Inspired to ‘walk this way’
LINDEN, N.J. - No longer sporting his big glasses – he wears contacts now – Darryl “DMC” Mcdaniels has something to say to kids. Those big glasses are a part of him, and shaped who he is. It’s one of the things that made him who he is – made him special.
And everyone has things that make them special, Mcdaniels went on.
Recently, Mcdaniels, who is best known as the DMC in the pioneering hip-hop group RUN-DMC, had students and staff transfixed as he inspired them to “walk this way” to get an education and make their dreams a reality. The event was sponsored by My Brother’s Keeper, a district mentoring organization.
With rhyme and reason, Mcdaniels captivated his audience, telling the tale of who and why he is. DMC is the protagonist of his latest endeavor “Darryl’s Dream.” The children’s book tells the tale of an 8-year-old boy in third grade who wears glasses, gets bullied and teased, but wants to show his love for poetry at the school talent contest.
The picture book – about “creativity, confidence and finding your voice” – tells Mcdaniels’ story, which he stressed, is no different than their story. He is them, he said.
Being with the students was better than being at the Grammys, American Music Awards and MTV Music Awards, Mcdaniels said, as they were “the most precious, the most powerful and the most necessary individuals to the success of this world.”
He has dozens of firsts and accolades attached to his name – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, designer company partnership, Grammys. But, none of that matters, Mcdaniels said.
“If I was able to do that in my 57 years on this earth, 40 in the music business – imagine what you all can do. I’m not better than you. I’m not greater than you. I’m not smarter than you. I’m not even more talented than you. But what I am is this – I’m a real life-show-and-tell.”
Mcdaniels encouraged the children – and adults – to be true to themselves. But there is one detail that makes it all possible. And the “how-to” may not be “tricky” after all.
Education.
“I am just an example of what happens when you take advantage, when you appreciate and when you when you value,” continued Mcdaniels, who as a kid in Queens was a straight-a student who went onto St. John’s University. “When you see the potential of every educational, artistic, creative opportunity that comes your way. I am not above you – I am you.”
Paying attention to the words rolling off Mcdaniels was the third-grade at No. 4, along with some some middle and high school students. Third graders at the district’s seven other elementary schools took part via livestream.
‘Truly a rock and roll legend’
Mcdaniels knows all about dreams. According to friend and Superintendent of Schools Marnie Hazelton, Mcdaniels encourages and elevates dreams in everyone.
“Throughout the years, throughout my journey in education, whenever I wanted him to come in to speak to my kids, it took only one email, or one phone call, and he always said, ‘Yes,’” said Hazelton, a self-avowed RUN-DMC fan. “And it has not changed. He is truly a rock and roll legend and he has a heart as big as the universe.”
Asking the last question in the Qand-a at the end of Mcdaniel’s presentation, 8-year-old Zyaire Jordan asked if Mcdaniels can dance.
“No,” said the hip-hop legend. “I cannot. Can you?”
“Yes,” said Zyaire. “It’s what I want to do. I want to sing and dance.” The two talked a little bit more. Then Mcdaniels announced he is going to pay for dance lessons for Zyaire.