Man Up group working to change the narrative for Black men

ST. LOUIS — An initiative is underway to focus on those that do not normally make the headlines, males who — as an alternative of participating in crime — are working to make a distinction in St. Louis and dealing to stop boys from turning to a lifetime of crime.

A number of years in the past, the #BlackLivesMatter motion caught the eye of the nation. St. Louis group Man Up World is pushing a special perspective, Black Males Matter, particularly, the group says, after so many current photos that members really feel do not symbolize the entire.

“It is heart-wrenching typically media and social media,” Organizer Chris Hill stated. “Simply the shows of various African-American males and what that is trying like for our group…How are we altering the narratives which might be being written?”

It is a query the 28-year-old and his fellow organizer, 27-year-old Andre Walker, each from St. Louis, ask daily. They lead the non-profit, Man Up World, a mentoring group that advantages youngsters and adults.

“Our objective is to construct up robust younger males, younger boys fairly than making an attempt to simply restore damaged males,” Walker stated.

Over time, the group has held Goal Walks showcasing boys and males in fits marching alongside The Arch.

“It has been for a very long time, if Black males weren’t athletes or entertainers, that was the premise of who we’re,” Hill stated. “There’s a lot extra to us. We’re resilient and we’re robust and we’re clever and we’re inventive and we’re progressive.”

Saturday, the group is looking on the general public to affix them in a Black Male Empowerment Symposium, with the purpose of empowering folks to be the most effective model of themselves and to turn into brokers for change, irrespective of their age.

“We will add worth to not solely this metropolis but in addition to the globe,” Walker stated.

Defying the headlines, and providing hope to those that really feel they don’t have any selection however to turn into the following statistic.

“There’s lots of people in a whole lot of locations who haven’t got a spot to show to. They do not have brothers. They do not have optimistic male position fashions and Man Up is the place that exists for hope to dwell there for these folks,” Hill stated.

Saturday’s symposium is free. It is open to boys and males of all ages. Will probably be held at Simon Corridor at Washington College from 9:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Attendees are requested to decorate in suave apparel.