Closing The Gaps

It is hard to believe that in the 21st century that there are still too many “gaps” in our society to count and with each passing day, they continue to get wider, deeper and more dangerous.  Many of these “gaps” are historical, generational and systemic.  The listing of “gaps” continues to grow especially in terms of gender, education, livable wage employment, affordable housing, quality health care and wealth.  In so many ways these identifiable “gaps” are affecting quality of life, community sustainability and our pursuit of the American Dream.     

Many of these “gaps” are seen as a phenomenon across the board in many facets of our society and the world.  These “gaps” are not just single isolated events, affecting one ethic group, religious faith community or nationality; they are happening way too often and across generations.  Some “gaps” are interconnected with other “gaps” and together you cannot address one unless addressing the other.  Some see these “gaps” as expected outcomes of poor choices, affecting particular racial groups and being trapped in a vicious “cycle or downward spiral.”  Others view these “gaps” as a way of life, it’s the “cards” that have been dealt and must make the best of it. Yet others take the view that all people should be afforded an opportunity to rise above their situation or “gaps” in their life. 
    
Remarkably, a report comes out or a research project is completed that clearly shows that “gaps” do exist in every sector and category; regardless of the size of your city, town or community.  It’s almost like clockwork, daily, weekly, monthly, or annually, you can expect some response that highlights a particular “gap” in our good old republic. ”  It is also amazing how the study of such “gaps” have become big business itself, including grant writing, community organizing, resource allocation, test pilots, block funding, special projects and initiatives.  

It is good to know that there are people, advocates, community leaders, watch groups, and concern citizens who are always on the lookout of how to make things better for those without a voice and to close the “gaps.”  From an outside point of view, it appears that what we are experiencing is a “staged reality of expected outcomes” coming from decisions that do not include those affected and in essence help to create additional “gaps.”  We have a saying in the community “if you are not at the table, then you are on the menu.” This means that if we are serious about closing the “gaps” in our community, we must involve those who are or will be affected by decisions.  That’s my view, what is your?

Black Fathers - Defying The Odds

“There’s so much negative imagery of black fatherhood.  I’ve got tons of friends that are doing the right thing by their kids, and doing the right thing as a father 

                   and how come that’s not as newsworthy?”

Those were the words and question posed by Willard C. Smith, better known as Will Smith from TV, film and music.  He has become one of the most recognizable actors around the world.  In fact, according to Forbes Magazine is one of the most bankable worldwide stars.  In 1990, he was the leading character in the TV sitcom for NBC, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which became successful and began his acting career.   Since that time, he stared in several block buster movies including Ali, The Pursuit of Happiness, Independence Day, Men in Black, and the Enemy of the State.  

Over the years, he has been active in the lives of his children and helping to improve the outcomes of other youth through the opening of a secondary school in California.  As a father, he included one son in two of his movies and one in a music video.  Today, there are many black fathers who are not as famous as Will Smith, but are just as engaged in the lives of their children and other youth in the community.  And it is these facts that are too often overlooked or are taken for granted. 

In a recent study conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Services of 3,900 fathers (2006-2010) and released on December 20, 2013, defy many of the stereotypes about black fatherhood.  In essence and by most measures, the reports reveals that black fathers are at least as involved with their kids as other men in similar living situations.   In particular the report is called “Father’s Involvement in Their Children: United States, 2006-2010,” and it revealed that 70% of black dads said they bathed, diapered or dressed their kids every day, compared with 60% of white fathers and 45% of Latino fathers.  In addition, nearly 35% of black fathers who lived with their young children stated that they read to them daily, compared with 30% of white and 22% of Latino dads. 

This report is quite amazing when you consider what we see and hear about black men and black boys in our country these days.  It is more remarkable especially when so many black men are in jails, prisons, on the street, homeless, lack of education, unemployed and on drugs.  I would agree with most perceptions and stereotypes that in many communities a lot of work needs to be done to help change the narrative of what is occurring, but it is not true in all cases, communities and families.  The question today is how can we do a better job in promoting the positive images of Black Fathers?    

Still I Rise

“You may shoot me with your words, you may

cut me with your eyes,

you may kill me you’re your hatefulness,

but still, like air, I’ll rise”

 

Those where the words spoken by Maya Angelou in the poem, “Still I Rise,” and is included in her book of poetry entitled, “And Still I Rise.”  Over the decades, her gifts as an author, teacher, poet, actor, dancer and singer continues to made a profound impression upon many generations as well as internationally.  During her life time, she wrote seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, and was credited with a list of plays, movies and television shows spanning more than 50 plus years.  She received countless awards, over 30 honorary doctoral degrees, worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, James Baldwin, recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993 and in 2011 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.    

 

She was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, however her childhood was quite challenging as she and her brother lived in various places.  Those early years played a pivotal role in her life and future.  In those early years, she learned the hard way; work various menial jobs, all the while trying to develop her talents of singing, dancing and writing.  It was through her gift of writing that she begin to find her place in a complex world and began writing about her childhood and early adult life experiences.  In her first autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” in 1969, she tells of her life up to the age of seventeen.  This book brought her international recognition and acclaim as she wrote about how strength of one’s character and a love of literature can help overcome trauma and racism. 

 

In her book, “And Still I Rise,” which consists of 32 short poems; she uses themes that point to a hopeful determination to rise above difficulty and discouragement. Throughout the book she speaks for her race and gender, and yet again emphasizes the strength and resiliency of her community.  In the poem, “Still I Rise,” she see beyond the actions of others and with a clear understanding that regardless of what is happening, there is always be an opportunity to overcome.  As so, with some much occurring in our communities these days... gun violence, racism, gangs, prejudice, drugs, and poverty... “Still we can Rise”   What do you think?