We are still charged with empowering those individuals within the community that are poised to do the most effective and self sacrificing work. Within the past 50 years, national media outlets have centered the discussion of Black manhood around rich and famous Black men, whose lifestyles and points of view do not legitimize the full scope of Black Male identity in the United States.
The foundation of our community-wide discussions should continue to center our experience, our concerns, our goals, and our legacy. In all the indicators that determine quality of life, we continue to fare the absolute worst. It is urgent that we are evidence-based and action oriented, willing to engage interlocutors whose knowledge and vision best align with our values.
Please use these open ended questions as conversation starters among those men that have proven themselves to be committed to the race. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
Income and Jobs:
-How is unemployment affecting the lives of the men in my neighborhood/city?
-Which industries and companies are providing jobs that will allow us to properly care for ourselves and our families?
-What financial education do I need in order to adequately plan for my family's future?
Housing Conditions:
-What do local officials plan to do about neighborhood/city vacancies?
-Which organizations are providing the most support and direction for the creation, development and sustainability of black-owned developments in my neighborhood/city?
-Are the opportunity zones in my neighborhood/city being used to displace working class Black families?
Health:
-How are you addressing the homicide-suicide rate of Black men ages 15 -24?
-What are the leading causes of death in every age bracket for Black males?
-Which mental health therapies have proven to address the dynamic needs of Black men in America?
-Where can the families in my community access affordable fresh food?
-How are your lifestyle choices putting you at risk for STDs, cancers, obesity, diabetes, and other serious health conditions?
-Are the health professionals in my community exhibiting practices that indicate respect and sensitivity towards my culture?
Education:
-What is the local school system doing to ensure the success of our students? How are they supporting students that are falling behind, and pushing students that are performing above grade level?
-Are our teachers aware of how home culture can influence a child's learning style?
-Are efforts being made to recruit and retain Black teachers? Are veteran Black teachers aware of current research and best practices in the field of education?
-Realistically, what options do my children have after high school?
-Which summer programs in our neighborhood/city have a proven track record of academic growth and excellence?
Personal Security:
-How do neighborhood residents and law enforcement work collectively to ensure safety?
-Do the young black males in my neighborhood/city see a future for themselves devoid of violence and crime?
-How are individuals illegally procuring drugs and firearms in my community? What can be done to address and prevent this?
Culture and Leisure:
-Which forms of recreation are positive and affirming?
-How can we resist the damaging rhetoric of entertainers that are poor examples of fatherhood and brotherhood?
-Does the culture of my neighborhood/city reflect my values?
-How can I address any negative stereotypes that I carry about my own people?
-Do you feel safe and welcomed in public spaces?