Program Demands African American Men as Role Models for Philadelphia Youth

Challenging African-American Men and Businesses

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson told CNN the police can't stop the violence by themselves.

"The clergy has to get involved," he said. "The business people have to get involved. The politicians have to get involved. The community has to get involved. If you are only going to depend on law enforcement it is not going to change the quality of life. A 9-year-old boy is killed on the streets of Philadelphia, no one comes forward. Where a 4-year-old girl is shot no one comes forward. Where a house is firebombed, six people killed -- four under the age of 5 years -- no one comes forward. The community has to come to realize by not coming forward they are only hurting themselves," Johnson said.

Fortunately, grassroots solutions are on the way. A new campaign, Mentor Advocate Networker (M.A.N), joins the fight to decrease violence amongst African American males through mentorship.

According to a press release for the M.A.N project, this project is challenging African-American men and businesses to embrace the city of Philadelphia's need for strong male mentors and role model.

The M.A.N. Campaign, has launched a sixth month mentorship and apprenticeship movement. Through the recruitment of men to become mentors, advocates, or networkers (M.A.N.), the campaign purposes to bridge the gap between African-American professionals and at risk youth. With the provision of support of community leaders, schools, and businesses, the campaign plans to host a BBQ Kick-Off Event on Saturday, September 8, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA.

Jumoke Dada, Creator of The M.A.N. Campaign, joins the coalition of community leaders in answering the call to help African-American youth between the ages of 13-24. "By intervening in the lives of our young males, the men and businesses of the Philadelphia region will play a pivotal role in creating safer neighborhoods in which our children live and attend school," says Ms. Dada.