by Charlene Holmes
Do not believe the fallacy that all young African American males are sag busting drop outs, gang bangers, drug dealers, jailbirds and selfish ne’er-do- wells.
Maybe years ago, slavery was intended to strip the Black male of his manhood and make him feel inferior, but not all African American males subscribe to that way of thinking. It has been said, as a man thinketh, so is he.
Case in point – Mr. DeMark Bennett. Mr. Bennett is not a drop out. He is a clear thinking, mild mannered young man, he has a legitimate job with benefits and he honors his mom. He breaks the stereotypical mold that has haunted the Black male for years.
Mr. Bennett had no choice but to develop a good work ethic early in life. He explained, “My mother was a single parent. She was both mother and father to me. I worked hard to help Momma pay the bills.”
He was educated in the Bessemer City Schools District and yes, Mr. Bennett did graduate from Jess Lanier High School (now known as Bessemer City High School) in 2002. Upon graduating, Mr. Bennett accepted a job at a Bessemer City School where he has worked for the past 12 years. Hard work and honesty lead to job longevity and job security and being happy where you are because promotion is on the way.
“I did not get to go to college because I was trying to help bring money into the house,” Mr. Bennett said.
He continued, “I love my job. I love working with kids. They brighten my day – every day.”
Mr. Bennett shared advice for today’s youth. “Stay in school. Stay out of trouble. Have your own mind. Don’t be a follower. Always be a leader. Respect yourself and other people. There’s nothing out there in the streets but trouble.”
He added, “Just because you have made mistakes does not mean you can’t change your life. Pick your friends wisely. You can not be friends with everybody. As long as you are alive, you can change your life for the better.”
He said he loves to work. “I am not the kind of person who likes to sit and do nothing. I keep my mind occupied and try to live a peaceful life.”
Mr. Bennett says when he is not working, he likes to go to the movies and eat out occasionally.
“But really, when I am not working, staying home and watching movies is what I really enjoy doing.”
