Let's Get It Started

re you concerned with the plot of our kids and their future? Sociologists are painting a picture that's extremely disheartening and barren. They're projecting that if our life styles don't change by the year 2099; we could be a dying breed of people. When I first read this information I immediately thought of racism and what historically it has done to our fore-parents, this society and us.

However, as I deepened my thoughts about this issue I began to realize that racism is still a living cancer today, and to some extent, it might actually have more potency today than in years past. After all the structure of history almost demands that it repeats itself. My inner-self wouldn't allow me to blame every degrading and despicable act facing African-American's on racism. You see, as William Ernest Henley scribed in 1879, in his poem entitled, “Invictus” “You are the captain of your fate and the master of your soul”. I believe that there are some things that we have merit to control and conquer by the invested powers we have imbued in us.

Not long ago I was reading an article discussing the murder rate in this country; it described how African-American males between the ages of 16 to 25 are four times more likely than white males to be killed by another African-American male. Can we blame this on racism? A third of all African-Americans before the latter part of 2025 will become dependent on a mind-altering substance. Can we blame this on racism? Gays and lesbian life styles are permeating in our school system. This behavior is growing at an alarming rate among our young kids. Can we blame this behavior on racism? Now this one blew me away, I just can't fathom kids dropping out of school, in today's society. The junior high school drop out rate for African-American kids increased to 12% in 2002, up from 4% in 1998. Can we blame this on racism? Crime in our communities is at an all time high. We tend to put more energy on fashion rather than the upkeep of our minds, our families and our homes.

I believe all is not lost. We still have a God who controls this universe. It's up to people like you and me to make a contribution to our blackness. We must re-institute some of the values that our parents instilled in us. What ever happened to respect for our elders, someone else's property or the honor bestowed upon women? When we were kids you got a whipping if you didn't answer to an adult as “yes sir or no sir; yes ma'am or no ma'am.” If you brought something home that didn't belong to you, your parents challenged you and made you return it. You apologized and feared for your life. When you returned home you were told to get a switch.

I personally believe the rap culture and its' agenda is to blame for the lack of disrespect, values and morals in our society today. Our teenage boys typically look disheveled most of the time. They have more earrings than the girls do. Our girls dress like, and to some extent, act like boys. Before rap and hip-hop, if you referred to someone of the female gender as a trick that was total disrespect. Of course, she didn't talk to you ever again. Now our little girls glow when called a bitch or whore.

Our parents never had to explain our whereabouts. You played near the house and you were inside before the sun went down. I often see little kids roaming the streets at ungodly hours. Our correction facilities are full of juveniles. Most of these kids are good kids. Their parents should be locked up. As parents we are responsible for our kids; that includes feeding, sharing, teaching and most of all loving them. They had no input on when and how they arrived here.

To my friends and former classmates, it's time for us to right the ship. We have to go ‘old school' to rectify our lives and our kids lives so that the future of our race is returned to the status of our rich past. We have to reconnect to our heavenly Father. Start mentoring programs to address the issues of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, crime and education. We have to encourage our kids to read, introduce them to different cultural activities, start Bible classes or introduce them to the benefits of entrepreneurship. Challenge nationally and locally elected officials to fund programs that will foster these ideals. We have to be mindful that it takes a village to raise a child; everyone has to get involved, because everyone is called to give something back. I believe Jessie Jackson said it best, “No one is going to help us, but us.” Yes, we are the masters of our souls!

Finally, I realize that some of my comments might not sit well with everyone. Since I started writing my commentaries, I have received many responses, some favorable and others not quite as favorable. Please keep in mind that my personal comments are just, my personal comments. My only request is that you digest my thoughts before you condemn or make judgements.

These are my personal thoughts and opinions. They do not represent Northside High School or those individuals associated with the planning and creation of the Alumni website. Nothing in this commentary was intended to embarrass or offend anyone.