Jackson’s Slip Gives New Meaning to Obama’s Plea to African American Men

Jesse Jackson comments, prior to the start of an interview, which he made unaware that his microphone was on and live, were regrettable. There’s much that can be taken from the comments. Much that can be analyzed and if we go there; much can be made of the comment. The larger story is that Jesse Jackson’s time is done. The once towering Civil Right icon fell from grace some years ago, with unfortunate incidents in his life. Since that time he has struggled to grasp the direction of the country and more importantly the African American community.

No longer are African Americans civil rights advocates, but those in responsible jobs and those who seek to make a responsible, honest living are concerned with working within the system. The rules are there so that the American dreams and aspirations can come true for them and their families. That is the reality of one segment of the African American community; the African American middle class.

There is still another segment; (and this is the segment that Barack Obama speaks to of late), has a difficult time realizing what their responsibilities are as African American men. This is a sad fact, but responsiblity is lacking, when neary 60% of all African American homes are headed by a woman, with no man present. This causes an epedimic of hopelessness and a generation of young African American men who are being raised with no examples of how to be a father and a husband. No role model or father figure present.

This is more or less our problem. Yes it is unfortunate that the cards some of us were dealt at birth resulted in disadvantage. Yes it is hard to overcome. But with desire and sure will, obstacles can be defeated and African American men can be the fathers and husbands that many African American women long for.

They are tired of fighting that fight alone. So yes, I can say as an African American that Barack Obama is right, his messgae is clear and right on dead center; African American men need to take responsibilty for their families and be a role models to their children.