ERNIE BROWN JR. Some black men must change their attitudes, behaviors

I recently attended a prayer breakfast sponsored by The Brotherhood, the men's group at Union Baptist Church on Youngstown's North Side.
More than 30 males, some preteens and some older than 60, turned out on a bright Saturday morning to fellowship over breakfast, to pray and to hear a message from the Rev. Lewis Macklin II, pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church.
Before the Rev. Mr. Macklin spoke, however, a young man from Union Baptist, Dan Spivey, got up and shared his thoughts on the state of the black man.
He shared how black men continue disrespecting their girlfriends and wives, neglecting their children and killing one another.
He said black men must not continue such abhorrent behaviors. Black men must become loving fathers, responsible parents, respectful to black women and lovers of God, he said.
He challenged all of us to affirm one another and not tear down one another.
Dan Spivey is aware of what's at stake.
Be responsible
This is not another column about how the white man continues to "beat down the brothers."
No, this column is about challenging black men, in general, to step up and live up to their responsibilities.
Racism still exists in America, but black men must stop using racism as the sole reason for all their ills.
I don't believe racism can be blamed for black men's disrespecting and mistreating black women. Black men can stop that behavior today.
Black men must stop killing other black men over money, drugs, card games, gang colors and other trivial matters. The killing can stop today.
If there are no jobs in Youngstown or anywhere else in the area, is it not better to leave and search for a job elsewhere instead of sitting around and trying to figure out how to rob a bank or hijack an armored bank truck?
Does it really make sense for black men to impregnate several women and not take care of those children? That behavior can end today.
I have used this column to advocate voting and voter registration. The ballot box remains the strongest resource we have to effect change in our society. Yet, many black men don't vote and refuse to register to vote. That attitude can change today.
Praise God for black women in the black church. Without them, many ministries would shrivel and die. Getting involved in worship and church work is not restricted to women. Yet many black men make up numerous lame excuses for not getting more involved in their church or any ministry.
Those excuses can end today.
Stereotypes
I am not trying to perpetuate any stereotypes. I am just challenging black men to start doing what is right and cease from doing what is wrong. I don't believe that is a hard thing to do.
But when will black men step up to the challenge? What are we waiting for?
The contributions of black men have helped make this nation the greatest on earth. The legacy of our forefathers is one of steadfastness and overcoming insurmountable odds. What kind of legacy are we leaving for our children in this century?
Certainly there are thousands of black men throughout the Mahoning and Shenango valleys who are doting fathers, loving husbands, hard workers, mentors and great providers. This column is not for you.
This column is for those black men who are perpetuating the stereotypes, who refuse to adhere to the mandates of government and from God.
Young black men, it is not too late to turn your lives around. You know who is working hard and setting a good example. Take the time to follow them and not your "home boys."
We are the descendants of a proud race, a people who have made significant contributions on every continent on this planet.
We must begin to take responsibility for our actions. The fate of our race is in our hands. Are we willing to step up?
ebrown@vindy.com