Now I hardly think that Jayson Williams and Ohhhjjenthal are "role models," especially Ohhhjjj. To this day, I'm still stunned that Ohhhjjj got off, and I think that his attempts to give off a "race-neutral" image rubbed many the wrong way, not to mention his leaving Marguerite Whitley Simpson for Nicole Brown.
You never hear people talk about white role models or "leaders" because that community is seen as dominant, multi-faceted, not needing to rally around one person. By contrast, because of the prominent role of people like Dr. King, etc., during the movement's heyday, there's a perception that we need "leaders."
Now I also think that that relates to the (inaccurate, IMO) perception of us being a monolith. If we must have "leaders," we should have them across the spectrum.
But better question is why? My best role models were my folks.
