In February, President Barack Obama announced a new White House initiative called "My Brother's Keeper." Its purpose: To improve the lives of black and Hispanic males, help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential. It's a noble objective to help these at-risk young men of color, an effort numerous businesses, individuals and organizations undertake in our region.
One example: The Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta Inc., founded and overseen by Norma Joy Barnes. The six-year-old nonprofit hosts workshops, mentoring programs and other events in an attempt to combat what she says are almost insurmountable odds — a vulnerable gap between youth and manhood experienced by many males, but disturbingly so for blacks.
Surely, many young men (and women) of all stripes and hues could benefit from a program like Barnes’ and as proposed by the president. The nation’s young people need the support and tools to make good choices, embrace resiliency and overcome obstacles.
Perhaps that's why Obama's initiative has its share of critics. One of today's guest writers likens the multimillion-dollar initiative to "profiling." Moreover, he suggests that it sends a message to blacks and Hispanics: You need special attention so you won't "screw up."
On the other aisle, however, an Atlanta-based author says the "My Brother's Keeper" campaign should focus on educating the nation on how to change the outcome of black males. He cites the anti-bullying and anti-smoking campaigns as examples.
Regardless of one’s perspective on the issue, there’s one thing we likely all can acknowledge: Young folk, in this region and beyond, need as much support and guidance as our society can muster. As in helping at-risk individuals, regardless of color. We can improve their lot. By doing so, we enrich our region, state and country. To do otherwise would be costly and foolhardy.
