My mother has recently rediscovered the internet, email, social media. On regular occasions she will share things about black heritage with me. I usually read them quickly and then put them aside.
This morning, however, she shared a pretty good one titled “10 Things All Young Black Men Should Know“. If anything, I would amend the title so that it’s “10 Things All Black Men Should Know.”
Take a gander at this list, especially Alex Hinton, and chew on it for a bit.
- Know that you are a young Black man in America and that means you are different than other Americans. While you can still realize your dreams, you might have to take a different path. You will have to be more careful, more thoughtful and more aware than others to survive in America.
- Value education, learning and reading. The more and better you can read for understanding, the freer and more powerful you will become.
- 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”.
- Respect women and girls. They hold up half the sky in our communities. Together we can accomplish great things in our families and communities.
- Believe in something higher than yourself. Whether its religious, spiritual or philosophical, connect with and explore the larger universe and eternity.
- Emulate strong, positive, intelligent Black men. Use them as your mentors and role models.
- 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.
- 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.
- Study your history and culture. You are not alone, ever.
- Choose positive peers, associates and friends. Those relationships will help determine your path in life.
Out of this list, the one that hit home the hardest is #9. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. EVER!
Ain’t that the truth!
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