Black Men, Let’s Rise to the Occasions

NORFOLK. As an African-American male of 68 years, I have a special message for Juneteenth (today) and Father's Day (Sunday) for 2009. It has been said that nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come. And, do I have a great idea for Father's Day and Juneteenth, or what?

For over two decades, I have worked directly with young African-Americans, particularly inner-city and public-housing males. I have been a student and teacher of African-American history for more than 40 years. I have conducted countless workshops and classes on self-esteem, historical perspective, culture awareness, personal responsibility, youth empowerment, academic improvement, career development, effective parenting, family stability, and the like.

During this time, I have seen -- and still see -- too many young African-Americans, especially males, who have given up hope. They simply don't believe in themselves. They don't think they are worthy or deserving of the good life. Despite my best efforts, too often, I have not been nearly as successful as I would have liked. There have been successes, but it is the failures and potential failures that keep me awake at night. It is for this untapped stream of black resources and vitality that I search most.

By now, we know all too well the negative statistics and debilitating realities that continue to haunt us. For most of the socioeconomic factors that matter, we are generally lagging behind and unfortunately continue to lose ground. Somehow, this hemorrhaging must stop.

JUST LOOK AT the negative statistics and debilitating realities relating to the courts, jails, unemployment, under-employment, female-headed households, high school and college graduation rates, entrepreneurial opportunities, AIDS infection rates, health care and mental health concerns, teenage pregnancy, and the like. There is an unrelenting story and debilitating tragedy happening right before our eyes. It is punctuated with alienation, frustration, anger, and hopelessness. In particular, it is taking place among society's young and endangered black males.

For things to get better, black fathers and other adult males have to do more as parents, providers, protectors, and promisers. Regardless of how our condition came about, we are our solutions and salvation. If it is to be, it is up to us! We can do this!

FOR STARTERS, I propose a basic and simplistic plan for empowering our children, families, and communities:

• We need a strong and supportive family base, beginning with a married mother and father. While this may not always be possible, it should be seriously sought after. Not only is it necessary and proper, to do otherwise is debilitating and destructive.

• We need a solid educational foundation. In the 21st century, it is almost impossible to make it otherwise. A good education is like life insurance: much better to have than not to have.

• We need a viable means of economy and support. We cannot expect others to do those things we should do for ourselves. There is no such thing as a free lunch. We must learn to work harder and smarter, and for ourselves. We must always remember and practice the golden rule of economics: He who has the gold gets to make the rules.

We can do this, for we are a strong, resilient, and resourceful people. And, more important: Our children, families, and communities deserve no less. Without further delay, we must overcome these human conditions of academic inadequacy, family instability, economic poverty, social deprivation, and political inequity.

SIMPLY PUT, the time has come for African-American men, especially fathers, to accept collective responsibility for making things happen and for bringing about positive changes in our children, families, and communities.

We are capable! We can do it! All we need to do is rededicate ourselves to our cause.

It has been said that true character is defined by what you are willing to do when the spotlight has been turned off, the applause has died down, and no one is around to give you credit. As African-American men, we have the opportunity of a lifetime to define our true character as parents, protectors, providers, and promisers. Let us do what needs to be done. Let us truly make Father's Day and Juneteenth 2009 something special!

This Father's Day and Juneteenth could have a special meaning and new beginning for us.

The questions and answers that lie before us are about commitment and will. Do we, as African-American men and fathers, care enough about our children and families? Much of the solution to our dilemma is within our grasp. We must rise to the occasion. Let us begin this journey in observance of Father's Day and Juneteenth 2009. What a powerful statement and empowering act that would be!

John L. Horton, 68, is a retired Marine sergeant major and recently retired juvenile probation officer. Currently, he volunteers with inner-city families, agencies and organizations as a mentor, counselor, and motivator. He can be reached at .