Judge Joe Brown gave a motivational speech in B.N. Duke Auditorium at N.C. Central University March 21.

Brown told the audience he could relate to their struggles of college students. He said he paid his way through by loading trucks and digging ditches.

Brown defined an institution of higher learning as “a place that young people go to get prepared to be about business. Inquiring not only knowledge, but also [concerns about the world around them.”]

Brown’s speech held the attention of both college students and community members in the audience. There were moments that had audience members on their feet, clapping. At other times, his words seemed to shock listeners.

“Students need to learn how to make their communities safer, and more economically prosperous,” Brown said. “Stop letting negativity rule. Teach the men how to do manly things, and let women do feminine things. Neither one of them are supposed to act like leeches around the other one’s neck.

“We need to stop going after the street thugs for companionship. Instead, support the man who has done something with his life so far. Encourage those people in the community that are trying to make a positive change.”

Brown encouraged the audience not to be consumed with ignorance.

“People need to be aware of what image they are presenting to the world,” said Brown. “We are all judged by our race, sex, and religious beliefs. Don’t let ignorance be the force that enslaves you.”

As an example of ignorance, Brown addressed the clothing that young people wear.

“So many young men wear their hats to the back or side, not knowing that was a means of identifying slaves,” he said. “Only free men were allowed to wear hats turned to the front.”

Brown also addressed the value of not selling out.

“People should not be able to be bought,” he said. “If you back down and don’t stand up for what you believe in, you’re considered cowards.”

There were days when being a coward would get you killed, and rightfully so,” said Brown. “There is no place for cowards in our society. People out there who commit suicide didn’t do it by accident. It was out of fear.”

Brown referred to this loss of life as “post-natal abortion.”

Brown pointed to U.S. correctional facilities as another meaningless loss of life.

“The criminal justice system is no longer concerned with controlling crime,” said Brown. “It has evolved into a device for housing surplus labor.”

“Being locked up is not punishment unless you enjoy having your personal liberty and freedom,” he continued. “Doing time does not bother inmates. They have friends and family there with them for company.”

Brown was born in Washington D.C. and raised in South Central Los Angeles. He received his degree in political science, and his doctorate of law from UCLA.

Brown became the first African American prosecutor in Memphis, Tenn. He also served on the Shelby County Criminal Courts in Memphis from 1990 until April 2000.

His show is the fastest-growing syndicated reality courtroom show on TV. The show is ranked third among the daytime syndicated shows, right behind “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Judge Judy.”

Brown wrapped his speech up by talking about how Americans can take back their streets with discipline. He also voiced his opinion on how child protection laws may have gone too far, causing today’s youth to be disrespectful to parents and authorities.

“No one can touch them without the fear of going to court,” he said. “By time they hit school age, teachers have no means to keep them under control.”