A Few Good Black Men

By Kenneth Braswell, David Miller and Phillip Jackson

On September 25, 2009 the lifeless body of Derrion Albert, a 16 year old student was found on a Chicago Street corner. A vicious beating, which comprised punches, kicks, and being struck with 2 by 4’s, left an indelible mark on each of our psyches. The recent death of young Albert reminded many of the 1954 Emmit Till murder in Money, Mississippi. In another incident, Vada Vasquez was shot in the head on a busy Bronx street while walking home from school. Vada was shot by several members of the Gorilla Street Bloods.

Both deaths, and the countless deaths of other nameless and faceless black and brown boys who were killed in 2009, illustrate the need for decisive action. These incidents expose the nihilism, benign neglect, and acts of cowardice masquerading as bravado, that permeate many communities.

On January 6th, President Barack Obama issued his 2010 National Mentoring Month Proclamation. In President Obama’s proclamation, he outlined the growing need for trusted adults to step up and mentor children. President Obama’s leadership on mentoring sends a clear message to us all that the time is now. While we are excited and happy that President Obama has stepped up and made a call to address a critical void in our community, it is up to us to sign up and get connected to the thousands who have heeded similar calls over the years.

“Today we have an urgent call to find ways to provide support and services for men who are struggling in this economic tsunami for black and brown men. At the same time we must encourage an extra push of responsible men who can assist in providing stable environments for boys and girls outside of their immediate family paradigm,” says Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director of Fathers Incorporated in Albany, New York.

The Issue

Today, it is reported that boys receive up to 70% of the D’s and F’s given to all students, and create 90% of all classroom discipline problems. According to the Schott Foundation Report, Given Half a Chance, some alarming educational trends involve young Black male students. The 2005/2006 national graduation rate for Black male students was 47%. That means that most Black male students did not graduate with their cohort. These startling school related statistics, coupled with the growing number of children growing up without fathers, are creating a permanent underclass. This underclass can be measured by studying the escalating rates of community violence, economic isolation, poverty, and substance abuse.

In Chicago, “father absence has hit African American communities across America with the force of 100 hurricane Katrinas,” said Phillip Jackson, executive director of the Chicago-based Black Star Project, which helps children in mainly minority schools. “It is literally decimating our communities and we have no adequate response to it.” Jackson said, “The Black Star Project engages in projects that make Black men better fathers, better husbands and better community leaders. While we run some of the best mentoring programs in the country, the best mentors for Black boys are their fathers, uncles and grandfathers.

In 2009 America inaugurated Barack Obama its first Black President (who coincidently is a man). His call to action to fathers in general, and Black fathers specifically, mean governmental support and leadership from the highest level to address the complete social annihilation of Black Men. That plight has been ignored for so long.

David Miller, Chief Visionary Officer for the Urban Leadership Institute remarks that, “it is inconceivable to think that we can continue to raise healthy children if we are unable to reconnect fathers with their family.” He continues, “While we are engaged in several projects that encourage male involvement, including a mentorship programs to help alleviate the tension and stress of not having enough mentors in our city’s school. More can be done.”

We are encouraging responsible men of color particularly, who have been able to serve their families and communities well, to consider making the extra commitment to become mentors.

We are just a few voices – united by our common concern for our young Black men. We are reciting the need to increase our efforts for the well being of our children. Please join us as we increase awareness about the need for mentorship and responsible fatherhood in our families and communities. The future of our children rests in our hands!

Kenneth Braswell; Executive Director
Fathers Incorporated (www.fathersincorporated.com) & Author of “When The Tear Won’t Fall & Gentle Warriors”

David Miller; Co-Founder
Urban Leadership Institute (www.urbanyouth.org) & Co-founder of Raising Him Alone Campaign (www.raisinghimalone.com)

Phillip Jackson; President
Black Star Project (www.blackstarproject.org)