Samantha Edmondson
Daily Egyptian
Joe Hill grew up in a supportive home with opportunities for education, financial stability and male mentoring. But Hill, a recent SIU graduate in administrative justice, knows other young African-American males are not as lucky in Carbondale.
After coaching the track team for Carbondale Middle School, Hill learned how some of the students would rather stay at practice than go home.
Hill was helping out with the annual Juneteenth Celebration when he was approached by his pastor, Rick Jackson, of Bethel AME Church. Jackson asked Hill and his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, to provide guidance in the church's new program, "Widow's Ministries." This is one of seven different local mentoring programs, funded through the Public Policy Institute, that help young African-American males further their social and academic knowledge.
Mike Lawrence, associate director for the Public Policy Institute, said the institute received a large grant from the Ford Foundation and dedicated $25,000 of the funding to implement mentoring programs targeted toward the African-American male.
Lawrence said he believes this section of the population is where increased efforts need to be made.
"We see too many African-American males in prison and too many African-American males not succeeding the way we want them to succeed," Lawrence said. "It is very important to all of us as a society that we help people of all races to reach their full potential, and we have identified the African-American male as one of those sectors where we want to concentrate."
Several years ago, the former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris formed a commission to solve problems with the African-American male and offer recommendations for their success in society.
Lawrence said the institute took some of these goals from Burris' commission and tried to give general guidelines for the local mentoring programs.
But he wanted the churches themselves to propose programs they thought would best serve the Carbondale community. Historically, African-American churches have played a significant role within the communities and would be a feasible outlet for such programs.
"They know their communities better than we know them and, I think too often, government agencies have an approach of 'one size fits all; here is what we think should be done and here is the money to do it,'" Lawrence said.
Thus, the institute contacted all of the African-American churches in the Carbondale community, offering each the chance to begin their own mentoring program.
Seven mentoring programs were established ranging in funding from $1,500 to $7,500 that were designed to better educate young males, incorporate SIUC students and resources and help out fellow Carbondale citizens.
"Widow Ministries" through Bethel AME is one of three programs that started in mid-July. Rev. Jackson based the program from a biblical scripture communicating this general message: "to help the widows and the orphans in their infirmaries."
Jackson said the program incorporates both widows in the local area and young males into a situation of trust, work and community service. He plans for two young junior high school males to work with one SIUC student from the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and one church member to conduct home improvements in widows' homes.
"Young men often come to college with no home maintenance skills," Jackson said. "And widows want people they can trust in a safe environment."
New Zion Church and House of Prayer have combined efforts to implement a year-long class as part of an existing mentoring program. New Zion Church pastor, Norman Greer, said the main goal of the program is to teach young males speech communication skills, success in society and spiritual growth.
Greer remembered that his father, uncle and bosses' guidance throughout his life helped him succeed in his own life.
"I was mentored as a youngster through various camp activities I was involved in, and it provided for me a very clear definition of self," Greer said.
The New Zion and House of Prayer program will have guest speakers from the University and community and will visit historical sites in Memphis, such as the Civil Rights Museum.
Olivet, Rockhill Missionary and Hopewell all have programs that plan to start to in August and September. Faith Temple Church of God in Christ has already began its mentoring program, "Be A Man," which kicked off with a sports program Saturday. This is one of many the church hopes to implement, among street evangelism, bible studies and guest lectures.
"We want to establish a foundation where the kids can contact us," Hill said, "have us as role models."
Reporter Samantha Edmondson can be reached sedmondson@dailyegyptian,.com
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
