CHRIS GILLIAM
Banner-News
Changing the younger generation’s mindset will take involvement from the community, churches, school systems, elected officials, and others.
“There have to be leaders who will stand up, lead by example and speak constructively on what needs to be done,” said Arkansas Urban League board chairman Sherman Tate.
The former Verizon and Arkla Gas executive, who spent 30 years in the corporate world, told more than 200 people Saturday night that the Urban League was founded on leadership.
“Leadership is critical. One thing I know about kids is they don’t care about how much you know, but will know how much you care,” Tate said during the annual Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Scholarship Banquet, which was held in the Reynolds Center on the SAU campus.
Over and over, he asked, “What has happened to us today?”
He said his parents demanded he follow their rules and regulations, but that’s not true today.
“Why are so many youths serving time in prison? Why are so many young people wandering up and down our streets today? Why are more schools no longer teaching cursive writing?” asked Tate. He said many kids in school today are there physically but not mentally.
The speaker explained that the Urban League’s primary focus is education, health/wellness, housing, and economics/jobs.
“In our Excellence in Education program, emphasis is placed on reading, writing, mathematics and grammar. We are working with school superintendents as well as meeting with parents and others in the community,” said Tate, adding his mother taught him how to read and speak. “She made sure my posture was correct and I was looking straight ahead. That’s still important today and we have to challenge parents to do that.”
According to Tate, everyone must come together on different levels to deal with all kids.
“All of us ought to have the mindset of what we can do to help others,” he said. “We have to get these young people to understand that they need to get a job, work hard and stop complaining, which will enhance their ability to climb up the ladder.”
“What are we facing in 2017?” he asked.
Reflecting on the National Urban League’s history, Tate said the organization was a big help to many African-Americans who fled the southern states several years ago in search for better opportunities up north.
“Those people had no clue on how and where to find jobs, housing or schools. A lot of that is still true today all over the country, and people need our help,” he said.
Tate said every individual “must get around” to doing his or her part.
“You must speak up and voice your opinion. You’re not going to win every battle, but if you don’t engage, you surely won’t win,” said the speaker.
The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity also gave out service awards. Recipients included Waldo Mayor Patricia Glover (Uplift), retired educator/coach William Watson (Scholarship), Sports Editor Chris Gilliam (Manhood), and retired educator/pastor Rev. W.C. Tims (Perseverance), who will be 95 on Dec. 7.