I walk the hallways of Florida A&M everyday, I see beautiful brothers anxious to receive an education and change the stereotypical image that society has placed on them.
On Nov. 4, 2008, the United States elected the first black president, Barack Obama. Although, many view the likes of Obama rarity among blacks, there are millions of black men just like him.
His presidency is a monumental event for minority communities across the country, but most importantly for black men.
It has been said that color is not an issue in America today, but with increased murder, suicide and drop out rates, black men find themselves insecure in how they view themselves and the country they live in.
While black males have leaders to look up to, they rarely learn about them.
History is full of black scholars, politicians, activists and educators but many of them go unrecognized. Many black children have limited knowledge about the significant works of men such as Carter G. Woodson or Daniel Hale Williams, but they are well versed about George Washington and Christopher Columbus.
The omission of prominent blacks in history classes leaves many African Americans searching for thier identity and nacceptance in society.
For years athletes have been the only examples of successful men in the black community.
The millions of dollars, cars and mansions intrigue black youth and too often, they take on the mindset that being a celebrity is the only way to get those things.
The African-American males that get the opportunity to go to college leave their communities and simply never return.
This leaves many African-American youth without an example of success.
Boys are not given the opportunity to view what the benefits of a college degree.
While most young boys and men do not aspire to become president, they now know that there s a possibility.
The day Obama took office was the day he became a role model for many black men.
He changed the way that black men view themselves.
He offers the hope that one day black men will not be seen as inferior but equal. His position gives young African-American males a positive view of the future.