To focus my thoughts, I sought the help of friends by asking, “What is needed for us to create the conditions for more black boys and men to be successful?” Across age, gender and race, the answers aligned along similar themes, from supporting two-parent stable families, to bestowing higher esteem and compensation on the best teachers to improve public education, to providing economic opportunities that allow men to be men so that they can take care of their families and build their wealth.
All of these are important and worthy goals, but I also find the need to stress the importance of communities that instill faith and values that can be the solid ground and guideposts for young boys and men when the world lashes out or emotions run high. Read more here.