May 22, 2008Blacks guided to bright futuresThe crisis of the black male is our crisis ... -- Sen. Barack Obama According to the National Urban League's 2007 State of Black America, more than half of the nation's 5.6 million black boys live in fatherless homes. In many inner cities, more than half of all black men do not finish high school. In 2004, 72 percent of black male high school dropouts in their 20s were jobless. The incarceration rate for black men from ages 25 to 29 is 8 percent, compared with 1 percent of white men. Yet, in a society in which his gender and race mark him as an endangered species, William Fleming High School senior Adrian Ambrose forcefully declares, "I am not a statistic." Ambrose, who is graduating next month with a 3.7 grade point average, was among 30 young men Tuesday who completed a first-time program at Fleming to prepare them for a life that doesn't dead-end in the streets, the jail -- or the cemetery. Of the 30 teens, 15 were juniors and 15 were seniors. All 15 of the seniors will attend colleges including Hampton University, Winston-Salem State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C., Liberty University, North Carolina A&T University and University of Virginia-Wise. Five of the seniors received $1,000 scholarships from Roanoke businessman Ab Boxley of Boxley Materials Co. "When 15 young black men are going to college, that's something," 20-year-old Justin Hash of Roanoke said nodding to the seniors assembled for a picture. "I like seeing that." Hash is a Wachovia employee who plans to volunteer with the program next year. After writing Sunday about the reckless, ruthless and senseless violence being perpetrated by too many young men, it was rewarding and emotional for me to see young men two days later who are taking their lives in the opposite direction. These students keenly understand the sacrifices and values of their elders, and they're demonstrating it with their actions. "People have put their lives on the line to make a better future," said 17-year-old senior Friedrich Reid, who will study marketing at Johnson & Wales. "They have laid the foundation for what we're living today," Tuesday marked the end of the inaugural "Bank on It" program, a collaboration of the school, Wachovia bank and women's civic group The Roanoke Chapter of Links Inc. The bank devoted three employees -- Kathy Ratliff, Michael Flynn and Andy Lisk -- to conduct and coordinate activities each month with the teens. Since October, the young men have learned money management and opened checking accounts. They've met with Wachovia executives to learn how they climbed the corporate ladder. They devised a business plan for a fictitious apparel company to better understand lending and the value of credit. They met with community- and four-year college admissions officers to understand what it takes to get in -- and succeed in -- college. They had a session in resume-writing and interviewing. They learned the social aspects of success, including dining etiquette. In my view, one of the most important aspects of the program was that it doesn't cater solely to the students with the top grades. Sure, the A students were included, but so were the B and C students. That's critical because sometimes we swoon over the kid with the good grades who comes from the good family. But even more in need of our support is the kid who is trying but has some challenges both academically and at home.
-- Sen. Barack Obama
At the same time, Fleming Principal Susan Willis wanted to start a program that would bolster young black men. She and Wachovia came together, and Willis, who is a member of the Links, pulled in the organization. The Links involvement was low-key but no less important. They gave each young man a reminder call the night before each monthly session, and then attended each meeting and activity to support them. After the program had been under way for a few months, Willis met Boxley for lunch to tell him about it. He was so impressed that after about 20 minutes he stopped her and pledged $5,000 to the program, Willis said. "When she told me what she was doing for those young men," Boxley recounted Wednesday, "I said, 'Ooh, I like that, I like that.' It's important to do what we can to build the community, the whole community." "These young men have big dreams. We can't afford for a segment of the community to feel they're not a part of the dream," the businessman added. Tuesday afternoon, Boxley's gift was announced in the form of five scholarships awarded based on winning essays about the program. The recipients and their future schools are Bryan Ashford, Hampton; Aaron Carr, VCU; Malcolm Jones, VCU; Patrick Curtis, VCU; and Ambrose, North Carolina A&T. Ambrose's scholarship was the first announced. When that happened, the juniors jumped to their feet. "It was like, 'One of us is doing something good,'" said junior George Saunders, 16, who will return to the program next year as a senior. "It really made you happy, made you feel you can do it, too." In this space in recent months, I have noted a widespread concern that at-risk children and youths lack strong support or guidance from parents, guardians or other adults in their lives. So I asked Jay Jones what he does to instill success in his son, Malcolm. "Pray," he replied, laughing. But he quickly pointed out that he was serious. Malcolm's mother, Frederica, chipped in. "Raising him up in a Christian home, taking time with him." Ambrose, who plans to study biology, grew up in a similar faith-filled home. The 17-year-old said when he was little he would get upset at his mother if she wouldn't let him go someplace, but now he understands why she didn't. "Mom knows best," said the young man, who hopes to one day become a neurosurgeon.
-- National Urban League |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
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Comments
[May 22, 2008 8:26 AM]
anthonyCan you write about anything but Black issues...I mean theyre only 10% of the population here...There are a lot of other races in the Valley besides black...They just happen to commit the most crime..whine the most..and accomplish the least..
I sure can...and do--because unlike you, I'm broadminded and multifaceted.--s
[May 22, 2008 9:17 AM]
Justin HashThese 30 young African American Men are just a few young men that will spark a fire of will and determination to succeed in life and make this world a better place! Again i take my hat off to the young men who do not want to be a statistic in this world
[May 22, 2008 10:19 AM]
Henry HaleGreat article Shanna. First, let's address the comment from "anthony". In the last month, your columns have run the gamut of a restaurant on Mill Mountain, the Presidential election, Boones Mill town council, Green Space in Roanoke, and the list goes on and on. Like you've addressed in the past, over 75% of your columns deal with issues that have no racial connotations, but the community still needs to hear stories about segments of the population that are "at risk" doing things that are contradictory to the ignorance of people like "anthony". Doesn't seem like these young men are committing crimes but attempting to make their lives and futures a lot better.
Congratulations to Wachovia, Mr. Boxley, The Links, and all involved for the good works they've done and will continue to do.
More importantly, congratulations to the young men for taking the first steps toward securing successful futures for themselves.
[May 22, 2008 12:44 PM]
Terry Banthony: it's unfortunate that you don't see the relevance of Black Americans in the community, there are Black Lawyers, Doctors, Judges, and now a Black Presidential Candidate that seeks the nomination of the Democratic Party and from all indications will win it.
Individuals like you have adopted the need to blame a race of people for your shortcomings in life and instead of a candidate running on their morals and principles they resort to racial bigotry and bias of being a woman.
The problem of crime and poverty transcends all communities and as blacks are treated fairly by most of the community. There is someone like yourself that heighten the problem with more ignorant behavior.
Yet according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics Homicide trends in the U.S we have a problem and if you didn't know 96% of all Columbine-like school shootings were committed by White Teens. So by trying to be indifferent, you only brought attention your self esteem issues.
Bureau of Justice Statistics Homicide trends in the U.S
* Black victims are over represented in homicides involving drugs. Compared with the overall involvement of blacks as victims, blacks are less often the victims of sex-related homicides, workplace killings, and homicide by poison.
* Race patterns among offenders are similar to those among victims.
Although slightly less true now than before, most murders are intra racial
From 1976 to 2005 --
* 86% of white victims were killed by whites
* 94% of black victims were killed by blacks
[May 23, 2008 9:05 AM]
LINDAFirst of all, Anthony, how typical, and secondly, scan your newspaper and tell me....If she doesn't, who will?
[May 23, 2008 4:15 PM]
LaSonya D.First of all, we can not all attack "Anthony" obviously he has some issues that need to be resolved and are probably generated from his parents and the way he was raised, so we have to forgive him for his ignorance, lack of knowledge and hostility.
I am glad you wrote this article Shanna and I love to hear about all of our youth who are doing something positive. A lot of the times when youth especially, African Americans or on the news or in the newspapers it is generally relating to something negative. Nowadays, people, parents and even the teachers have given up on them but to have caring individuals like Ms. Susan Willis, Ab Boxley and the employees from Wachovia willing to unselfishly volunteer their time to help shape the lives of our youth is beautiful and they will receive their reward in heaven. These are our future generations and we all have to step up to help someone and make a change in their lives for the better. If we don't who will?
My sister and her husband started the Noah-Christian Community Center in Roanoke which is geared towards but not limited to socioeconomic challenged inner city youth and our motto is, "Planting a Seed of LIFE!" Living in love, Implementing Christian principles, Foundation of morals and values, and Educational Resources, which are specifics that our youth nowadays so very often need because many of them lack these skills in their home lives. Our vision is to instill these things into them and let them know there is hope and that they can rise from their circumstances and do not have to fall victim to the generational curses of poverty, drug abuse, incarceration, unemployment, high school drop outs and teenage pregnancy that has been harboring not only over our African American families but all races of families.
As a counselor at a local group home for troubled youth, I saw children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds and ages who have been through traumatic trials and tribulations in their lives. A little support, love and encouragement were all they needed. If we continue to beat each other down we will all stay down but as we lift one another up we also lift up ourselves.
And to the young men from William Fleming, God bless you on your journey and I pray that you will stay steadfast on His word and continue to excel and succeed while striving towards reaching your goals. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something because you can do whatever you put your hearts and minds to.
If youth know they have our love and support they will try harder and they will do better but if they know you don't expect much from them and you believe that they will never amount to anything then they won’t. In order for the youth to reach higher and excel we have to set higher standards and expectations for them while challenging and encouraging them along the way.
LaSonya D.
NCCC, Director of Programs, Mentor and Tutor
[May 25, 2008 2:35 AM]
MIKEI sure can...and do--because unlike you, I'm broadminded and multifaceted.--s
AND THIS REPUBLICAN AGREES WITH HER STATEMENT 100%, ANTHONY. The Times is fortunate to have her.
[May 25, 2008 10:43 AM]
JimNice story with positive results. I just don't see how Obama has ANYTHING to do with it.
Stop thinking politics and then you'll appreciate the value of the quotes. It wasn't about WHO said it but WHAT was said. The use of the quotes was a writing technique, using powerful quotes to introduce different segments of the column. I didn't care who said it. I just used the quotes because they were so dead on to the relevant points I wanted the column to make: Identifying and quantifying the problem; pointing out the solutions; and finally, recognizing that solutions are always applicable. Believe it or not, Jim, my madness has a method to it!--s
[May 27, 2008 1:16 PM]
AEGreat story Shanna. It would be nice to see this type of program across school systems that have certain schools where the poverty level...environment etc wreck havoc on school attendance and the schools ability to produce bright minds for the future. I think most ALL students would benefit from a program like this. If we all lived by this quote...."Whatever the particular solutions, they must be approached from the standpoint that it is never too early, nor too late, to change a life." -- National Urban League...the world would be a better place......we all have the ability to change whenever we want....we just have to have the want and somtimes the need to change!
[May 27, 2008 2:16 PM]
ShannonI am glad to hear that these young men have dreams and are well on the way to making them reality.
I believe it is important to help everyone succeed and be their own person. As well as, taking care of themselves. I don't think Anthony realizes that by helping these young men now, they will be able to contribute to the communities and hopefully pass the help on to other youth who may need help. No matter what race those youth may be.
[May 27, 2008 3:46 PM]
MalcolmHello. This is Malcolm Jones, one of the young men that participated in the program. Great Article!
[May 28, 2008 3:02 AM]
Mikeand GREAT JOB, Malcolm!!! Best of luck to you at college. You are a big success story already.
[May 28, 2008 7:19 AM]
RobynI want to thank you for such a great article. I taught Malcolm way back in first grade. He was a inquistive young man with a witty sense of humor. He is most deserving of this honor. I also had the opportunity to work with Adrian's mom, Sheri. Again, what a great family. I congratulate both of these young men and the other recipients. Remain focused and keep your sense of fatih.
[May 28, 2008 3:14 PM]
RitaAwesome Article. Kudos to Fleming, Principal Willis and the students who participated. Young men, young black men and hopefully a trend that will continue. We need not have any more young men killing each other. All I can say is there is hope, there is hope!
[May 29, 2008 10:29 AM]
TimI think this is great, but I do believe that we need to start with the younger children and keep working with them through high school. Our younger generation need help lots of help, just visit one of your local elementary schools.