Passion to Help Black Youth

Black History Month is indeed a great time to emphasis just how important it is to reach out to one another regardless of race or socioeconomic background, and to take pride in who we are as a race of people and as individuals.

Back when I was 13, I wouldn't of thought so.

While still a young Christian, learning the basics of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ, I had various issues with my own peers. I felt disconnected from many of the black youth I came in contact with both in public school and church. While I spent a lot of time studying and researching, my peers were more focused on popularity and "whose who" in their circle.

Growing up, I was picked on often, and while my Mother, Father and others shared with me that it was part of growing up, the rift between myself and others my age grew larger and larger, even to the point of hating those who appeared to disrespect and dishonor those who were achievers and hard working. Anyone who thought I was "acting white" or some kind of sell-out became an enemy to me.

I later realized that I was completely wrong.

Late into my senior year in high school and into college, I grew stronger spiritually and closer to Christ, and found out that I was going about reaching out to black youth the wrong way. It as all about showing Love to my brothers and sisters in the community. I didn't have to like what was going on, but I did have to Love the people.

I started reaching out to those who were feeling like outcasts in a world that didn't understand academic achievement and purpose, and in turn, God blessed me with a chance to associate myself with those who felt a calling to do great things in the world, especially Ministry.

I couldn't help but look back into history and recognize those who fought so hard to give a young black man like myself a chance to be myself, especially the local black men and women of Dallas and Fort Worth. Obviously, family and friends were a huge help.

Now, a Youth Minister in Dallas, I have the huge responsibility!

Their are black youth who witnessed the first black president, but their is still so much work to be done. Many black boys and girls have yet to be told that they can achieve anything and not to worry about the names they are called or the associates they may loose for being gifted and talented.

All too often, many black children decide to hide their gifts and their talents in order to keep from getting bullied or labeled by peers. And those who do step out of the box of conventional thinking either become outcasts by their peers like I used to be and even forget where they come from, or keep themselves under the radar and miss huge career opportunities.

Its not too late to reach out to our children so long as you start right now.