Black Male of the Month: Derrell G. Owens

I nominate Derrell G. Owens. Derrell is 36 years old and he is an award-winning playwright. I am so proud to be his best friend. Derrell is dedicated to portraying the African American population in a positive light. His personal conviction to break stereotypes, especially those pertaining to African American men, is evident in his personal life and in his writing.

His recent original play, The Family Mantle, won 1st place in the 18th Annual Drama Competition sponsored by ABC2 and The Arena Players, Inc. The play aired on ABC channel 2 on February 26, 2000, in celebration of Black History Month. The play dealt with three brothers (each successful in professional careers) that return to the family estate when their parents are killed in a plane crash. The play also won him an Individual Grant Award in playwriting from the Maryland Arts Council.

Derrell is so committed to positive images that he will not write plays about drug dealers or gangs. He believes that negative images have been shown too much and that it's time to see African Americans that are not living in poverty. He likes to show African Americans that are business owners, educators, professionals and inventors. Derrell also like to show positive family situations where there are loving parents raising their children to be positive citizens.

Derrell is also the director of The Alpha & Omega Drama Ministry, a nonprofit Christian drama group. As the writer of the ministry, his productions show African American men as positive role models with strong spiritual beliefs. He has become very popular in the community and is requested frequently to speak to students and church congregations. He teaches drama workshops that have a portion that addresses the importance of positive images of African Americans.

Derrell loves the theatre and he knows that some kids and teens cannot afford to go to the theatre to see African Americans perform on stage. He often uses his own money and car to take kids to the theatre. I am Derrell's best friend and I am so proud of him and the work he is doing. When I watch the plays that he produces, I sit and smile and I am very proud to be an African American male. If you do not choose Derrell for male of the month, please consider him for other features on your wonderful site such as "Guiding Lights."

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