Black Youth

The Situation

As students prepare for the upcoming school year, parents are hoping for a good year. However, I wonder whether beneath the surface things will improve. We routinely hear about students with bad attitudes and low performance. My focus isn't on the 'bad' kids but on the good ones who want to do the right things. However, many people are in the dark when it comes to the needs of our black youth. Most citizens don't understand the issues of black families, with the exception of a few token relationships and watching reruns of The Jeffersons. In the novel Black Like Me, John Howard Griffin, a white man, discovers in the 1960s the perils of pretending to be a black man in the South. Clearly, his experience produced a major transformation. Of course, good people come in all colors. However, I think it's necessary to explore the plight of our young black boys from an everyday perspective.

A Sad Affair

Today's society encourages young black boys to become entertainers and sport heroes, not scientists, lawyers, or doctors. The media showcase young black boys as dangerous, violent, and sexual. Do we really care that Joey is dumb as a rock if he can dunk a basketball or run a touchdown for our team? In general, all boys in America aren't performing as well as we might hope. However, the storyline for black boys is frightening. Young black males lead every negative statistic you can imagine. They have the worst test scores, drop-out rates, and unemployment statistics. While they may fail in school, they become more successful in America's prison system. In fact, males were twice as likely to be suspended as female students in some locations. Surprisingly, even in largely suburban schools in America where there are few blacks, blacks make up the majority of the suspensions.

From the low social condition of black boys, it is easy to understand that every major institution has failed them and allowed to them to become the prey of urban culture. Jeggie Jenkins, founder/director of UUNIK Academy of Tennessee, notes, "We are in a state of emergency. Today's culture, aided by mass media, bombards impressionable youth with conflicting value systems. For most involved black parents, the problems with their sons happen regardless of socioeconomic standing. They must deal with the calls for medication, special education placement, or holding their child back. While individuals may find black males missing in honors classes in most high schools, you can be assured that they will make up most of the special education students. Many youth underperform so that they can fit in. Smart and hardworking students are often victimized and hassled by peers. This same culture tells them that an education is associated with being white. Some conform to cultural pressures and underperform. They have no role models. Today, it is possible for a child to go K-12 without ever having a black teacher or a black mentor.

A Good Fight

Even though the situation is difficult, many individuals continue to fight for these boys. Organizations such as The 100 Black Men attempt to make a difference. However, more black men need to become involved in all facets of children's lives. Everyone can benefit from a positive male figure. Leonard Blair, Knoxville Track Club coach, understands the importance of male involvement. He is a role model to many of the athletes in the area. Blair explains, "It is something I do for the kids. Some of them don't have fathers. I help them. To those that have fathers, I do positive reinforcement."

A Path Forward

Clearly, America is at a critical stage of its history. If America is serious about being world class, the issue of low-performing students will need to be addressed. Some feel it is too late. Phillip Jackson, author of America Has Lost A Generation of Black Boys, suggests, "It is too late. In education, employment, economics, incarceration, health, housing, and parenting, we have lost a generation of young black men." If we allow black boys to become an endangered species, we will be laying the foundation for all American children to eventually suffer the same fate. We must hold on to hope that things will get better for them. However, if good people decide to do nothing in the face of this impending danger, it will be a fatal mistake. If so-please forgive us, young brothers, for not saving you. Rest in Peace (RIP) or live.

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