Pillars Addendum

I recently read a snippett in USA Today about Cam Newton, rookie quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. It read that he was the first college player since 1950 to win a national championship (Auburn), garner the Heisman Trophy, and secure the first round draft pick into the NFL. Some of you know that there was no "NFL" as we know it now in 1950, but that's not the point. Nor am I going to get into the debate over alleged NCAA violations and accusations, which is a stark media contrast to what the media is so ready to blush about now. I simply thought to myself, "Wow! What an accomplishment." Cam Newton is also keeping the football gurus salivated with a tall order of personal achievements on the field despite a 2-6 record as a Carolina Panther. As I reflected on this, I couldn't help but think about what a role-model Cam Newton could be to so many kids. Then...reality check.

Many African-Americans are still looking for heroic icons, living legends who are also black, for our children to look up to and whom they could also emulate. There are many. But in the mad rush to catapult men and women into that role on accomplishments and media exposure alone, many overlook the every day people, the mundane workadays who fittingly model hardwork, responsibility, and fairplay. Part of the problem (and perhaps the whole) is the breakdown of the family and the absence of "real" fathers in the home and men of "real" honor and dignity in many of our communities. I say this not to spite all of the hardworking, child-rearing, faith-building, hope-instilling, virtuous women who have mothered and modelled love, perseverance, and care for centuries. This is a call for men (who have not already done so) to step up and to reclaim a God-ordained stewardship entrusted to them. Wake the sleeping giants and let the pillars rise. If Cam Newton fits the bill, fine; but let's start with the normal Newtons first. But question (abrupt and perhaps awkward): does this person necessarily have to be black?