There comes a time in our lives when excuses are no longer sufficient and the only correct thing to do is to become accountable individuals.
Unfortunately, more and more people continue to make excuses, thus becoming less productive and accountable. Sadly, many Black men tend to lead in this unacceptable trend.
We all know a Black man who isn’t doing what’s needed to be a responsible adult, so there’s no need for anyone to get upset over my frankness. It’s time to not only “air our dirty laundry,” but also do something about it. I’m proud to know of one Black man in the Indianapolis community who is doing just that.
As you’ll read on page A1, Robert Jackson, wrote a book titled No More Excuses, Black Men Stand Up! While the book in itself is sure to be a highly effective tool towards fixing the problems of our community, it’s Jackson’s own story of evolution that will be a true motivating factor for any Black male — young or old.
By all accounts, Jackson wasn’t supposed to make it. He was a fatherless child raised by a single mother in one of the city’s roughest neighborhoods. By statistical standards, these harsh realities as well as the color of his skin pretty much guaranteed that Jackson would accomplish very little, if nothing at all in life. Fortunately, however, despite his hardships (and there were many), Jackson has persevered against all odds to become a respected, law-abiding professional who takes care of his family.
The admirable thing about Jackson is that although his upbringing was challenging and oftentimes adverse, he has remained true to his humble beginnings. He’s dedicated much of his life to mentoring young men, many of whom are were raised in a similar situation he endured.
His act of community service is something that we all should aspire to do. If God blesses us with the ability to excel beyond expectations, it’s our civic duty to reach back and help someone else along the way.
So often people who were raised in the projects or ghetto, yet had the opportunity to advance themselves have done so without looking back and helping others. I’m a strong proponent of every person being independent and making things happen for themselves, but we all need help — even the most fortunate among us need help.
I often say that you can be the smartest, most talented person in the world, but if you’re not given the opportunity to display your talents, they go unused. We all can directly and indirectly impact the lives of those around us.
I encourage you to read the story on A1 titled No More Excuses and learn of some of the excuses that our Black men are making everyday. We all know someone who isn’t taking care of his child, doesn’t have a legitimate job, uses women, behaves in a boyish manner, or simply acts irresponsibly. It’s time out for the excuses. We need our men to stand up and be accountable.
While it’s going to take a lot of encouragement and support from all of us to get the men in our community to a higher standard, it’s also going to take that man’s individual willingness to correct his situation.
I know several men who are in jail for a plethora of things, from failing to pay child support, to committing serious acts of violence. Nonetheless, each of these men can improve their lives — they just have to have the desire to do so. A change can come to those who truly want one; they just have to be willing to work towards it. Absolutely nothing in life is free — nothing. You have to pay in some form or another for everything that you need and want. The best way to do so is through hard work.
It’s my sincere hope that we support Jackson’s book and use it as the tool that it is. I commend him for breaking the stereotype and not being a negative product of his environment. Jackson didn’t let his situation become his circumstance, which is an important lesson for those with similar backgrounds as his.
We all have the ability to do great things, we just have to be proactive and act!
