Program Demands African American Men as Role Models for Philadelphia Youth

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson told CNN the police can't stop the violence by themselves.

"The clergy has to get involved," he said. "The business people have to get involved. The politicians have to get involved. The community has to get involved. If you are only going to depend on law enforcement it is not going to change the quality of life. A 9-year-old boy is killed on the streets of Philadelphia, no one comes forward. Where a 4-year-old girl is shot no one comes forward. Where a house is firebombed, six people killed -- four under the age of 5 years -- no one comes forward. The community has to come to realize by not coming forward they are only hurting themselves," Johnson said.

Fortunately, grassroots solutions are on the way. A new campaign, Mentor Advocate Networker (M.A.N), joins the fight to decrease violence amongst African American males through mentorship.

According to a press release for the M.A.N project, this project is challenging African-American men and businesses to embrace the city of Philadelphia's need for strong male mentors and role model.

The M.A.N. Campaign, has launched a sixth month mentorship and apprenticeship movement. Through the recruitment of men to become mentors, advocates, or networkers (M.A.N.), the campaign purposes to bridge the gap between African-American professionals and at risk youth. With the provision of support of community leaders, schools, and businesses, the campaign plans to host a BBQ Kick-Off Event on Saturday, September 8, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA.

Jumoke Dada, Creator of The M.A.N. Campaign, joins the coalition of community leaders in answering the call to help African-American youth between the ages of 13-24. "By intervening in the lives of our young males, the men and businesses of the Philadelphia region will play a pivotal role in creating safer neighborhoods in which our children live and attend school," says Ms. Dada.

The campaign promotes community service, while implementing incentives and promoting black-owned businesses. The goals of The M.A.N. Campaign are to recruit a minimum of two hundred male mentors, fifty African American owned businesses for the apprenticeship program, and Philadelphia truancy organizations to partner accordingly. The M.A.N. Campaign will establish a presence in the Philadelphia region. It will then leverage the relationships built locally and mobilize the campaign across the country. "Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., with a rising homicide rate, it is only befitting to begin the campaign here," said Ms. Dada.

Radio One has joined as a media partner. Bishop Ernest Morris, Pastor of Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ has joined the campaign as the first faith-based organization to get involved. Pastor Damon Jones of Bibleway Baptist Church of Philadelphia has also joined the mission.

The M.A.N. Campaign plans to host two additional events: A 'Missed' Education Poetry Slam featuring celebrity poets and an end of year reception to honor participating sponsors, businesses, and organizations. For more information about The M.A.N. Campaign or upcoming events, log on to www.themancampaign.org.

Source

M.A.N. Campaign press release
CNN, "Philadelphia: Teen 'afraid every day' as gun violence soars"