This article highlights the challenges young black males face and explores how black fathers can play a crucial role in changing the trajectory of future generations.
We sit and listen. Pastor Trevor Allen asked me to participate in a conference to bring Christian men together to discuss various topics, including new business start-ups, entrepreneurship, financial literature, mental wellness, and career planning. I was thrilled to be on a speaking panel with some distinguished men. What was absent from this equation was a group of young men who could have benefited from this knowledge. All these successful black men served as role models to the next generation of leaders. The question in the background of this conference was how to help the plight of today’s young black men.
Who will save our sons from destruction? Numerous institutions in the United States, ranging from the educational system to healthcare, have failed young black boys. Who will step in to rescue them? Black parents and child advocates nationwide are sounding the alarm on the crisis faced by young black boys. When Reggie Jenkins and I wrote our book, A Call to Destiny: How to Create Effective Ways to Assist Black Boys in America, we analyzed the challenges young black boys face in the country. We discovered some troubling trends. If left unaddressed, young black boys, regardless of social class, will not survive in the 21st century. While some pundits and political operatives attempt to attribute the issues faced by black boys to irresponsible parenting and pop culture, millions and millions of black boys are falling victim daily to unemployment, incarceration, gang influences, drug addiction, and premature death. Although Father’s Day has passed this month, this article sheds light on the struggles of black boys in the United States and urges black fathers to take the lead in finding solutions to save our sons.
Caption: Baptist Temple Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, held a men’s weekend retreat (“3-D Men: Developed, Disciplined, Discipled”) to solve the problems confronting local black communities.
Today’s society encourages young black boys to aspire to become entertainers and sports heroes rather than scientists, lawyers, or doctors. The media portrays young black boys as dangerous, violent, and overly sexualized. Are we genuinely concerned about Joey’s lack of intellectual prowess if he can dunk a basketball or score a touchdown for our team? Generally, boys across America may not achieve as well as we desire. However, the narrative surrounding black boys is particularly alarming. Young black males are at the forefront of numerous negative statistics imaginable.
Consider these statistics:
- According to the US Bureau of Justice, Black men face a much higher chance of being incarcerated. Black men are overrepresented among prisoners by a factor of five (32% v. 6%).
- In 2021, full-time Black males had median earnings of $46,065, while all men had median earnings of $60,428.
- In 2019, 28% of Black men ages 25-29 had a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 30% of Black women, over 40% of white men, and nearly half of white women, according to the National Center of Education Statistics in 2019.
- According to the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Black men die four years earlier than White men (for Black men, that gap is over nine years—showing that Black men are more likely to die prematurely).
From the low social condition of black boys, it is easy to understand that every major institution has failed them and allowed them to become the prey of urban culture. Reggie Jenkins, founder/director of UUNIK Academy of Tennessee, notes, “We are in a state of emergency. Today’s culture, aided by mass media, bombards impressionable youth with conflicting value systems.” Unfortunately, many youths underperform so that they can fit in. Today’s black students lack role models in education. A child can go K-12 without ever having a black teacher or a black mentor.
Caption: Baptist Temple Church Pastor Trevor Allen brought experts to discuss various men topics, including careers, entrepreneurship, mental health, financial management, and boys’ mentorship.
Despite some folks’ opinions about fathers, fathers are critical for the development of their children. Black boys are no exception. Rev. Trevor Allen, pastor of the Baptist Temple Church (Shreveport, Louisiana), outlines the critical need for black fathers to take a stand. He explains, “Black fathers must take an interest in the well-being of their sons and other young people. Many young people have no positive male figures/models, which many cases show.
Our fathers also have to help young ladies know the kinds of men that need to be aspiring to date and marry.” Weather TV Personality Al Roker adds, “When my father didn’t have my hand, he had my back.” There is an urgent need to save this generation of boys. Here are some practical strategies for today’s Black fathers:
- Fight the negative images of black boys displayed by the media and other traditional institutions.
- Foster a positive relationship with your sons.
- Model the way in terms of your character.
- Consider mentoring and coaching other boys who do not have a positive father in the home.
- Keep abreast of the current trends and issues involving the Black communities (black males specifically).
- Stay involved with your son(s) activities (school, church, extracurricular).
- Provide positive male role models.
- Take control of your life by developing and implementing a personal action plan daily.
America is facing a significant issue as it witnesses the absence of millions of fathers in today’s households. The black community is not exempt from this predicament. The challenges faced by Black males in the United States are widely recognized. Expecting the government or non-profit organizations alone to resolve this dilemma is unrealistic.
Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
This article highlights the urgent need for practical solutions for today’s black boys in the United States. Black fathers have the power to spearhead these solutions and save this generation. If we allow black boys to become a threatened group, we will ultimately pave the way for all American children to suffer the same fate. Let us pray there is still time to act and make a difference.
© 2023 by D. D. Green
About Dr. Daryl D. Green:
Dr. Daryl D. Green is a business strategist, speaker, and noted author. He is the Vice President of Marketing at AGSM Consulting LLC. He is the author of the business book Small Business Marketing. This expert is a father and grandfather.
Dr. Green has been noted and quoted by USA Today, Ebony Magazine, and the Associated Press. He provides consulting guidance and management training for today’s small businesses. Additionally, Dr. Green is an award-winning college professor developing new innovative approaches for today’s small businesses. For more information about this article or business assistance, please get in touch with Dr. Green at drdarylgreen@gmail.com or visit www.drdarylgreen.com.
Featured Photo by Joice Kelly on Unsplash
