How a drug dealer turned his life around to become one of few Black master falconers in U.S.

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A unique bond with nature and birds helped one former drug dealer from Washington, D.C. turn his life around to become one of the few Black master falconers in the country. CBS News’ senior national and environmental correspondent Ben Tracy spoke with Rodney Stotts and met some of his feathered friends.
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Опубликовано:

20 мар 2022

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Комментарии : 559

@importantmancommenting9336 2 года назад

There needs to be a movie made about this man. Incredible.

@rafaelcmvasquez 2 года назад

Yes, I agree most definitely a movie about Rodney Stotts... the unsung hero making a new life for himself and leaving his former drug-dealing life... a thing of the past... and starting anew with a different mindset about life... Rodney Stotts is phenomenal guy... No doubt about it 👌 🖖👍✌️ 🙏🧔🙏

@bwell6941 2 года назад

somebody get mr.jackson on the line…📞

@F5_cena 2 года назад

Hawkeye is taken

@RobertF- 2 года назад

With that wise owl with him, he is now... *The Wise Man*

@tacosmargs58 2 года назад

totally - I would watch it

@Cwgrlup 2 года назад

I dated a falconer and I will tell you that it is a very, very rare thing for a bird of prey to want to be in your presence. When you are a falconer, you are licensed by the government and it is a great privilege- for one thing few people can do it. For another thing, it is a gift. The birds are always free. They are not captive. They can fly away at any time and if the falconer is no good they will leave him. So this man is definitely the real deal. Such a beautiful story. When I got clean and sober I got into horses.

@cynthiahawkins2389 2 года назад

This man has so many reasons to be proud. He not only changed his own life, he helps other young people at risk, and shows them a different way. He is articulate, brave and very gracious.

@courtneyhunnell5359 2 года назад

He's helped save US ALL. Falcon's are way more than he is saying, those birds of prey are actually our dirty government. The whole truth will be told after the death cult is tried

@victorkash7486 2 года назад

Very true.

@sellm_bc_arwhite4249 2 года назад

Well said.

@quartani 2 года назад

Absolutely Correct We need to find people that are not capable of being alone in life with our own problem with doing things like this we have a lot more people to find very hard in life and animals will quickly find animals that will never really feel we are trying from a huge happiness to many peoples needs and they are the best pure love my life I first got. I have a lot to say lack of parents can be a painful thing and I find myself still able to make sure my life isn’t bad at all the love of my animals today.

@waynelkduarte45 2 года назад

Happy to hear this story we need more like it

@Christian80806 2 года назад

“Allow yourself to be wrong” humbling words.

@mariamataleo6784 2 года назад

Nice! I read your comment at the exact time!

@beatricecfranklin3854 2 года назад

I watched a documentary about him about a year ago on public television! He is an outstanding human being! He founded a not for profit to give kids an alternative to the streets through falconry. I was so impressed. He got his younger brother to become a master falconer too. When the police came to his trailer home he lived in while building his wildlife educational center for kids, they were stunned when he showed him his master falconer license. Please look him up if you wish to support his educational center.

@Christian80806 2 года назад

1) he’s HELLA handsome 2) the fact that he loves animals makes him adorable 3) how that owl cuddles him is so heart warming 4) his story is so inspiring 😭😭😭

@orchid2407 2 года назад

Chris, back off girl I saw him first😂🤣😂

@longevitydrakomusic6275 2 года назад

I look just like him but 20 years younger Holler at me

@cheezheadz3928 2 года назад

Im hoping he loves ALL animals so much that he doesnt eat them. 😊🤞

@derricklangford4725 2 года назад

Those birds claws can rip a person's face to shreds, but way too give purpose to life and turn your life around 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

@user-dw5qh2fr5e 2 года назад

"Allow yourself to be wrong, accept it, take it and move on". So touching and a tool 🔧to work with. God bless.

@roseballew2626 2 года назад

"you're not the mistake you made unless you continue to do it"...no better words spoken!!!❤️🙏😍

@hellavision5839 2 года назад

Facts👍🏾

@roseballew2626 2 года назад

@@hellavision5839 resonated with his wise words and amazing at this envisionary man!✌️😳😍✨🙏🌞💗

@carolinasanabria7069 2 года назад

There should be a movie made about his life! 🦉

@zzzroxyzzz 2 года назад

God he is so smart, to be able to recognize he couldn't enjoy life and to choose that over money, very very smart man.

@brendanalexcurran3429 2 года назад

He loves animals, more than people. Because he knows human behavior. Animals will never betray you once you trust one another. Seeing him kiss those owls is the sweetest thing.

@NS-lx4hx 2 года назад

He looks at the bird...and the animal loves him...he feels love and no judgment.

@chaoticfangurl567 2 года назад

Such a heartwarming story. Animals really do have an effect on us

@michaeld.williamsiii9026 2 года назад

Absolutely couldn’t agree more.💚🦉💚

@vickiegveg 2 года назад

It's mostly sad, the effect we have on them.

@mikefitzpatrick43 2 года назад

Indeed

@jacobgates1986 2 года назад

That's the story I love hearing early when I'm about to start my day. He's a inspiration to anyone trying to overcome drugs, poverty, or mental health problems. Thank you for sharing his story.

@bianca-sg8zq 2 года назад

💯%

@sonnyv.3947 2 года назад

Could not of said it better myself. Right you are sir.

@jacobgates1986 2 года назад

@@sonnyv.3947 Right I wish all news outlets could start the show with positive stories and show another one at the last few mins of the morning show.

@sonnyv.3947 2 года назад

@@jacobgates1986 that would mean the media would have to be neutral and have the best interest of their viewers. Which sadly, they don't

@jacobgates1986 2 года назад

@@sonnyv.3947 Very true, I think it's nbc the nightly world news which come s on at 5:00 mountain time and he ends every show with a hopeful stories or funny stories but it's great to hear those stories .

@tmcd6902 2 года назад

I love this guy. Such an inspiration. I'm happy this showed up on my feed today.

@christinayoung1265 2 года назад

I just ordered a copy of his book!! Those magnificent birds have filled his heart with love, pride, fulfillment, passion. I believe he was always destined to do great things. He just needed that one thing to enter his life and change everything! I’m SO happy he found it. ❤️

@7heavendoor924 2 года назад

What is the name of his book, may I ask, so I can buy one,🐅

@christinayoung1265 2 года назад

@@7heavendoor924 It’s titled “Bird Brother: A Falconer’s Journey and the Healing Power of Wildlife”. ❤️

@edwardglass1173 2 года назад

Please read between the world and me by T Coates…

@christinayoung1265 2 года назад

@@edwardglass1173 Thank you for the recommendation!! I read where it takes structural and thematic inspiration from James Baldwin’s 1963 book, “The Fire Next Time.” I just bought them both. Thanks again!!

@andimurray2896 2 года назад

What a GREAT story!! So proud of him - it takes real courage to do what he did.

@pennyforyourthoughts1 2 года назад

Birds of prey have amazing healing energy, just being blessed enough to help them heal and recover is an amazing journey for both souls!

@feralbluee 2 года назад

Wow! fantastic. “You’re not the mistakes that you’ve made.” if you make a mistake, “ take it and move on.” boy, did that get to me. thanks, Rodney, you’re a stand up guy and doing such good work. Birds are amazing creatures - they do get attached to people. that is one beautiful owl :) 🦉🌷🌱

@ok9176 2 года назад

absolute badass; finding a passion life is the only way to live happily and healthy

@shellyross8283 2 года назад

It is amazing what environmental work can do for the soul and where it can lead you. It can work for anyone who is feeling hopeless or lost in any kind of way, for anyone who wants to be a better person or feel at peace.

@CaseyJones-sr3yn 2 года назад

I can relate and all it took was for my mother buying me a lizard for my birthday. Animals are awesome

@robiny.4395 2 года назад

These are the people who wake up and change the road they're on and make the biggest difference for others. I love this story. God can use nature and animals to touch our hard hearts.

@j.p.dallas1959 2 года назад

Animals are amazing. They work wonders. God Bless.

@jeanettesmith765 2 года назад

This man's story is thrilling. I would love for him to go into schools around the country and share his testimony to our troubled kids.

@herralexandra5213 2 года назад

This article warmed my heart. What a great man. Sir you are so intelligent and inspiring. You are a beacon of light to everyone.

@msvicky5599 2 года назад

Thank you 🙏🏾 black man for turning your life around. Thank you for making your Mother proud, thank you for helping at risk youth🙌🏾! Thank you for giving a damn 🦅!

@monicaramirez51015 2 года назад

Do something you can be proud of and do it with integrity!!!!! Clean and Sober since 5-10-2015 By the grace of a loving God that wants me to serve others ❤️

@KimbradleyMasterGardener 2 года назад

Awesome! Best wishes from Nashville

@1stltwife 2 года назад

Congratulations! You made the decision & You've done the work. You realize your true value. Never easy, always worth it. You have chosen life over certain death. May God bless you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💫💫💫

@monicaramirez51015 2 года назад

@@KimbradleyMasterGardener ❤️Thank You!!!!

@monicaramirez51015 2 года назад

@@1stltwife ❤️Thank You and on 5-10-2019 my 4 year sobriety I had to bury my beloved husband of 21 years and still have remained sober!!!! In my first 4 years of sobriety I buried my Dad, my Mom (married 66 years) and my husband, (married 21 years). There is definitely a POWER greater than myself helping me to live sober and serve others.

@stevensong8784 2 года назад

you can inspire so much more. Mr. Stotts.

@x666waystol0vex 2 года назад

What an incredible story. Make this go viral!!!!

@cheezheadz3928 2 года назад

🤣

@chevyhawk406 2 года назад

Rodney's book was written straight from the heart!

@robr.3679 2 года назад

These are the stories that make me watch CBS Mornings. Thank you for sharing this man's amazing journey!

@Boutys_mom 2 года назад

"....he prefers animals to people." I felt that!! But wow, what a beautiful story.

@bodhiswayze1892 2 года назад

Wow..."Nature over EVERYTHING" Good for him....❤️🥰

@maureenobrien9815 2 года назад

Best philosophy. Nature has preeminence. Without it we can't exist....certainly not for long. I hope the world realizes this pretty soon as it is in crisis, from us.

@fidesedquivide3486 2 года назад

Enjoy life with that magnificent creature. Live a life your mom will be happy and proud.

@shawnastephens7505 2 года назад

Thank you for caring for these beautiful animals. I'm proud of and love you.

@alexandersushko6211 2 года назад

Glad to see it his! I grew up in Baltimore. I understand this man’s past. I would think falconry must have started somewhere in Africa so this isn’t surprising. Legend

@nathanialhumphrey7137 2 года назад

It’s truly amazing to see this man with a passion for nature. It’s truly perplexing honestly. Also, I think falconry originated in the Mongolian steppes, specifically in modern day Iran/Iraq.

@bunnyclub9738 2 года назад

What a great story! Nature is indeed very powerful and it’s so good he is doing work for the community. Protect this man at all costs

@adamsnowden7540 2 года назад

I saw this dude at Oxon Run Park back in 2010 and was inspired to live my best life. He had a huge hawk on his arm. Thank you, good bruva

@deenad3562 2 года назад

SE Anacostia here! Yes, the kind of story we need to hear! 💕

@underconstruction6432 2 года назад

The original man just returning back to nature

@Franaflyby 2 года назад

What a beautiful story. God bless him and his birds. 🦅🦉🕊️🦜🐦🦆🦃🦢

@SparklyStoner360 2 года назад

This is the best thing I’ve seen in a long time 🥰

@iluvdogs8560 2 года назад

This man's eyes are so warm and hes so so happy. I'm so happy for him and those lucky falcons and birds. Or is it the other way around ❤

@eraofawakening4659 2 года назад

This is very encouraging.

@leeann5442 2 года назад

The Black Birdman of Alcatraz ... I love it ... the first book I wanted to read in a long time ... Ok, CBS - this is a good story - finally !!!

@brookelayne309 2 года назад

I love this beautiful man with a beautiful soul. Beautiful birds. Beautiful story. God bless him and his birds. Let’s not forgot this story, this man and all animals.

@gawd4582 2 года назад

Love this story! 🖤

@keithsampsel8768 2 года назад

People can change and this is proof. God bless this man. Birds are beautiful animals. God bless you sir.

@marieslabbert6009 2 года назад

This is really heartwarming. I feel so proud of him and I do not even know him! 👏👏👏👏👏💞

@hellavision5839 2 года назад

What can I do to contribute to the work he’s doing with these kids? Its so awesome … I wish our communities plagued with drugs and gun violence could get those young men involved in a program as such across The U.S..they really need an alternative outlet

@christicovington 2 года назад

God bless this man and all animal welfare workers and volunteers. You have a heart of gold.

@MrSteve280 2 года назад

Thank you, Mr. Stotts. My son sent me this. As such, you're an inspiration for at least two generations in my family.

@sillybillys622 2 года назад

something about a civilized educated skillful african-american touches my heart every time. has nothing to do with the race thing. african-americans have been dealt a horrible deal, regardless of who did what and what needs to happen, something needs to change, and its great to see people liberate themselves especially when they are in THAT situation...

@GDL364 2 года назад

Civilized…..

@cocosheabuttarosemaryqueen9204 2 года назад

I have a connection with birds too. They are SO loving and highly aware and intelligent.

@peacenow4456 2 года назад

Beautiful story!

@phoenixlight1111 2 года назад

This is such a beautiful story, and what a truly great man. These birds have a spiritual depth of Soul. He has every reason to be proud. 🕉 ☮️

@kiwifruit4448 2 года назад

Bless Rodney in his endeavors

@scottcupp8129 2 года назад

This is amazing and beautiful. Both Rodney and Mr. Hoots.

@patriciagurwitz509 2 года назад

What an absolutely video. Rodney you are living proof that you are not a mistake but instead a blessing to the world and nature. Your mother must be ecstatically proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations Rodney🙏🏽❤️

@diyanaabdullah4255 2 года назад

👏👏👏I hope and pray that this will be a catalyst for anyone who is struggling with any addiction.

@deputybadass1356 2 года назад

I love what you are doing and how you show this beautiful owl your affection! Good for you!

@lgarcia67 2 года назад

“Never give up, your not the mistake that you made, unless you continue making it…” amen to that

@absatwell8163 2 года назад

Wonderful story!!

@galedribble9535 2 года назад

“If you have breath in your body you have an ability to re-create yourself”

@allygonzalez7206 2 года назад

This is amazing and so heart warming 🥰

@prettypuffprincess 2 года назад

That’s beautiful 🦅 BIRD BROTHER

@Tuber828 2 года назад

God bless you Rodney 🙏 you are an inspiration.

@scratchy1704 2 года назад

Well done.Such a great thing to see.

@belm3243 2 года назад

Truly inspiring..heart-warming..all those good feelings...' allow yourself to be wrong" Amen!

@PunisherFord 2 года назад

"Redeemed himself by becoming a falcon owner" 😂 I don't think he was ever a bad guy. "Good drug dealers" are real, not every one of them are bad. Most, but not all

@andrewgarrick6967 2 года назад

There is no such thing as a good drug dealer. The outcome in their line of work is always ends in disaster.

@rosered3608 2 года назад

@@andrewgarrick6967 that includes urgent care physicians .. most are bad

@mikeycroker3480 2 года назад

That is very true.

@snorfietsers4006 2 года назад

@@andrewgarrick6967 very very false

@shavontecharlene 2 года назад

We might not like it but in the black community some people sold drugs as survival. Yes drug dealing is bad but if you grew up poor and you start seeing fast money your conscience might not be there. Sad but true

@HUFFLE-PUFF 2 года назад

That was truly an inspiring story. Thats a good man right there.

@kiciacoldspring1621 2 года назад

I'm so proud of this man and moved by his story ✊🏾💯💓

@fmj-j2327 2 года назад

He has beautiful birds. He has been around for years i first seen him 2 years ago i actually learned how to catch from him.

@Hannah-ls7xb 2 года назад

This is such a beautiful story!!! Thank you CBS for sharing this 💛💛

@allynmadeiros6867 2 года назад

What a great story

@mariefc8504 2 года назад

This is the best kind of story. A young man who turned his life around while he helped rehabilitate wild birds, who now reaches out to young people to teach and inspire change. Beautiful. We need more miracle stories like these. ❤

@sherricason1548 2 года назад

Amazing story, look at God! His story needs to be told on the big screen. People need to hear this story.

@datchess1 2 года назад

Way to go bro...one love, one heart.nuff respect sir 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

@pamelabretschneider3780 2 года назад

This gentleman’s redemption is sweet & full of pride. Thank you for loving Mother Nature’s feathered friends, Sir…. ♥️♥️♥️

@emalieallbee3962 2 года назад

This is amazing! What an awesome story and what an amazing man, to have come so far.

@paintitblack9712 2 года назад

Stories we love to hear🥰❤️

@johnjohnfrederickh.webber2124 2 года назад

We need men like him.... They can care for these bird species and these birds can propagate again.

@shannonjohnson4314 2 года назад

Nature is a great way to get away from your troubles. Since the pandemic and losing some family members I've been finding peace in nature and taking care of animals. He's a huge inspiration and I'm glad he realized the toll it was taking on his mother. That shows how selfless he is.

@bphoxay6440 2 года назад

Same here ... My preference is animals.. And my Children and grandbabies are the exception! .. #ProudOf Rodney

@didntdoit7938 2 года назад

Wow! Man found his calling and took it to the top!

@michaeld.williamsiii9026 2 года назад

What a really beautiful powerful positive news story for once to see wishing this man the absolute best continuously. 🦅💚🦉

@sandra8991 2 года назад

He is so soultouching and healing 🌸

@andreanicolas9363 2 года назад

Such an inspiring brave man with a beautiful character and soul.

@svsproductions1 2 года назад

This would be a good guy to create a superhero character around.

@delfoloveakadellasmissiona1369 2 года назад

These are the amazing and encouraging stories I enjoy hearing.

@Venus-bb7cd 2 года назад

I love a good story like this. God bless you, Mr. Stotts.

@thatswhatshesaid8153 2 года назад

I do not believe that I will see something that is this miraculous on the internet for years to come. This was a COMPLETE BLESSING. The OWL 🦉, birds PERIOD changed this man's life. There is nothing but beauty in the transformation of his life and the animals. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ ABSOLUTELY AMAZING !!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤ GOD BLESS YOU SIR ❤❤❤❤❤❤

@Bushdid9eleven 2 года назад

I love this! I bought a pet bird recently, and it was by far my favorite impulse buy. I’ve found myself literally changing the way I live to literally make this little creature as happy as possible, and I don’t regret a thing. It’s nice to know there’s other people who feel as attached to these creatures as I do.