looking at life, I try motivating self,I was into depression, insomnia, anxiety levels were very high, fear of my death, all these took toll on me, as I lost my mother six months back, iam still trying to cope up with it, she was my strength and energy, but today, I should be same to my family, husband n son, I never miss your newsletters, I wish you both all happiness, healthy life and have best life!! God bless us all.
Jane Mang'era says
Dear Marc and Angel,I am so grateful for your messages, they inspire me to inspire my students as well.Thank you for this wonderful story of Ella it has really inspired me
Vicky Williams says
Hi Marc and Angel
Hope al is well with you and your family. Thank you for this information. There’s something I want to do for a while but know I have to get to someone who is doing what I want to do to help me. You give me the courage to take a chance. Thank you
Dickson says
It’s a powerful story you have shared, Marc and Angel. Many great lessons can be learnt from the story. I notice our world is filled with lots of possibilities in the adversaries and challenges that are contained in it. If you can see problems as opportunities, you can always achieve great success with unfailing determination and persistence. Believe in yourself even when no one believes in you or what you do and keep pressing and pushing and your persistence will always pay dividends
Fiona Jackson says
I like this. Even when you have moments of self doubt just keep moving forward. Somethings gotta give
Shelly Miller says
in my community, the voice of one minority was amplified to say that non-minorities were not welcome in “the movement.” this person claimed that white support of black lives matter is just another way whites are trying to take over the “real dialogue.” The person was entitled to say what they wanted to say, but so is everyone else and I do not think this person should have been given as much unbalanced attention as they received. I think the biggest contribution anyone could make is to stand up and verbalize what is right and decent every chance, on every platform in which they have an opportunity to do so. Example – I took issue with what I thought was inappropriate racial language on my state’s board of realtor’s website. It would be easy to click-on to something else, but I took the time to respectfully share my perspective in hopes of opening eyes. The person who wrote it was likely well-intentioned, but that’s the problem with deep, institutional racism — its pervasive and acceptable to many. Name calling, hatred, violence , stereotyping classes of people — none of this works to create the world we all want.
Tess Marshall says
I’ve heard this story and love it. However, Marilyn Monroe has been dead for 58 years and acts of kindness don’t change racism. I disagree with the system being broken. The system was designed to keep Blacks down. The system needs to be redesigned, created anew. And gracefully…doesn’t change a system or create a new one. The women’s biggest march in the U.S. was graceful, peaceful and nothing changed. Even the Suffragettes used violence so women could gain the right to vote. Violence may seem ugly and wrong but it wakes people up and changes things. Thanks for inviting my comment.
Angela Evans says
Very powerful and moving story. Small changes can have a massive effect with caring peopled behind you. Thanks for sharing this.
Mf says
Hello Mark and Angel ?!! It’s been a while now, I love your work and it is not a easy job, but still both of you carry so much load on your back, and looking at your passion and love to all community makes much difference, and boy!!! You both have tons of blessings, in your hat. To whom ever you reach out to help, to any platform, you have that spark plug, I mean it,whom ever you touch, they glow in every way, and iam one among them. Thank you , and coming to these motivational stories, it does change my perspective looking at life, I try motivating self,I was into depression, insomnia, anxiety levels were very high, fear of my death, all these took toll on me, as I lost my mother six months back, iam still trying to cope up with it, she was my strength and energy, but today, I should be same to my family, husband n son, I never miss your newsletters, I wish you both all happiness, healthy life and have best life!! God bless us all.
Bswa Yson says
Really disheartened to see advertisements for fringe pro-assault weapon groups on your website. And the other ads seem pretty “bottom of the barrel”. I encourage you to step up your game with regards to oversight of who runs advertising on your web site. It really diminishes and tarnishes your positive messages. Some compromises are not worth the recompense.
Mrunal Kore says
An excellent read as always on this blog!
Benefits of Reading & How It Can Positively Affect Our Life:
Strengthens the brain.
Increases empathy.
Builds vocabulary.
Prevents cognitive decline.
Reduces stress.
Aids sleep.
Alleviates depression.
Lengthens lifespan.
I have been through a very rough face of my life. There was no option and no assistance. Reading completely changed my thought process. I am completely assertive in my life. What ever happens is always for a good reason. It took time but it’s worth it. Before Respectable Marc &Angel, I had enrolled to “life-hack” we need to fill in details online on their website. Post understating what is the difficulty or challenges we are going through currently, they start sending emails every week keeping all that in mind and to get us out of it?? Post that I enrolled to another best writer “Robin Sharma” his emails & videos are very assertive and helpful too. After him I enrolled with “Marc & Angel “. All your emails are very assertive and helpful too.
All I will say is take care be safe. Keep up your good work ??
Gratitude.
Mrunal Kore.
Irene F. Conley says
Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing this true story.
Dale SN says
What a beautiful story!It is very inspiring.There have been times in my life when I have had to stick up for my friends when comments were made that were inappropriate.Sometimes it’s a hard thing to do, it takes courage .It is easier to say nothing ,however it is the right thing to do to not agree and I know that is the test of a true friend. I have never intentionally hurt anyone in my life.I also believe that if you betray someone else you really betray yourself because we are all in this together. When you do something good, it will always come back to you.Here is a response that Mother Theresa once said when she was asked to march against a war.No, but I will march for peace.I heard an interview on the radio one year after Christmas .They were talking about New Years Resolutions.They were saying that every time you have a negative thought, try to think about how to change it to something positive.I have to remind myself of this quite often.Anyway I just wanted to share these ideas with you today.I love your slogan Think Better,Be Better.You have given me great advice and guidance on many occasions.A little encouragement can make a real difference!Keep up the great effort and thank you from the heart…
Vicki Davis says
The only thing that bothers me about this piece, is my interpretation thereof, which goes something like this: it took a white person’s ass to “save” a black person’s ass. I appreciate Marilyn’s gesture, but if she didn’t have Hollywood’s print all over her ass, her gesture probably wouldn’t have had the same outcome. All in all, I’d score it a kinda demeaning interpretation, IMHO.
Sara says
Thank you for sharing this story! What saddens me though is that you didn’t have a current story powerful like this one. It feels shameful that as a society we have had to wait for things to get bad before wanting real change. Much of what we are calling attention to now was the same thing Ella fought for then; an equal platform. I truly believe that what started in Minnesota currently and has spread globally is the final wake up call. I hope that in reading posts like yours it will inspire others to make the desperate change towards equality!
Zena Joy says
I do have a true story. Its called the most horible day of my life . A day when my life have change forever.
Arun Dongrey says
It speaks very highly of Marilyn Monroe. She made an offer he(Charlie Morrison) could not refuse(The old Don Corleone style of the famous novel Godfather by Mario Puzo).
Such events do help. I also could get help from the CEO of a big business house for arranging my technical seminar on Foundry Technology. That set the ball rolling.
Both the ladies( Ella and Marilyn) are worth appreciating…
Sherifdeen says
My lesson: Seek for help when necessary, it could be the breakthrough.
Carla Reeves says
This is a great story! Thank you for sharing. It’s another good example of how a culture can eventually open the door in order for the oppressed to succeed.
Amos Shai says
I love your work. It comes in handy during these trying times because of the pandemic lockdown and the racism situation in the US that every media house talks about daily.
All the way from South Africa,
Thank you.
Linda Sebree says
What jumps out at me in this beautiful story is Marilyn’s wonderful selflessness and kindness! It is this degree of care for our fellow human beings that will improve the society we live in–loving others as we love ourselves! Self-sacrifice focuses on treating others the way we ourselves would like to be treated. Though many shun the teachings of Jesus Christ, His lessons still apply today– truths that can change our hearts! If each of us could learn to love in a way that seeks the other person’s best interest, the world would truly be a wonderful place to live!
Tersoo says
A great service to humanity
Rhona, Mumbai, India says
Thanks… good example of a friend heping another…. forget the colours…. we need to think of not mixing colours only at laundry time, not at any other time. Everywhere there is an issue of colour – go to the matermonial adverts columns. Pray and hope the racism/colour isssue is sorted out fast before escalating.
Amy says
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.
I am in the mortgage industry, so for me – I do my best to use good judgment when approving someone for a home loan. Some say I find ways to approve rather than decline – especially first time homebuyers. It is not just a job for me. It is about helping someone achieve their dream. Especially our Veterans. I like to think I am helping to make a small difference in someone’s life. At least I hope so.
Jennifer Lee says
58 years ago. And thousands of fantastic talented musicians of every color have entered our homes and influenced our lives. I think this is great what Marilyn did. However, I also believe there are many sides to the current claims of racism. Unfortunately our country has been hijacked by division radicals and they are succeeding in getting us to focus on our differences instead of our individual strengths. Marc and Angel, you are wonderful at sharing beautiful stories and breaking them down so we can see ourselves and hopefully make better choices.
Please, people. Do not hate, loathe, throw fire on a flame, or claim someone else who doesn’t see things your way needs “cancelled”.
Gratitude. Positivity. Kindness. But always verify your sources, as the truth may not be what you’re told is truth. Balance what you are learning. Is it helpful? Is it kind? Does it hurt someone else? Are you judging others while complaining that they are judging you?
Please do the good things in life, you’ll likely never regret it.
Again, great read Marc & Angel. Keep lifting, even when it’s heavy.