By Lynn Pearcey
Since 1619, when the first person of color landed on these shores, the struggle of the Black family has been nothing short of monumental. Nowhere is that struggle more apparent than in the plight of the Black man. Many theories have been bandied about as to why after more than 400 years, his pursuit of the so-called American Dream continues to offer an abundance of challenges. From stereotypes that halt personal and professional endeavors to overt racist policies that keep him locked in a vicious cycle, gangs, drugs, and the newest iteration of self-hate – gun violence, the Black man faces obstacles at seemingly every turn. Some are able to overcome, while far too many languish under less-than-ideal circumstances, hoping for a better day, searching for a way out.
It was under that backdrop that a veritable who’s who of Dallas’s Black male leadership vacuum gathered at Dallas Roosevelt High School – a place where only days prior to this gathering, fell prey to gun violence, for what was billed as “The State of the Black Man.” The event was headlined by the one and only Dr. Cornel West, an independent presidential candidate universally recognized as one of the leading Black intellectuals of our time. Dr. West, who was requesting a $375 campaign donation for a one-on-one interview, instead participated in the panel discussion, offering practical insights and words of encouragement.
A Young Man of Action
But while Dr. West was the main attraction, the day belonged to 18-year-old Zephaniah Paul, a student at Dallas Roosevelt. Paul embodies the dire circumstances that were at the heart of the discussion. When the call went out for audience participation, Paul bravely stepped forward, spoke his mind, and set the tone for the day. “A lot of people pass judgement on us, but they don’t know what we go through. Before passing judgement on us, take the time to understand what we’re facing in these streets”, said Paul, a 4.0 student, and member of the Roosevelt football program.
So impactful was Paul that organizer Keio D. Gamble graciously gave his seat on the stage to the young leader, understanding that his voice was the one that those in attendance most needed to hear. But while Gamble made room for Paul, he remained an integral part of the discussion. “Every organization represented on this stage was founded with the same goals in mind: empowering the Black man, saving our Black boys. As such, there’s no need to recreate the wheel, as we don’t need to compete, we need collaborate because that’s the only way things will get better”, said Gamble, CEO of Power Broker Management.
Paul was respectful of the assembled voices, applauding their agendas, missions, and interests, but the young man was in no mood for small talk or empty promises. In his short life, he had heard them all, which is why he challenged the panel to do something he had yet to see: act. “Just talking our telling us you’re going to help somebody out here ain’t hitting on nothing. You talk, but we still dying every day. What are you going to do to stop it?”
The Growing Concern on Gun Violence
Paul’s impassioned call for action galvanized the room and paved the way for difficult conversations, including the growing concern about gun violence. The recent shooting at Roosevelt could’ve been much worse had it not been for the quick thinking and bravery he displayed. While fighting to escape the streets, Paul keeps an ear attuned to them. When word reached him that a shooting would take place at Roosevelt, he alerted members of the staff, imploring them to cancel classes. Leadership complied, and a greater crisis was avoided. “Had it not been for that young man, the shooting incident that took place earlier this week may very well have resulted in a significant loss of lives,” said Terrence Lowery, Assistant Football Coach at Roosevelt. But while a more dire shooting incident was avoided, Paul warned of a looming danger, bubbling beneath the surface that must be addressed: that danger – the age of shooters and their utter disregard for life. “These kids and killers are getting younger and younger, and they don’t care about nobody, and that includes their mothers. Unless people start listening and doing something to help, what you’re seeing now will only get worse.” One Roosevelt teacher issued an even more ominous warning on the prevalence of guns in our classrooms as she shared a recent conversation with another student. “This young man told me there’s no need for him to bring his gun to school because his gun never leaves the school; it’s always here,” she said. This comment gave the room a chilling insight into what children are dealing with and the urgency to enact real solutions.
Dealing With The Disconnect
There’s a disconnect between the young Black man battling the streets and those sworn to save them. That disconnect is borne out of assumptions. Leaders assume they know what those in jeopardy, fighting daily to survive, need, but in reality, their assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth, which is why so many of their programs totally miss the mark, and the cycle repeats. It’s an undeniable reality that stands in the way of progress and a point that was readily accepted by the panel. “Don’t come with assumptions; come with questions, and you’ll get the answers you need to help us deal with the problems we’re facing out here,” Paul said. The comment was well-received by the panel, with each pledging to ask questions and, more importantly, act upon the answers they receive. Dr. LaTame Phillips, CEO of Hunger Busters, an organization focused on feeding hungry children in Dallas, offered to meet with Paul each week to teach him sound financial planning: planning that he can use to help his family and community.
Hope For a Better Tomorrow
The day concluded with Dr. West taking the stage, re-emphasizing many of the key points Paul had previously made while encouraging the audience to continue building upon the momentum that filled the room. “One of the reasons we have such deep crisis among our precious young folks is because they haven’t been loved enough, they haven’t been attended to enough,” said Dr. West. He implored the community to keep the proverbial love train where adults who have made it come back to help those looking to make it, help those who want better, find better. And while Dr. West captivated the room that hung on his every word, even his star dimmed in the presence of Zephaniah Paul. Often referred to by mentors as The Chosen One, in Paul, we can all find hope: a hope that says regardless of the current state of the Black man, a better tomorrow is coming.