BLACK MALE LEADERSHIP

This conversation leads to the issue of wielding true authority, with the power to make impactful decisions. There is a desire to push up against this culture that celebrates those who are selected to represent the population being served. There is a desire to push up against a facade that supports a selected representative; while final decisions are being made by mostly white boards and executive staff. Final decisions should include the voices of individuals of color who are products of the very communities that they have been selected to “represent.”

MCDOWELL:

When we lead our own entities, we get to pick and choose our own models; instead of existing under the decisions of another “leader.” For some strange reason, we as black people are defined a leaders, only if we serve under a bigger “non culturally inclusive” umbrella.

AUTHORITY, AND IMPACT

MCDOWELL:

There is a struggle for these older established agencies to welcome and embrace new ideas and innovations. We see a community that is still trying to promote change within old models and programming. There is a certain level of push back when it comes to accepting new ways of promoting community development. However, when change is welcomed, then we can establish a new local culture that makes it “common” to celebrate black male leadership and authority.