Have we been in this country for more than 400 years, survived slavery, segregation, Jim Crow and other atrocities--to put our own race out of business by making men invisible and women educated?

I don't think so!

Now, let me say up front that I am not against my sisters getting impressive credentials.  However, the reason why God opened the academic and financial doors to many women of color is to be helpers to men of color so we can all be blessed as a people and a nation!  Not just a chosen few.

I don't know where you are today, brothers, but I have noticed many of our politicians-black and white-liberal and conservative-quickly pointing out the number of up-and-coming young women they have on their staffs-but few young men of color.  I have noticed-even in the Black community-that when a Black company does make it, you see a whole lot of young women, but few if any-young men in the photos of celebration.

Go to any African American businessman or businesswoman and ask them how many young men of color are working for them and they give you the same refrain that we heard from other cultures: "We can't find any!"

However, as those individuals go to work, head to school, or out to shop, there are dozens of young men of color who go overlooked, under-encouraged and under-appreciated by their own people.

Society cannot preach the education is needed doctrine only to our young women, without teaching them how to cook, clean, or sew.  We proudly state that our daughters know more about financial portfolios than how to use an oven, make their own clothes, or shop at a grocery store for other than something that can be made in a microwave.  A young woman full of education, but void of common sense in how to carry herself is nothing more than a well-groomed Delilah waiting to clip your son, Samson.  And, we all know what happened to that brother!  It's recorded in the Book of Judges.

On our bookshelf this month; "Faith of the Fatherless" by Paul C. Vitz (1999, Spence Publishing, 174 pages). If you want to know how to turn a young man either towards God, or away from Him, read some of these historical stories about a host of men and what happened to them with/and without having a father around to make a difference.

Next, we have "Going For The Max", by Max Cleland (1999, Broadman & Holman Publishing, 144 pages).  Vietnam veteran, former State and U.S. Senator Max Cleland lays down 12 important points that helped him turn his life around, and will make a difference if we want to experience life to the fullest.

Lastly, a golden oldie by Carlton Pearson, "Is There A Man in The House?"  (1996, Destiny/Image Publishing, 172 pages).  If you are finally becoming aware of the problems of manhood in America, this is a good primer book.  Pearson's give-and-take examples on marriage alone should open more than a few eyes of both sexes.

"Brothers, if you want your wife to act like a thoroughbred, don't treat her like a nag!"  -  Tony Evans

Mike Ramey is the author of "The Manhood Line" a column written monthly for men from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective. To correspond, drop an email to manhoodline@yahoo.com. 
Copyright © Mike Ramey/Barnstorm Communications. The opinions expressed are those of the author and are used by permission.