By James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.
I am an African American man who was born, raised and nurtured a long time ago. The sand in my hourglass is running out. That is simply the passing of life. It happens for all of us.
Let’s just say I am a proud member of the old school. In the public square, strangers call me Pops or OG. For men like me, those are considered terms of pride and admiration
Thankfully, I’ve been around long enough to understand and appreciate those compliments. You see, many of us have gone on to glory. Being in my right mind with a portion of health and strength isn’t taken lightly.
During my career in public and higher education, I advised students on deportment, and it was well received. Some former students whom I have run into over the years have thanked me again for that sage wisdom.
Now, I still give success tips to this current generation of future leaders. I believe they have been well received.
As the years have gone by, I realize how fortunate I was to have been raised in the East Winston section of Winston-Salem, NC. In that community, I learned the behavioral standards that have stayed with me.
My home training began with my parents. They provided me with the foundation for successful living. I have not wavered from the script that they gave me.
It was layered in self-respect. There is a song by The Staple Singers entitled Respect Yourself. When you have a chance, listen to it, as it has an encouraging message.
Back in the day, we had great respect for adults. Being polite and courteous were attributes all of us had as children. We spoke in a respectful tone and acted like we had some sense.
We represented our families well wherever we went. That was the standard and the expectation. Being contrary wasn’t in the cards. For example, while at school, parents were rarely called about an unruly child.
Teachers were well respected, and classrooms were places where learning took place. Dreams of what we could be were shaped and molded there.
I realize more now that my environment was different from today’s. Overall, it’s still my strong belief that parents want what is best for their children. I think we would all agree with that.
Yet our neighborhoods today are different. Technology has played a major role in keeping children inside and playing games on their computers instead of being outside with their friends.
Life for parents now is fast-paced. Before you know it, the day has come and gone. Schedules and appointments keep them busy and sometimes a bit anxious. Trying to prepare dinner and finish homework can be challenging. Kudos to parents for handling these tasks well. If you are old school, you have been there, and you know how that works.
A generation of young African American children needs our help as they grow and mature. It really does take a village to raise a child. These are interesting times, so we must intervene and engage positively when we can. We can’t let them fall through the cracks because of apathy and indifference.
As African American parents and grandparents, we have a moral obligation to help our children develop character. We are their role models for this development.
As children mature, they will emulate what they see and hear. Home training (HT) starts with us. We can’t leave it to others to make a plan because we must have one.
If you haven’t started some HT lessons, begin today and don’t delay. Don’t wait until it’s too late and then wonder what happened.
