THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 15, 1994 TAG: 9409140003
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 50 lines
As an African American of 54 years and father of two sons, ages 12 and 16, I can no longer hold my silence. The Aug. 31 killing of 11-year-old Robert ``Yummy'' Sandifer by 16 and 14-year-olds (allegedly Craig Hardaway and his younger brother) was the final straw. As reported by the media, Sandifer had allegedly gunned down 14-year-old Shavon Dean a few days earlier.
Across America, this kind of senseless, ruthless violence is being perpetrated by children against children. This ``crisis'' in our communities, disproportionately African American and inner city, saddens and frightens me.
In these particular communities, there seems to be a misunderstanding and miseducation about ``what it is and what it takes to do the right thing.''
Although this is most defintely a ``national'' dilemma, it is certainly time for true African-American men and fathers to resolve this ``crisis.'' There is a Chinese saying that translates, ``The flip side of crisis is opportunity.'' If we are in a ``crisis,'' then let us African-American men and leaders take advantage of this ``opportunity.''
We must put ``manhood'' and ``fatherhood'' back into our affected families and communities. We need to inject real ``manhood'' and genuine ``fatherhood'' into our young boys and men. To do this, we must be(come) strong and resourceful men: husbands, fathers, friends, teachers, role models, mentors. We must understand that ``manhood'' and ``fatherhood'' are the bedrock of family, community, survival, destiny.
We must understand, teach and instill in our young boys and men that manhood and fatherhood are humanity, dignity, self-respect, respect for others; that manhood and fatherhood are intelligence, competence responsibility, commitment, investment, ownership, and empowerment; that manhood and fatherhood are head, heart and guts - all located above the waistline; that manhood and fatherhood are respecting your young, your women and your elderly. That is true manhood. That is real fatherhood.
Unequivocally, we must teach our children (boys and girls) the values of education, hard work, remaining drug-free, avoiding criminal behavior, refusing short-term rewards, and not indulging in irresponsible sexual promiscuity. We must make them understand the wisdom and vision of Malcolm X: ``Liberation comes with health, education, responsibility, financial independence, family stability and community service.''
JOHN L. HORTON
Norfolk, Sept. 4, 1994 by CNB