Positive Role Models
Critics, parents — and even kids — have complained about a shortage of positive role models for young black men. They say without mentors, some young men aren’t learning important life lessons about getting ahead and achieving goals. But WAMU’s Youth Voices commentator and D.C. teenager Andre says role models ARE out there. They’re just overlooked.
About Andre
I’m a junior at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School. I know what I want to do with my life, and that is to become a doctor. I’m in Wilson’s Science, Math, and Technology Academy.
I’m African American, with a touch of Portuguese and Antiguan. My ancestors are from the islands of Cape Verde and Antigua. I’d love to visit the islands some day.
I like to practice Tae Kwon Do, listen to all kinds of music, write, and read. I’d say someone very important in my life is my aunt because she has looked after me. If you meet me you will find that I’m always ready for an intelligent conversation and a good laugh.
My story is about where young black men see themselves after high school. I want to understand why some young black men at my high school (such as myself) see something positive in their future and why others don’t. I plan to talk to a lot of students at my school and also community leaders who work closely with young men. I hope that my story will broaden the minds of those who listen.