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Black Issues Forum 2001

Role Models or Role "Playas" -- Who do you Respect?

Selected Resources - A Place To Begin Your Research

Faculty/Staff Advisors - Teresa Neely
Peer Mentors - Yadiel Mengesha, Michael McQuaide, Rori Robinson

Faculty/Staff Advisors - Jerry Smith
Peer Mentors - Charles Johnson, Alissa Lyles, Shatana Smith

Library Staff - Teresa Neely, Dean Hendrix, Allison Level

Key Words/Subject Headings

  • SAGE (Online catalog) --USE Keywords - "role models" and "mentors" and "heroes" and "heroes and African Americans". Also, search for individual 'role model' names, for example, Michael Jordan, Jessie Jackson, etc.

Selected Books

  • Tudor, D. V. (1997). Hollywood's vision of team sports: heroes, race, and gender . New York: Garland Pub. PN1995.9.S67 T84 1997
  • Benedict, J. (1997). Public heroes, private felons: athletes and crimes against women. Boston: Northeastern University Press. HV6250.4.W65 B46 1997
  • Dortch, T. W., and the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. (2000). The miracles of mentoring: the joy of investing in our future. New York: Doubleday.
  • United States. Congress. House. Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. Subcommittee on National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice. (1999). Shattering the myths of the drug culture: celebrity role models just say no. Washington: U.S. G.P.O. Y 4.G 74/7:M 99

Databases

These resources include fair amount of full-text materials

  • Periodical Abstracts - Search for individual "role model" names, for example, Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens), Darryl Strawberry, Latrell Sprewell, Rae Carruth (Charlotte Panthers), Tiger Woods, Venus Williams, Serena Williams. etc.
    Use also "Athletes and role w models" or "African Americans and role w models," or "Michael Jordan and role w model."
    Also using the Descriptor field (de=), search for "Blacks and personal w profile" or "Blacks and personal w profile and politicians" (You can insert athletes, educators, etc.); "African American and heroes" or "Blacks and awards and honors."
    Also search for "personal w profile and [add a name, for example: J. C. Watts (Congressman; Franklin Raines (CEO Fannie Mae); Willie Brown, Mayor, CA; or Dr. Ruth Simmons (President, Brown University).
  • WilsonSelect All full text - USE - "role w model" and "athletes and role w models"; "athletes and Blacks and 1998-" (for recent articles)
  • ABI/Inform - (Business database) USE - "Michael Jordan and advertising," "athletes and media," Grant Hill, Cal Ripken, Jr., Michael Chang.
    Using the Descriptor field (de=), search for" Blacks and athletes" or "Blacks and advertising" or "Blacks and role w model" or "Blacks and executives."
  • Electric Library- [Includes TV & Radio Transcripts and Ethnic Newswatch titles] - All Full Text USE - athletes and role models; mentors; and individual names, see above.
  • Ethnic Newswatch - USE "role models"
  • Academic Universe
    • Select Academic Universe, News, General News, and use "Athletes (or other term)" and role models and respect"--limit search to one publication title, e.g., The New York Times.

Organizations

  • Arthur Agee Role Model Foundation - A national organization headed by Arthur Agee (Hoop Dreams) that emphasizes the power adults have as positive role models in children's lives.
  • Association Of African-American Role Models - A St. Louis organization which provides positive role models to African-American youth through a variety of programs.
  • R.E.A.L. Mentors - A California organization that exposes young adults to practical business skills.

Web Indexes of Role Models

  • Ebony Men on the Move - 10 current African-American role models profiled.
  • Real African American Heroes - An index of distinguished African-American soldiers and astronauts.
  • Strong Men & Women - African-American role models are selected each year for this website.

Scholarship

Editorials

Content: Dean Hendrix, Allison Level, Kate Cunningham-Hendrix