What IS a YBP community?

May 11th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

‘Young Black Professional Guide’In “It’s not so bad after all” a 22-year-old teacher from Phoenix had this to say about the benefits of being a young black professional in a place where there aren’t many young black professionals:

“You’re not bound by the title ‘young black professional’ and all the expectations that come with it like you would be in a more diverse city.”

This made me think. A lot.

Do YBPs further segregate themselves from an already under-unified group of people? I am not suggesting that all blacks form a united front. We are too diverse of a people – thankfully – to do that. But do YBPs unnecessarily segregate themselves thus preventing the addressing of black issues that require socioeconomic diversity?

Does the label YBP come with a stigma among other blacks? Does the group isolate itself from young professionals who are black with alternative philosophies and perspectives who don’t fit the “YBP” mold? Is there a place for those who aren’t in the “right” professions, aren’t in the “right” organizations, don’t hang out at the “right” spots or simply don’t care about the stuff “YBPs” care about?

Have you ever felt like you were set apart from this group that all supposedly are supposed to strive to be a part of? How did you deal with it?

Viewing 7 Comments

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    I don't believe we set ourselves apart by using YBP. But I try to get my friends into blogging and I would suggest a site like YBPGuide to check out and the response I normally get is: "is that a totally pro black site and all move back to africa and "F" the establishment".

    It's funny at first, but thinking back on it, it seems like just that name might give people even blacks the wrong idea of what we're about.

    But on the other hand, I believe its a great name to represent a group.
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    So that there's no confusion, I don't want to imply that there is anything wrong with the name of this blog. I wanted to discuss the bigger issue of what it means to be a YBP and how that affects blacks who aren't YBPs or other young black professionals who don't fit the YBP profile, if there is a profile.
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    I think that there is a YBP profile, but that it has a very wide range. There's obviously the YBP who is a young lawyer, businessman, or doctor. But then there's also the YBP who is in graduate school or a teacher. Young African-Americans who didn't go to college can even fit the profile if they are ambitious and "in the pursuit of happiness." I think it boils down to state of mind and common goals. To me the YBP mindset is about networking and seeking knowledge. The topics covered in this blog can definitely apply to a wide variety of people. And I think that anyone who pre-judges the community that we've created and the YBP communities in various cities are extremely narrow minded.
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    I hope my comments weren't taken the wrong way. I do love the name of the site and what it stands for, I was just giving an example of a reaction I recieved from someone else that didn't understand the YBP mindset.
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    But do YBPs unnecessarily segregate themselves thus preventing the addressing of black issues that require socioeconomic diversity?

    Very simple advice:

    Be yourself!

    I think oftentimes we as Black folks burden ourselves with this expectation that we have to be a part time professional who works twice as hard as the White man, part time civil rights participant, and full time member of the 'buy black" movement--all while making sure we have not "sold out" in any way.

    You have a great site here and those who are meant to read it will find you. It has certainly caught my attention.
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    I totally understand why Eugene posed the question. There are times when I am dealing with other young black professionals who are limited in their personal tastes -- whether it be music, art, food, etc. -- and they will turn their nose up to you and the experience. But the nose turning doesn't stop there. They'll turn their noses up to someone who didn't finish school, or as Eugene said isn't working in the "right" profession. I don't equate that with being a young, black & professional...I equate that with being bougie.

    There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a support system, a network, a community -- which is what we have established here. What I fear is that there are a few young black professionals too busy smelling themselves because of their accomplishments and not doing anything to help address issues facing our community.

    Wanting to associate with others who have the same goals and drive as you is a great thing, but once your social group turns to one of exclusion of others then you're probably not being effective. That's not our problem here. As Duane siad, those who are meant to find the blog will...this is a place for growth. Not every YBP group out there can say the same.
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    part of me hears is "YBP" like saying "yuppie" and all the associations that go with that, except for black people? another part of me hears the contradictions we face. Like when a long-time family neighbor asked for legal advice and then asked why I talked like a white person. How do we stay true to our roots and our aspirations? Easy. Its already been mentioned that we stay true to ourselves. Look what kind of stuff happens on this site. It's about social change, personal growth and how to succeed in an increasingly complex world. It's about accountability, responsibility and celebration. We are empowering ourselves and that will help us empower others. Now, can everyone understand that - not always. Are we always as sympathetic to those not in the "right" professions or who aren't doing what we think is "right?" Well, we have to ask those questions of ourselves. The more education, the more money, the more understanding we get, the more the onus is on us to share that with those who can use it, with exceeding hope for a better tomorrow for everyone, and no other expectations. But, as for YBP - I think you're spot on Kim, it's a state of mind. A choice. No matter our "station."
 
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