Another Black Man Down by Free

Lyfe JenningsSad news to hear that R&B singer Chester Bamsu “Lyfe” Jennings was sentenced to 3 and a half years this week. 

It’s Not sad because he’s a celebrity, but because even after doing 10+ years in jail for Arson in 1992, coming out and releasing 4 celebrated (what The New York Times calls 'socially conscious') albums he is unfortunately going back to prison.

I call his music feel-good, soulful, from the heart. Lyfe Jennings from my personal perspective is a soft spoken hard working musician.

Unfortunately he now joins the statistic that says 70 percent of people released from prison return within three years (well he kind of broke that he’s going back in six)

Now what is he going to jail for? There are a host of charges including:  reportedly kicking in the door where he assumed his children’s mother was staying and fired shots into the house, according to CBS affiliate WGCL.

Police pursued Jennings in a high speed chase after he attempted to flee the scene, but he was eventually caught when he crashed his red 2005 Corvette.

What can we learn from Lyfe’s life so far? The first thing is no one is perfect, we all have our issues.  These 2008 charges basically stem from lack of self control in a highly charged emotional situation. Who’s fault is that? We have to say Lyfe’s because he is a grown man.

No excuses there - but now broaden your scope – these types of incidents happen everyday. In a nutshell we as human beings have to learn coping skills, conflict resolution skills and we need to learn them early.