Being influential in any culture doesn’t mean that you have to have a big name behind you. As a matter of fact, you don’t even need to be in the spotlight. Being an inspiration should start at home.
It’s no secret that crime with our youth, especially in the African American community, is on the rise. This possibly could come from many homes not having the foundation to nurture our youth, by having a role model. One thing that is voiced by broken teens especially is that they never had a father figure to love them. Now by know means is this to say that women don’t play a major role in the home, but when African American men step up and take charge, there is a bigger impression that is place in the child.
African American men play an important part to teach, lead and to bring correction when needed. It is so imported that black men fill the gap because of all the hidden dangers that plague our youth. Drugs, crime, and school dropouts, being at the top of the list, children need that voice to put them on the correct path. It gives children a sense of pride and feeling as though they are protected. Most important children are lead by example as well! You have to look at youth as being a blank canvas; the picture that is painted inside of them is what they will display.
Not being a father doesn’t rule black men out of being a leader. There are other ways to lead the youth, such as volunteering at clubs, mentorship programs, or organizing events to bring youth together to empower them. If our children don’t get influenced by men in their own race, then how can they know about their identity? It was once said that if you don’t know where you have been, then how will you know where you are going?
