Continuing the role model debate

Around the country, African American males are still feeling empowered by President Obama’s election, believing that the Head of State affects change through legislation and by serving as a powerful role model.

But he may also be serving as an inspiration for renewed community engagement and connection through non-profit organizations.

Three of the nation’s largest black fraternities have formed a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The fraternities — Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha and Kappa Alpha Psi — recently held a summit in Atlanta, Georgia to decide how to recruit more black men as mentors.

The number of black men volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters has increased. About 800 more African-American men have become big brothers since Obama’s election, compared with the same time last year, a group spokeswoman says.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” David Miller, co-founder of the Urban Leadership Institute in Baltimore, Maryland said of the President’s impact on civic engagement among black men.

Black men cite President Obama’s choice not to use his struggles as excuses as inspiration do the same. A year later, his speech calling men to step up still echoes for many as they explore ways to reach the country’s youth. Existing community organizations serve as the conduit through which to get involved.

To read more on CNN about the connection between the increased in mentoring among Black men, President Obama, and developing partnerships between civic organizations, please click here.