Tre Maybury is a young man on a mission. He recently gave an address at First Church of God, North Shore, about his life and achievements as a young black male. Success he says would not have been possible without his faith in God.
Asked about the current situation facing young black males here in Bermuda, Mr. Marbury described it as tragic. One of the main contributors to the current situation, he feels, is the difficult socio-economic situation with which this demographic is faced.
“I think that there are a unique set of socio-economic challenges that we face as black men, specifically young black men in today’s day and age, especially in this economy.”
“And I think that the economy itself does drive a lot of depressions that cause people to make social decisions that revolve around quick, fast money.”
He added, “If we were able to do a better job of supporting each other, supporting our young black men financially, and ensuring that we have opportunities not just within the fields of international business and finance, which so many people go into, but in other fields, especially trades, I think it would make a big difference in the social climate that impacts gang violence.”
For Tre, his faith in Christ has been the foundation upon which he’s built his life. That faith he says has seen him through the most difficult of times. It’s something he admits is not easy to adhere to, but believes it is fundamental in righting the situation facing our young black male population.
“Give your life to Christ. It’s easier said than done, and it is a very active process. There are so many churches around the island, if anything, try one and if it doesn’t suit you, try another one.”
Tre stressed “I’m sure that everyone could find a church family here in Bermuda, and I wish that for all of the young black men who are hurting and struggling right now, but just have faith and know that walk with God can be the best walk of your life.”
Accompanying Tre during his visit home is 23 year old Arrington Jeffers, grandson of Charles Jeffer the first, and Bishop Vernon G. Lambe. While he spends most of his time in the US, he says Bermuda holds a very special place in his heart.
It is after all where his beloved grandparents and father Charles Jeffers the second hail from. He shared his thoughts on the issue which he describes as universal, having seen it play out so often in Baltimore where he resides.
“I’m seeing a lack of embrace from the elders for the youth. They’re seeing their friends die, and there’s more questions about what we can do to prevent it, rather than to embrace and comfort those that are in loss.”
Arrington feels the close knit nature of Bermuda, only serves to amplify the problem. “The difference in Bermuda specifically, is the proximity for everyone, like you’re killing someone you went to school with, probably.”
“So seeing that in Baltimore, it’s not as close as it would feel in Bermuda, but still seeing that black men killing each other and that it’s coming down from generation to generation, it’s truly troubling.”
He feels that individuals who get caught up for myriad reasons. One of the main ones he identified is the peer pressure from wanting to fit in. “I would say embrace, change. You being different doesn’t make you weird, it doesn’t make you strange. You going on your own path and continuing life is something that is valued more than being the same as your so-called friend.”
“So just being different is something I would focus on.”
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