Reclaiming Young Black Males

[William Jackson]

Reclaiming Young Black Males
www.fscj.edu/campuses/north/symposium.html

Let us keep in mind that how you feel about self mentally,
emotionally, spiritually and physically; shows the world who you are.

Children’s Defense Fund on African American Males
1 in 1,250 chance of becoming an NFL Player
1 in 4,600 chance of becoming a NBA Player
1 in 8 chance of getting a Ph.D.
1 in 548 chance of becoming a doctor
1 in 195 chance of becoming a lawyer
1 in 53 chance o becoming a teacher

Because of these and other statistics there are multiple programs,
forums, and events that extend beyond the school atmosphere
that direct their collective energies on the mission and vision to
help Black teens. Not to imply that all Black teens are in danger
of dropping out of school, involved in the criminal justice system,
have uninvolved fathers and other social issues that are broadcast
in our media. Unfortunately, the implications that the media perpetuates
a need or concern for society to be fearful of Black teens shows a need
to address social and socioeconomic issues and available resources for parents.

There are Caucasians, Asians, Europeans and other nationalities that
wear their pants down, and listen to Hip Hop music. Many parents face
challenges with their developing teens even parents in politics, ministry
and education have challenges. Look at our elected officials, religious
leaders and their teens/young adults from past presidents, governors to
those in state and local governing bodies. Fortunately for them they have
the resources and connections to hide their teen’s involvement in violence,
drugs, sex and other possible illegal activities. Common or “regular” folks
both Black, White, Asian, etc don’t have the opportunities of plush rehab
centers and hidden facilities to have teens redirected, counseled and
detoxification performed, then released into society with clean records
and a fresh start.

Regular folks rely on family and friends, in some cases those who know
“someone” that can help. I personally know 4 women who are faced
with challenges with their sons, no father support, and cannot find any
consistant help only broken promises. Trust me they have looked for help,
begged, cried and prayer every day, but the only area is the judicial system
where at least they know where their children are and they are being fed.

Taking this in another direction with the increase challenges for our youth
several community events are being provided for parents and teens of all
nationalities. In February alone there are multiple events that parents should
be involved in to better “connect” with their teens and for teens to be
empowered as well;

The event held on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at our Downtown Main Library,
Reclaiming Young Black Males for Jacksonville’s Future.
Saturday, February 6, 2010, 8:30am. to 1:30pm.
Call [phone] for more information and access the web site to register.
www.fscj.edu/campuses/north/symposium.html
This y ears symposium will include research update on the achievement status
of African American male students, a round table discussion on and initiatives
progress report.

The Boys2Men Symposium (http://www.boys2menconference.com/) which
meets on Thursdays at Northside Church of Christ and will have another
symposium on Saturday, September 18, 2010. The site for the event will be
at Northside Church of Christ contact:
Mr. Mobley ([e-mail]) or
Brandi Williamson ([e-mail])
for more information to be involved and attend.

This coincides with forums provided by:
E3 Business Group whose motto: Educate, Empower, Encourage has
arranged many forums to discuss Infant Mortality, Absentee Fathers and
Parental Involvement more information can be found at
E3 Business Group (http://www.e3businessgroup.org) where
YouTube Videos and Facebook information can be found.

The other event is exclusively for Daddies and Daughters with Girls, Inc.
The Daddy Daughter Dance held on February 20th 2010.
This event provides an opportunity for daddies to spend time with just their daughters.
Quality time that is needed. The web site is www.daddydaughterdancegij.com

The question that needs a response is;
Who is going to help young Black males, if you don’t?

Several points need to be made as to why WE as a city need to contribute.
Economically those Black men and others who do not graduate from high
school contribute to possible criminal behaviors to make a living; this impacts
the rise of insurance costs, increasing cost to maintain law enforcement, and
a loss of a billion dollars in taxable incomes over the lifetime of of those who
drop out of high school. In 2009 over 500 citizens participated and made
great strides to positively influence our teen’s outcomes here in Jacksonville, Florida.
Many issues need to be addressed by the community with the help of the mayor’s office,
JSO and other law enforcement entities and community organizations.

The responsibility for our teens is the parents and collectively our community,
but sometimes parents need help themselves.. Unfortunately some in our city
have the consensus that those poor urban Black teens live in impoverishment,
neglected and destitute areas of our city, mostly in the Northeast quadrant.
The indicators from studies such as JCCI
(http://www.jcci.org/jcciwebsite/pages/indicators.html) mentioned that
the high infant mortality rate, juveniles pregnancy, and illiteracy rate is higher
for a percentage of minorities. There are other nationalities that are faced
with these same challenges, but African Americans seem to struggle even
more so. Only through continued educational opportunities and community
resources will we reach those that need help.