Men Do Matter Summary

Summary In this article, Joseph B. Richardson Jr. explains his theory and findings on how men matter in male African American youths’ lives. “Men Do Matter” states the role of the African American uncle is a “vital yet overlooked” part of these children’s social support. Richardson examines not only the uncle, but all other non biological fathers possible role in raising Black male children. These people can be biological brothers, brothers-in-law, and even some older extended family members. The extended family members are important to helping the oftentimes single mother raise her boy or boys. This article uses three specific case studies as examples from a total of fifteen. The studies used for the articles were on Black male adolescents for four years. For “Men Do Matter” the three …show more content…
Soulville ranked first in per-capita rates tuberculosis infections, infant mortality, and children with asthma, too. The article gave more statistics backing the reasoning behind the study and why they chose children that are “at risk.” The first case study shared was Clyde. Clyde was one of three boys being raised by their single mother. She had support from a group made up of her three older brothers and an older male cousin to act as father figures to her boys. Clyde looked at these men for advice and they helped him out with schoolwork and even insights on street codes. Second was Jalen. Jalen was raised by his grandmother mostly because most of the men in his family had been incarcerated at the time or at some point in their lives. Jalen’s uncle was released from prison during the study and was paroled to Jalen’s home. The uncle, Richard, took the role as a surrogate father. Jalen was into basketball and would play in leagues, so along with Richard, he would get guidance from his coaches. Towards the end of junior high for Jalen, he was recruited by many high schools in the area to play basketball. His older cousin, Steven, was able to step in and help Jalen with his