Reclaiming Our Way promoting the well-being of African American children & families

Philly Mayor Michael Nutter: Three Myths Hurting Young Black Men and Boys

Photo Credit: Associated Press

On Huffington Post this past Thursday, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter highlights three myths about the experiences of African American males. His main points primarily address access to equal opportunity for Black males, the broader impact of violence among Black males and the role of government in shaping communities and opportunities that promote healthier lives for Black men and boys.

There's a great deal missing in terms of analysis and a broader frame promoting the development of a historical, social and cultural consciousness among Black males, but there's still a lot of value in having high-profile officials such as Mayor Nutter speak out in ways that shine a spotlight on the history and present-day reality of racism and cultural oppression that negatively impact Black males. It's a break from what we usually hear, which is the worn-out lecture about personal responsibility and the absence of Black fathers (speaking of myths...).

It's a short read, but important nonetheless, even if it only serves as a much-needed reminder that, indeed, we are not the crazy ones!

In America today, there are three myths, three fundamentally misguided beliefs that are hurting our young black men and boys -- bright young people that I have been fortunate to meet in my time as Mayor of Philadelphia. These myths chip away at the opportunities of these young men of color. As a result, we're putting an entire generation at a severe disadvantage and wasting the lives of millions of people who, with reasonable investment, could become vital contributors to our economy and society.

Here are a few very brief excerpts from the article. i still encourage you to take the extra 5 minutes and read the rest of it at Huffington Post.

1.  Myth: America has progressed enough as a nation that black men and boys have an equal opportunity to be successful.

We have a black President and many other elected officials, doctors, lawyers and industry leaders. Success is a possibility for any person willing to work hard to achieve it. That's the underlying belief that fuels this myth. But, it neglects the realities young black men and boys face every day in America: higher rates of poverty, arrests and incarceration, large health disparities and lower educational attainment rates.

2.  Myth: Black-on-black violence only affects the black community.

This isn't the case of "thugs killing thugs" that so many people pretend it to be. This is the mass murder and incarceration of an entire generation of African American men. It is the systemic decimation of opportunity, the obliteration of hope that makes these senseless and tragic deaths so damaging to our entire country. When a life is ended much too soon, a family loses a son, brother or father. Their world is irrevocably altered by that loss. But, so is our nation. We never benefit from their knowledge, creativity or abilities. We lose their contributions to our economies and communities.

3.  Myth: Helping young black men succeed is not government's problem.

This myth is rooted in the belief that federal, state and local governments have no obligation to help young men of color succeed. That mindset is wrong. We -- government at every level -- created this problem through decades of disinvestment, indifference and neglect.

Again, it's not a full analysis, but it's an important reminder.  We have to keep the pressure on, and keep doing the work to transform the societal and community conditions that shape the lives of our young boys and men, as well as our young girls and women.

That remains our charge!