Controversy over the role of American-American males in our families and communities has bled all the way into the presidential race, as Barack Obama and Jesse Jackson have publicly quarreled over this topic. Both of these men, along with other civic leaders, have sent out the call for black men to engage in more volunteerism, to become more responsible for their families and communities, and for more accountability in the growth and development of our children.
As a single and engaged father of three, I too echo this sentiment and have made overtures to both of our main local Boys and Girls clubs to volunteer as a mentor, basketball coach, tutor – and for nearly a year my calls and emails have gone unanswered.
I played sports on both the high school and collegiate level; I have worked as a youth mentor with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse here in St. Louis for over 14 years. I have presented as a speaker in many school districts. I mention all of this not to pump my self up, but to ask why in my own community have my overtures to assist and volunteer been avoided?
I no longer want to hear any more complaints about black men not being invested in our communities. When you are offering assistance, offering your time, and your community turns a blind eye, what are you supposed to do?
All I hear is rhetoric about how black men are not doing this, and not being there. Well, one is here banging on the door to help, but apparently no one is available to answer.
Quentin Mobley
St. Louis