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| News // Calvin Mackie reaches out to youth in Flint, Michigan |
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Calvin Mackie reaches out to youth in Flint, Michigan
 Cathy Shafran, ABC12 WJRT-TV/DT |
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FLINT (WJRT) - (11/18/06)--A call for change is being sounded to black men across the Flint area. The emotional appeal came during a Black Men for Social Change forum.
The message was a direct one from New Orleans Engineering Professor Calvin Mackie, who came to address a group seeking social change for black men in the Flint area.
His message was that black leaders, black athletes and black hip hop singers will not save you. Only you can save yourself.
Mackie was particularly critical of black musicians like 50 Cent and R. Kelly who continue to portray blacks in violent or morally unacceptable roles. |
"Any music that preaches death, that preaches destruction that preaches misogyny, I can't be with it," said Mackie.
And as a child of the New Orleans projects, who became a PhD with an engineering degree, Mackie told the youth that education was their only real key to success.
His messages struck home.
(Brendon Green) "I want to get a PhD too in mechanical engineering like him," said Brandon Green.
Chris Campbell was also affected by Mackie's message. "I don't feel what I used to feel after today about music," he said.
"It's just the music that really concerns me," said DeAndre Richardson. "It's giving me the wrong image."
Organizers hope the seed of hope planted at this event may one day grow into a positive culture for the adults of the Flint's future.
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