Black Male Summit Addresses Media Influence on Identity
Today, I join African-American leaders and scholars from around the country for the 9th Annual Black Male Summit at the University of Akron.
The Summit is a national platform for best practices and innovative strategies focusing on cradle-to-career success for African-American males. The focus this year is the crucial issue of how the media affects black male identity.
More than 50 years ago, Malcom X lamented, “This is the press, an irresponsible press,” he said. “It will make the criminal look like he’s the victim and make the victim look like he’s the criminal. If you aren’t careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.” The media’s treatment of victims of police violence, from Michael Brown and Eric Garner to Sandra Bland, demonstrate the truth of his words all these decades later.
The National Urban League’s signature Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) and Project Ready are making strides in improving outcomes for young black males. UYEP provides work readiness preparation, internships and on-the-job training to youth ages 16-24 who are not in school and are seen as “at-risk.” The program has been successful in reduce the risks that these young people face, such as long-term unemployment and incarceration. Project Ready helps 8th-12th grade students make academic progress, benefit from cultural enrichment opportunities and develop important skills, attitudes and aptitudes that will aid in their transition from high school and position them for post-secondary success. Thousands of students across the nation are succeeding in college and careers thanks to their Project Ready Experience.
As we work together to continue the progress of our young brothers, I thank the University of Akron for the honor of addressing this inspirational gathering. Follow the Summit on Twitter and engage with the participants by using the hashtag #UABMS.
