The unemployment rate for African American males or men like me stands at 14.5 percent, which is twice that of white men due to racism and too few black-owned businesses. African Americans often faced opposition when attempting to start companies in the past, causing most to integrate or seek opportunities elsewhere. Black Wall Streets or Harlem-like communities across the country, for example, were routinely singled out because of jealousy or claims of wrongdoing. They were harassed in many instances or burned to the ground.
The legal system also conspires against men of color in this country. Black males are constantly profiled by overzealous law enforcement officers and everyday citizens like neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman, who was found not guilty of the shooting death of an unarmed black teenage boy whom he hounded. As a result, at least half of all African American males between the ages of twelve and thirty-four have spent time behind bars, away from their precious families.
Finally, my voting rights have been trampled upon over the years. For example, the U.S. Supreme Court recently gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act, while Republicans, like Democrats a generation ago, have instituted measures to dilute the voting strength of minorities, like voter I.D. laws and extreme Gerrymandering.
But harping on the past or blaming the system is not the answer when at least half of African American youngsters do not complete high school, and black-on-black crime is through the roof. To be liberated, African Americans must up their game against incredible odds.
The legal system also conspires against men of color in this country. Black males are constantly profiled by overzealous law enforcement officers and everyday citizens like neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman, who was found not guilty of the shooting death of an unarmed black teenage boy whom he hounded. As a result, at least half of all African American males between the ages of twelve and thirty-four have spent time behind bars, away from their precious families.
Finally, my voting rights have been trampled upon over the years. For example, the U.S. Supreme Court recently gutted the 1965 Voting Rights Act, while Republicans, like Democrats a generation ago, have instituted measures to dilute the voting strength of minorities, like voter I.D. laws and extreme Gerrymandering.
But harping on the past or blaming the system is not the answer when at least half of African American youngsters do not complete high school, and black-on-black crime is through the roof. To be liberated, African Americans must up their game against incredible odds.
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