and fair editorial decisions, and telling the full
story accurately—not just part of the story. I
am part of the media, and I think as a Black
woman, I do my best to tell everyone’s story
in a fair and balanced manner. However, for
years, even before I was in this business, stereotypical media
images of black
youth—especially
black males have
made our kids
think that they are
something they
are not. Before
they even get
out of the womb,
someone has
already declared
that their future
is doomed. And
when you see and
hear these negative images over and over
again, it starts to take over your psyche, it
seeps into your subconscious, and if you don’t
have anything to counter balance the images—
you begin to believe that the negativity and
you begin to act out as if you have no future,
and no hope. The reality is that we, in the
African American community should be having
tough conversations among ourselves about
the problems that are holding us back. You’ve
got to take responsibility for yourself, your
family, and your community and do what is
right! I am not saying their aren’t institutional
injustices that have plagued by the black
community for years, however I am saying
that at some point, we have to stop blaming
“the man” and get busy creating a life for our
youth that is worthy of living. If it takes just
one educated person to reach back into the
hood and mentor a child—I believe this could
make a world of difference. It could be the key
to breaking the cycle
of generational poverty, imprisonment,
lack of education, etc.
I am a big believer
of giving back, and
although I grew up
in the suburbs far
away from the maddening crowd, my
parents taught me
that no matter where
you come from, you
should have a fair
shot, and if I have to
go to unfamiliar territory to help lift someone
up, especially our youth, I will do that.
What can the average person do to
make a difference?
Again, mentoring is key. Reach back
and help some youth that needs a solid role
model, there are so many programs going on
in inner city communities that need educated
folks with sense to be around our youth, even
if it’s just a few times a month. You can be
more politically active and vote. Some of our
churches need to step it up. Instead of telling
people to pray and fast for more expensive
cars and bigger houses, our church leaders
need to be praying for our youth, and pray for
You’ve got to take
responsibility for
yourself, your family,
and your community
and do what is right!
22 HimPower October 2015
educators and mentors, and parents who will
do everything in their power to ensure that
these kids get a solid start in this life.
I attended a conference last year, and
Actress Phylicia Rashad was on the panel.
During the Q&A, one of the young people said
seeing the character “Claire Huxtable” on The
Cosby Show, as a wife, mother and lawyer—
inspired her to pursue those same goals—and
she accomplished them all! Today, I wonder
what our youth are aspiring to be as reality
shows with loud-talking, half-dressed, combative women dominate our airwaves.
You’ve met a lot of famous people. Is