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- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
When Two Lives Converge
By: Diana Bridgett, Managing Editor
May 26, 2010
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| Photo Credit: Wes Moore on The Oprah Winfrey Show |
Recently a John Hopkins graduate appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to tell the tale of two young men, with the same name, who lived four blocks from each other. However, the outcomes for their lives turned out to become exact opposites. One young man became a Rhoades Scholar and the other is serving a life sentence in prison for murder.
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| Photo Credit: Wes Moore appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show |
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During the course of their adolescent lives, the lives of both young men intersected not by physical meeting but through territory and actions. They hung out at the same places, walked down the same familiar streets, ran in and out of the same neighborhood schools, and were captured by the same city police at different times.
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| Photo Credit: Left Photo: Convicted Felon Wes Moore, and Right: John Hopkins graduate Wes Moore |
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On February 7, 2000, this would be the day that marked the separation of the two lives. Wes Moore was apart of a botched robbery that resulted in the death of a police officer. This day, a blur to some of us, forever marked the distinct milestone in the lives of both of these two individuals as their invisible umbilical cord has been severed. It is in their story that we hear the voices of redemption, fear, and above all, forgiveness of wrong choices.
How often is it that many of us think to ourselves, what would have happened if we made that decision or didn’t heed certain advice? These two men have the most distinct opportunity to look into the mirror of morals to view what could have been for either one of them. One name, two men, two very different lives.
Diana Bridgett: “The Other Wes Moore,” what a story of two young men! What motivated you to reach out to Wes to get his story?
Wes Moore: When I reached out to Wes, after speaking with him, I realized that we had more in common than our name. We lived in the same neighborhood four blocks away from each other. Both of us did not have our fathers in our lives. There were many similarities between the two of us.
Diana Bridgett: I have read that you are a much grounded man. During your journey of writing your book, what was your spiritual revelation?
Wes Moore: My grandfather was a minister and so faith played a huge role in my life. The experience has taught me that had it not been for divine intervention, Wes could have had my story and I could have his. Mentally, I have accepted the role of faith in my life. My faith is very important to me. I recognize my blessings and because of my experiences, my faith has taken on a different role in my life.
Diana Bridgett: Why tell the tale of the two Wes Moore’s?
Wes Moore: I believe that our stories have a greater truth that needs to be understood. The story is about much more than two boys from Baltimore. It is about choices, our choices, and how the people in our lives helped to shape those choices. Our decisions have had drastic consequences on both our lives. Our stories are about faith and sacrifice.
Diana Bridgett: How has the relationship between the two of you changed your life? How has it changed his?
Wes Moore: With me, I appreciate my life much more. I see the sacrifice that people in my life have made for me and that has made me more aware and appreciative. With regards to Wes, I believe that it has forced him to think deeper about the decisions that he has made.
Diana Bridgett: What have you learned about yourself through the experience of forming the relationship with Wes, writing the book, and your success?
Wes Moore: It has certainly evolved me. I believe that we all should attempt to make change. We should help in some way that we can. We have to have a reaction to things that are wrong. I believe that we can and that we should have a larger voice.
Diana Bridgett: What message would you want young people to receive from the stories of both men?
Wes Moore: I want our young people to understand that we are fighting for them. They need to understand that the decisions that they make are not just about them, but about the lives of others. As far as the adults are concerned, we should not be judgmental towards them but be humble before them. We need to be of assistance to our young people. That is why I included a resource guide in the back of the book.
Diana Bridgett: What do you want your life to represent to others?
Wes Moore: I want to have a message of leadership and humility. I want to leave a legacy of service, a life that impacts the lives of others. When I am called home, I want to be deserving of my call.
Editor Notes:
The New York Times best selling book, “The Other Wes Moore” can be purchased in all major book stores. Visit www.theotherwesmoore.com. |
