![]() ![]() "When I was growing up, there was a variety of role models, and they were just strong, hard-working black men who provided for their families. "My parents always pushed us, and they instilled the importance of learning in us," Bell said. There were a variety of role models during his formative years which had a positive effect on him. He grew up in Thomson, Ga., in the late '60s and early '70s. Tony Bell, 31, an administrator at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, agrees role models are essential. He said a combination of factors have caused problems for the black man in America, with peer influences and a lack of role models in the home being the greatest problems. "If young people don't have role models or something to aspire to, then there isn't much use to living." Wiles is conducting a study using local eighth- and ninth-grade boys to determine what influences their decision making and their outlook on life. "Role models live in direct relationship to our heroes," said Leon Wiles, dean of students at University of South Carolina at Spartanburg. Wilson believes, however, the situation has deteriorated, adding that his studies show an estimated 48 percent of the nation's black households are now headed by single females. He said those households - many welfare dependent - had relatively few male role models present. Reginald Wilson, educator and senior scholar at the American Council on Education, said that in 1980 about 30 percent of black households were headed by single females. And black households are where the shortage is most severe. There are too few positive black role models locally and nationally for young black men, according to black leaders. Jamaica has been observing IMD since 2012.Positive role models to inspire young black men to succeed are vital to improve their self-esteem and image, but sociologists and educators say the absence of role models in the lives of an increasing number of black youths is making that goal difficult. International Men's Day is observed on November 19 annually and serves as a celebration to highlight the positive role of men in society, to their families and communities. There will also be booth displays by several youth and government entities. It will also include a panel discussion, involving the four men, who will speak about their challenges and achievements and how they lead by example in their areas of work. ![]() Miller said that this event will feature video presentations of four men who are doing outstanding work in the areas of gender, sport, business and community development in Jamaica. On International Men's Day on Friday, an event titled 'Men of Distinction Empowerment Forum: the Black-Tie Edition', will take place at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, beginning at 2:00 pm. There will also be a drama competition, where students from five schools will present pieces depicting the theme 'Leading by Example'. “We want to bring positive male figures to be a part of our programme to encourage our young men to choose a life of hope that will encourage us to be nation builders,” Miller said.Īdditionally, he said there will be presentations on the topics 'Positive Masculinity' 'I Have a Purpose' and 'Goal Setting'. He said today's forum will focus on issues such as young men's health, gender relations and equality, and will highlight positive male role models in the society. The events, he noted, will bring to the fore key challenges faced by men and boys, and present an opportunity to examine the policies and measures that are important for them to achieve their full potential as participants in Jamaica's social, cultural and economic development. Speaking at the International Men's Day commemorative church service on Sunday at Family Word and Worship Church in Kingston, head of the SSDM at the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Nashan Miller, said the activities will celebrate and highlight the achievements, efforts and contributions of men and boys to the development of Jamaica. The activities are being spearheaded by the Bureau of Gender Affairs, a division within the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, through the Special Service Desk for Men (SSDM). ![]() The event is part of activities to mark International Men's Day (IMD) 2021, being observed on November 19, under the theme 'Outstanding Men: Leading by Example'. A Youth of Excellence Empowerment Forum will take place today at The Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |