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OURMEN [[image]] Jacqueline Boyette President & Founder DESIGN: Tuckett McCray Studio Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY: Susan Wood December-Victor Duran November-Batson Photographers HISTORICAL DATA: Schomburg Research Center United Nations THE PROBLEM: Black men of the 80s are the beneficiaries of a rich cultural heritage. They follow a long line of outstanding leaders, innovators and tenaciously hard workers. However, this is a hidden legacy, not visible in the Black community, nor in the world at large. Where are the positive role models for our youngsters, the helpmates and supports for our women, our male standard bearers of excellence? They are not to be found in schoolbooks, nor on TV; not on billboards, nor on street corners. However, they do exist. You know it and we know it. THE NEED: To overcome the barrage of negative images impacting the self-esteem of the Black community, we need a greater awareness of the Black community; we need a greater awareness of the day-to-day contributions made by our men. Our women need a positive reminder of the ongoing commitment and dedication of their men to the family and the world of work. Our disillusioned need the notion that they too can succeed-and the visible proof it is happening every day. Our youngsters need living role models of achievement to dispel the myths and stereotypes surrounding their past and their potential. Our employees and coworkers need to see that we are prepared to define our image, painted in positive tones, on a wide and varied canvas, and that image includes our men. THE ANSWER: In 1984, Jacqueline Boyette launched the OURMEN CALENDAR, designed to celebrate the unknown but successful Black man. OURMEN takes a unique and positive look at the full spectrum of achievements won by today's Black male. Drawn from a cross-section of services and professions, the OURMEN calendar provides a positive monthly reminder that OURMEN must be recognized, not glorified; respected not exploited. Jacqueline Boyette JACQUELINE BOYETTE PRESIDENT & FOUNDER 107
