Public OutReach America's Military and You -Youth Advocate: Black history still being made

Youth advocate:
Black History Still Being Made

By Army Staff Sgt. Marcia Triggs

WASHINGTON, February 20, 2001— An advocate for youth used humor and bluntness during an African-American History Month celebration to show Pentagon workers that the hip hop culture is now carrying the torch for legendary blacks.

LaMarr Shields, the host of a teen talk show, explained how he informs teens that records were broken before Tiger Woods, and that black history did not start and does not end with slavery. Shields hosts a TV program in Baltimore titled "What about us," and a web-casting show on youth issues called "Cyber Teen" at http://www.ladybuglive.com.

"When young people talk about Allen Iverson, I tell them about Muhammad Ali. When they talk about the William sisters, I talk about Arthur Ashe," Shields said. "When I hear about entrepreneurs of today, I talk about Madam C. J. Walker. They need to understand that these feats are not new."

The youthful speaker — who in his late 20s is not much older than the artists and athletes who have the attention of the children he reaches out to — used lyrics from rap artists combined with his own poetry to talk about achievements that have not made it in history books, but have been headliners.

The premise of Black History Month is to look back at the great things that have happened in the past, to help concentrate on what needs to be done in the future, Shields said. However, he said it's not the time to try to define the African-American culture. Trying to attach a meaning to a culture is like putting it in a box, he said.

"Define the African-American community?" said Shields. "I cannot stand here and do that. Defining the African-American community is like containing a Miles Davis tune or restraining an Ella Fitzgerald scat. It cannot be done."

His experiences with youth and the energy he gave out in his presentation not only entertained his audience, but gave them insight into how today's teens view their achievements compared to previous accomplishments.

"As a parent it was interesting to hear the speaker transfer the achievements of yesterday with what is occurring today. It will help youth go a long way if they hear from another young person the way things were once done and what must continue to happen for us to prosper," said Col. Moses Whitehead, the commander for Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, Calif., who was at the Pentagon for the observance.

The celebration also included folk songs from Donal Leace, a singer and songwriter from Washington, D.C.