10 Things All Young
Black Men Should Know
Trayvon Martin, right, with a baby boy. |
2) Value education, learning and reading. The more and better you can read for understanding, the freer and more powerful you will become.
3) Work hard. Many times, it is not what you know that makes you successful, but instead consistency, persistence, effort and dedication. Be sure to just "show up".
4) Respect women and girls. They hold up half the sky in our communities. Together we can accomplish great things in our families and communities.
5) Believe in something higher than yourself. Whether its religious, spiritual or philosophical, connect with and explore the larger universe and eternity.
6) Emulate strong, positive, intelligent Black men. Use them as your mentors and role models.
7) Be a leader! Exhibit courage, wisdom, vision and good decision-making skills to help your community improve. You are a natural leader. Others will follow your positive and righteous actions.
8) Respect and work with other young Black men to accomplish great things for your community. Teams of young Black men can accomplish what individuals cannot.
9) Study your history and culture. You are not alone, ever.
10) Choose positive peers, associates and friends. Those relationships will help determine your path in life.
For Black Male Achievement Week - February 2014
SOURCE: blackstar1000@ameritech.net | http://blackstarproject.org
The Black Star Project | 3473 South King Drive, Box 464 | Chicago | IL | 60616
Replies
Wonderful advice for our young men. Thanks for sharing. I am personally working on a workshop for young black men that will be based on these very same wise words of advice. Too many are growing up without mentors or role models due to a number of circumstances - the best and brightest no longer live in the 'hood, single mothers without husbands, fractured family relationships, misunderstandings between estranged parents, etc.
Let those among us who might be considered role models attempt to reach out and help at least one young man along the path of life. He ain't heavy - he's my brother. Shalom.