As a child, my role models were less famous than those admired by most Black children my age. I wanted to be like my cousin Cindy who was a world-traveler and had joined the Peace Corps. I admired my church youth-group organizer and choir director because he could play piano by ear, was an amazing chef, and spent his days doing what he believed he could to help others. Then there was my 7th grade history teacher, Mr. Barnes. He was strong and fearless and possessed a wide array of knowledge that he shared freely and without judgment. He made me love learning and I wanted to be like him. Of course, I also wanted to be like my mom. Despite our many problems, she was smart and dedicated and one of the best nurses in the Bronx. My role models were everyday people who had real importance to me.
This is not to say that I did not admire Michael Jordan, Flo Jo, or Salt n’ Pepa. I thought they were amazing people who were lucky to live what I believed were glamorous lives, but my mom was vigilant about teaching us that fame and fortune does not equal true success. She would say that role models should be people who “spend their days doing something of purpose” while still maintaining a strong moral code.
I believe this too. More now than ever before. When I was teaching in the Bronx my students idolized 50 Cent, TI, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James because they had money and fame. To my students, this meant that they were good people. And while I won’t take away from the hard work that goes into becoming a professional athlete or rapper, I firmly believe that most young people don’t grasp that aspect of the equation. More importantly, when these superficial role models actually show the world glimpses of who they are inside, as a community we make excuses or embrace them – holding them up on pedestals because of their fame. We allow our own moral codes to be tossed aside in order to protect the image of what we mistakenly believe is success rather than teaching our children to respect those who actually contribute to the improvement of our global community.
We ignore our local role models.
It is so important, especially for children of color, to be exposed to normal people of color doing good things. Like the teacher who comes back year after year to the same school to help rebuild the community despite the lack of pay and glamor. Or the mom who busted her butt to start her own business so that she could create something sustainable for her children. And the husband and wife, who despite the increasing odds against them, have remained committed to each other and their union. Let’s teach our children to look up to these people, because our children deserve a better class of role models. Don’t you think?
image credit: Stock photo by leroys: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/738032
