Panel debates role models for black men

Sneakers, Michael Jordan, gangs and dancing were all part of the discussion last night at a program about role models for black men. Over 50 members of the Philadelphia community attended the highly vocal panel discussion during which the audience contributed as much as the five-member panel. The discussion, moderated by English professor Herman Beavers at the Instititute of Contemporary Arts, orginally attempted to address the identity of black males in the community, but the audience expanded the discussion. Panel member Homer Jackson, a Philadelphia video and performance artist, initially suggested that young black males could find inspiration in athletes and the "whole mythology surrounding an athlete." Jackson said that as a child, meeting Roberto Clemente "was like I had met God." But panel and audience members questioned the use of black superstars like Jordan or Michael Jackson as role models for the young. Panelist Sonny Hill, well-known in the city and around the country for his Community Involvement Basketball League, said that basketball initially is a means of expression for inner-city youths of all backgrounds. "Unfortunately for African-Americans, we have expressed ourselves, but we have not taken it, as other ethnic groups have, and moved on with it," he said. Hill stressed the need for strong adult influences -- especially from parents -- in young people's lives. "Help comes from within," he said. "There aren't enough adults that are willing to step up to do the kinds of things that are needed. We can't wait for outside people to do it because historically, it hasn't been done." Charles Harpe, a writer and AIDS activist, said he felt African Americans often cannot adhere to the dis-empowering standards society sets. "I think the time has come for us [black] males to really take a look at who we are, above and beyond the structures society has set up for us," Harpe said. Hill agreed, saying "We've lost our way, and until we recognize where we come from [and] how we got here, we'll continue to lose our way." Harpe said that a strong internal will is necessary to overcome stereotypes of black or homosexual men. "It came to a point where I had to say that you may sit up there and [stereotype me], but to me that means nothing," he said. "But it is an issue of self-determination in the community and that is one of the struggles that we face," said panelist Rochelle Nichols Solomon, the founding member of Sisters Remember Malcolm. Heated debate, in which the audience actively participated, continued in an attempt to determine those who define heroes for blacks, and what such a definition should be. Rennie Harris, local choreographer and TV personality, spoke at length, saying he agrees with Harpe and that blacks cannot rely on untouchable celebrities for empowerment. "We pay homage to a person like Michael Jordan," Harris said. "We pay homage to him because we want to 'be like him.' But what about being like yourself?" Jameela Rose, a 15-year old student at the High School for Creative and Performing Arts, said the program "brought out a lot of issues that needed to to be discussed" and that "more young people needed to hear what was said." The discussion, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, drew from Jackson's "High Flying" exhibit at the Institute for Contemporary Art.