Port of Spain councillor Nicole Young used the occasion of Emancipation Day to urge men to emulate the example set by her father in “stepping up to the plate,” as he taught her to have pride in her African ancestry.

The representative for Belmont East agreed to let Newsday reference her Facebook post in tribute to her father Winston Young. She began saying her views were not an attack on men, but rather a clarion call.

“Black men, step up! We appreciate you. We love you and we want you to be the best you can be. Truly, we need you. “I can only speak from the perspective of a young black woman. The man you see in the picture made sure I understood my worth from very young,” she said, referencing a photo of her father which was in the FB post.

When the uncertainties of adolescence approached, she said, her father was sure to build her up, reassuring her that she was beautiful and intelligent.

“He ensured that I was proud of my blackness. I knew my ancestors came from Africa and I found pride in that.” He also taught her that she was born in TT and must always seek to serve her nation. “This is the request I have for my black men: understand your worth and your power. Take care of your offspring. Ensure that you make them understand that the world is theirs.”

She urged African men to never let their children feel overshadowed by any other group.

“Teach your sons how to be industrious and kind. Teach your daughters how to love themselves and to accept nothing less than they deserve. And vice versa. Black men, we need you! That’s where true Emancipation lies. Aṣẹ!”

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