The Derailment and the Disease of African Culture of Self-Hate (Pt 1)

Mastering the trade of barbering for over 25 years in the heart of west Philadelphia on( 52nd Street) allowed me to experience and feel the emotional and historical pulse of young Black men.

- Khabyr Hadas

"What we do for ourselves depends on what we know about ourselves, and what we accept about ourselves."

John Henrik Clarke

Teaching the disciplines of social studies and Black History in the Charter and public school arena for (10) years has also allowed me to communicate and feel the pulse of our beautiful, intelligent Black youth.

During these powerful periods in my life, I have always raised the question in the classroom or our family barbershop "Do you know what a 'fair one' is?" To my disappointment, they could not answer the question in either setting due to the fact that my generation and the generations that proceeded have failed to carry on and keep our traditional cultures alive and thriving. We as adults have continued to pour excuses down the throats of our hungry youth to play the blame game. We often blame social media, violent movies, gangsta rap, violent video games, and the youth's inability to listen to their elders. Collectively, we all play a part in the horrific derailment of our African Culture.

As I slowly explain the definition of a fair one, I receive complete attention from inquiring Black minds. The looks of disbelief hurt my soul. Growing up in Philadelphia in the '70s and early '80s allowed me to benefit from a beautiful Black culture that embraced unity (Umoja), love, and peaceful summers within most Black communities. I explained to the youth that a 'fair one' was conducted when two young men had a disagreement or a problem with one another. After which, we would actually start a fair fight using our fists and the innate amateur skills of boxing and sometimes wrestling.