I spent much of my weekend with Alex Haley and Brother Ramey. You probably know Haley, the author of the mind-searing book, ‘Roots’ who traced his lineage to Kunta Kinte. They made the book into a TV miniseries back in the 1970’s. I came upon it again recently, released as a DVD anthology.
Simply put, ‘Roots’ is a “tour de force”! It is powerful, insightful, riveting, emotional and provocative. If you haven’t seen it in awhile, check it out; it’s guaranteed to move you in all kinds of directions. After viewing the first disc, I wanted to watch it all, non-stop, but I couldn’t cause I had to spend considerable time on Saturday & Sunday with Brother Ramey and the ‘Boys on the Porch’.
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"Brothers on the Porch" |
You may have never heard of Ed Ramey. He’s not famous; no one ever made his family tree into a blockbuster entertainment package. Brother Ramey’s work is obscure but to me he is every bit the hero that Alex Haley is so when he calls I try to be there. Alex Haley inspired, motivated and influenced generations with his work, tracing roots and opening minds about us, and our past. Brother Ramey’s personal roots may never make it to the movies but what he’s doing with the boys of Detroit should.
Ramey is a mentor who, along with several other Black men of Detroit, formed a group, “Brothers on the Porch” to reach and lift young boys on the verge of failure. He does it without grants or government funds; he does it somehow with miracles, tenacity and the help of people moved by the type of inspirational messages you’ll find in ‘Roots’. Brother Ramey like Alex Haley is about uplift, character development, discipline, self- pride and respect. Unlike Haley, he could use some help from all us brothers.
*Rites of Passage Program*
Not sure what to do this weekend? Here’s an idea: watch ‘Roots’ on Saturday then call Ed Ramey on Sunday (313-826-1543).
Tell him you want to help him turn boys into men.
Let him know you’re ready to be a “Brother on the Porch”."
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