Based on research – 1 in 3 Black males between 20 and 30 years old is under some type of criminal supervision at any given time, 50% of Black makes don’t have a high school diploma, the majority of male prison inmates are Black, Black males have the highest dropout rate of any subgroup (Guillory, 2007) …I think you get the picture. Wow, pretty bleak huh? We must do something to change this!

And if this weren’t enough-the media doesn’t help, as Black males are supposed to by lazy, have many baby mamas, play Play Station all day, sag their pants and then some. While these portrayals are accurate for some, it is NOT for all. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some Black males who are breaking through these stereotypes and statistics!

Example 1

The latest story that had me shedding a couple of tears pertains to the Urban Prep Academy in Chicago where 100% of the senior class who is comprised of Black males was accepted to 4 year universities. See the link for more information http://www.urbanprep.org/100percent/  So awesome! But we should be highlighting our young men much more often. Seeing this story prompted me to writing this blog.

Example 2

See this picture– Each wonderful and handsome young man not only graduated from high school, but is currently in college or graduated from college. 2 are even in graduate school! These young men come from vast backgrounds ranging from being raised by both parents to being raised by a single mother to being raised by grandparents-regardless of these factors-they are doing it! I am so proud of these young men. Now, I am not going to pretend like they haven’t had some difficult times or have done some things they should not have, but the key is learning from our mistakes and allowing that to empower us. These young men, did not allow what society said to hold them back and they removed and are still removing any barriers that were and are in front of them. In this group you have an architect, a future optometrist, two future teachers, some businessmen and more!

Example 3

I would like to highlight some great men I know (I know so many great ones and won’t be able to highlight them all—don’t be mad at me fellas)

Justin- Justin is currently in banking, holds a degree in finance, is fluent in speaking Spanish, and is completing law school. Justin had a few bumps in his law school road, but persevered and he never considered giving up. He is scheduled to graduate from SMU law school this December. He is currently mentoring 3 young men. Justin will be the first to tell you that, he is not perfect and has made mistakes, but he knows who he is in Christ and is thankful that God allows us to go through certain things.

Tedashii- Some of you may know this lyrical beast from his Christian rap career. Tedashii holds a degree in sociology and has stayed diligent to what the Lord wanted him to do with this talent. Tedashii released his debut CD in the summer of 2006 and his follow-up came in 2009. Through this ministry, he has been privileged to travel the world and is thankful for the opportunities. While attending college in his early 20’s, there was a family tragedy and he quit school in order to assist in raising is siblings. It might have taken him a little longer to get his degree, but he got it. And most importantly he is the father of my handome nephew Jaden and husband to my fabulous sister Danielle. Check out www.reachrecords.com

Ramon- This outstanding man completed his degree from Dallas Baptist University.  Ramon was raised by his mother and grandmother and didn’t meet his father until he was 16 years old. He is so dedicated to the children and youth he serves that he and his wife moved to the Fortress neighborhood. Ramon is such a servant-he could teach us all a thing or 2. So many talents he has- stepping, poet, drawing, etc. Ramon is such a great example to the young men. He has been married for 2.5 years.

Justin H. Justin is a 17 year old male residing in San Antonio, TX. Justin was recently inducted into the National Honor Society, recognized as 1st team-all city in basketball in San Antonio, voted “most heart and studious” on his basketball team. He even created a facebook group called” I don’t have to get drunk to have fun” I am very proud of him. He will be entering his senior year in the fall and don’t be suprised if he receives academic and athletic scholarships!

OK OK I could go on and on. It looks like I am going to have to do a part 2 in order to highlight some other outstanding men.

Experience in the Classroom

I would like to share an experience with you. I am an adjunct University professor and one of the courses I teach is Human Behavior and Diverse Populations (Diversity). One semester, I had about 30 students, the majority of whom were African American females. One activity we completed was listing stereotypes for certain groups-such as lesbians, individuals who are bi-polar, individuals living in poverty, and Black males. Black males got the longest and harshest list of stereotypes. My students began a discussion about how Black men are lazy and just sit at home. I quickly stated “That must be your frame of reference, because there are many fabulous and successful Black men out there, and I know quite a few of them” Some of my students didn’t believe me. So, I took it upon my self to set up a panel with 3 successful Black men, so my students could see them in the flesh. Well needless to say- my students were not as rambunctious when they met the men-they were almost in awe. Moral of this story- we must continue to educate each other! And if there are men who are sitting at home doing nothing–why are we allowing them to do so (oops, almost went to another topic–will save this one for later)

Calling all the Ladies!

Ladies, our Black men-young and not so young-NEED our encouragement. Ladies please display qualities you would like young men to look for when they get older and begin to pursue women. Ladies, please encourage and compliment our men. We are so used to receiving the compliments from them, that it rarely crosses our mind that they too would like to receive compliments.

Calling all the Fellas!

To my men-please take the opportunity to mentor a young man. They NEED You! Or if you can’t make that type of commitment, encourage the young men in your family and make sure to say something encouraging when you come across a young man. You never know what your words will mean to them.  To the young men and not so young men- DON’T ALLOW ANYTHING TO GET IN YOUR WAY  and it’s OK to ask for help. We believe in you! Oh yes, and don’t just work hard-work SMART and HARD! Please know you are appreciated and keep your head up. Remember, we ALL make mistakes and please don’t allow them to hold you down, just learn and grow from them because the younger men need you!

Today’s Nugget: This is a simple one-take the time to compliment 2 men in your life and encourage 2 men in your life via email, twitter, facebook, face to face, phone…whatever—JUST DO IT!

Until next time….empower someone and make them smile or laugh 🙂