A Space for Discussing Black Men

Photo credit: Images by Michael Scott Jones Timothy Jones, who works with teens at a nonprofit service organization in Washington, says most lack interaction with their fathers.

By Kerry-Ann Hamilton
Black College Wire

The State of Black Men tour stopped in the nation�s capital as part of a national campaign to discuss issues ranging from fatherhood to homosexuality and �down low� lifestyles.

Kevin Powell, founder of the town hall meeting and author of �Who�s Gonna Take The Weight? Manhood, Race and Power in America," said these issues deserve more prominence.

Tour creator Kevin Powell wanted discussion that was "proactive, responsible to self, black women, community and love."

�The purpose is to create a space for a serious discussion about black manhood in this new century that is proactive, responsible to self, black women, community and love,� said Powell.

The event, held July 16-17 at All Souls Unitarian Church, touched on a long list of searing issues facing African Americans, including violence, gender oppression, a celebrity culture, mass incarceration, absentee fathers and illiteracy.

Nearly 300 people, half of them women, attended the opening day sessions, not only to talk about the challenges facing black males but also to share practical solutions.

Kyle Brown, 46, said he heard about the event on a local radio station.

�I came because there are not many forums addressing issues relating to black men," said Brown, holding a copy of Powell's book. "We also need to realize that the responsibility begins at an individual level.�

Timothy Jones, who works with 14- to 18-year-olds at Martha�s Table, a nonprofit service organization in Washington, said that more than 90 percent of the teens he sees don�t have monthly interaction with their fathers.

"We have a serious problem when we could not organize a Father's Day event, as there is such a high rate of missing black fathers. For our Mother's Day celebration, there was standing room only, " Jones said.

Kenneth Carroll, executive director of DC WritersCorps, an arts and social service program founded by the National Endowment for the Arts, urged the men in attendance to offer themselves as mentors, especially to black boys who are fatherless. Some of them did.

"Every black professional in this city should sign up with organizations like Big Brother and be role models for these youths,� Carroll said.

The prejudice against homosexuals among some blacks was another controversial topic. The moderator admonished the audience to refrain from anti-gay and anti-lesbian comments.

One woman asked panelists about the issue of men living on the "down low," that is, having wives as well as male sexual partners.

"In our community, there is high level of homophobia, ignorance and fear surrounding gays,� Powell said. �How can we marginalize anyone? We can�t be against oppression when it is convenient to us, " Powell said.

Powell urged attendees to adopt some key life changes, which can foster self-improvement and help others in their communities. They included reading more; registering to vote and voting; avoiding frivolous spending; striving to own land, a home or a business; living holistically, including eating sensibly, exercising and striving toward mental and emotional health; and developing spiritually.

An all-day workshop exclusively for black men was held on Saturday, the second day of the tour. Next stops: Chicago Aug. 20-21; Dallas, Oct. 29-30; and Los Angeles Dec. 10-11.

Kerry-Ann Hamilton is a graduate of Howard University who is pursuing a master of arts in international relations at American University.

Posted July 23, 2004