HOWARD BANKHEAD
Blog: September/November 2013
God At Work
I had an encounter with God through two (who I perceived to be ‘thug’ looking) African American young men at a local shopping center parking lot the morning of August 29, 2013.
As I was approaching my van, I noticed they stood close to my van and were looking inside the windows. I have an older, 1992 model Ford van that is in great need of repair, so I never lock my vehicle doors.
When I reached my van, I saw they were using my window as a mirror to comb their hair. I asked them what was going on and they said they were going into the store to see their friend. Earlier while I was in Best Buy, I’d noticed a line of people waiting to be interviewed and I asked the young men were they applying for a job. I quickly noticed that one young man was dressed in sagging blue jeans and another wore gym shorts. I explained to them that they couldn’t go dress so casually for a job interview. Laughing, they quickly corrected me and explained they were visiting a friend who worked at the store. I told them to have a good day and they thanked me, calling me sir. Needless to say, this is not the response I expected from them. When I drove away, I realized that was a spiritual experience for me.
I write about this because of the negative images that are being placed on African American men. In many instances, these are images that our youth will embrace. I must confess, in the past, I too have had a prejudice toward young African American men who have a certain appearance and look and carry themselves in a certain way. I am praying to God to help me with this. Nevertheless, I know that my encounter with those young men today was God answering this prayer. This humbling experience has allowed me to change my perception of them and my response to their plight.
You see, our young African American men are not negative, evil beings. I admit there are serious issues that plague our African American men, and these issues should be addressed. However, a majority of the music, images and attitudes that Hollywood, Madison Avenue and Wall Street present in the media and through pop-culture has a lot to do with the way we form our perception of them. As a concerned citizen, find innovative new ways to dispel this propaganda. Start a program to help make a difference.
For those of you who know me and others that may not be aware of the work that I do, I have a youth ministry program that is designed to help youth ages 6-18 develop their life skills through the arts (jazz), health and sports (golf). For over 20 years, I use this platform to impart change. There is hope for our youth. Faith and love are integral to positively reaching the next generation of world changers. I’m up for the task. Are you?
Thanks for allowing me to share my experience with you. My God bless you.
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In order to grow and continue the success of TVYGD and TVJS, we ask for your love, support and donations!
Howard Bankhead
Executive Director
Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development
604 Jordan Lane
Huntsville, AL 35816 USA
256-604-8172
