Thursday, February 25, 1999
Black men must step forward, be leaders
HISTORY: Today’s youth should draw inspiration from civil rights
struggle
By Letrell Crittenden
Daily Collegian (Pennsylvania State U.)
University Wire
When discussing the annals of black history, one must mention
the strength and perseverance of the African American man. Whether
it was the ingenuity of Carver, the intellectual prowess of DuBois
or the insight of King, the black man was always at the forefront
of his community.
In recent years, however, it seems as if we – as black men –
have handed the bulk of our responsibilities to our female
counterparts. Black women now head many civil rights think-tanks,
such as the Congressional Black Caucus.
In our home communities, women are now taking roles once
reserved for men, such as church pastor and household provider.
I am pleased to see our women in traditionally male-dominated
roles. But I do not feel they have ascended to such heights on
their abilities alone; black men have failed to hold up our share
of the responsibility. And until we begin to reassert ourselves in
our communities, we will continue to lag behind as a people.
During the Civil Rights Movement, a pool of positive role models
surrounded young black men. These individuals weren’t concerned
about having the big car or big crib. Many of them made such a
meager salary they struggled just to keep food on the table.
Instead, the black man of the ’60s was a man of the community.
Some, such as the heralded civil rights activists, possessed grand
oratorical and leadership skills. Others served as the foot
soldiers of the movement, organizing meetings and handing out
pamphlets. Even those who weren’t involved in the movement provided
strong leadership to our youth.
By simply going to work and providing for his families, the
nonactivist played a key role in the rejuvenation of his
community.
In 1999, however, these images have been replaced with pure
garbage.
Instead of King, X and Evers, our youth now look up to the likes
of Puff Daddy, Mike Tyson and the idiot Wayans brothers. Not only
do all of these of men lack an ounce of political integrity, they
have all earned their prestige by playing up to stereotypes in the
world of entertainment.
People, it is time for us to stop idolizing black entertainers.
If we can’t teach our children that there is just as much respect
in working nine-to-five, our future generations are in for a great
deal of trouble.
Top media personalities set the foundation for our current image
problem.
Unfortunately, many of us enhance this image with our daily
actions on campus. We party, we pimp, but we rarely show that we
are potential leaders for the next century. It’s not just the media
who are branding us anymore.
We are sticking the iron to ourselves.
And as much as we conform to this image, we equally rebuke the
responsibilities of leadership. It’s bad enough we avoid positions
of significant authority. Many of us refuse to offer a simple
helping hand.
Brothers, it’s time for all of us to take a little initiative in
helping our sisters and improving our images. Now I’m not telling
you to quit partying. I know I won’t. I’m not even telling you to
change your lifestyles. But I feel we need to show the campus
community that we are all students first. That’s why I make sure
everyone knows I have a 3.9 grade point average. That’s why I
counsel kids when I go back home. I want everyone to know that
although I may act a little goofy on the weekend, my future, my
family and my community are what carry the biggest meaning for
me.
Brothers, it is time for us to clean up our images and join our
sisters in the everlasting fight for justice and equality. I
personally have a long way to go, but I feel I am on my way to
making significant contributions to the African American
community.
And I know the rest of the brothers on college campuses can head
down the same path with me. We are students at great universities,
so I know all of us have the ability. It will just take a little
bit of sacrifice – but it is a sacrifice that must be taken.
Otherwise, I fear for the legacy the black man will leave for
future celebrations of our history.
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