Jay Smooth’s latest video blog absolutely shreds Don Lemon’s horrifically out-of-touch, black youth-shaming, “pull up your pants” rant, and gives an epic shout-out to the Black Youth Project 100 and the Dream Defenders.
Cedric Lawson will be participating in the Beyond November Movement Convening, BYP’s inaugural convening of 100 Black youth leaders from across the country. He shares his hopes for the convening: More than anything, I want to become part of a deeper network of progressive African Americans who are working toward leveraging our individual and collective power to win real concrete improvements in the lives of young black people – including our own lives.
President Obama’s Morehouse commencement speech has reignited conversation regarding the idea that he might be unfairly holding black youth to a different standard. What do you think, was his speech problematic or was it necessary? Does Obama hold our community to a different standard?
During her commencement speech at Bowie State, The FLOTUS called out black youth for fantasizing about being a “baller or a rapper,” and called for a renewed hunger for education.
A city in Louisiana is set to ban saggy pants. An ordinance has been passed in The Terrebonne Parish Council and is expected to be signed by the Parish President. Is a ban on saggy pants necessary? Is it just another way to criminalize black youth?
the Black Youth Project’s own Dennis Johnson appeared on MSNBC’s The Melissa Harris Perry show to discuss the crisis of gun violence in Chicago. Dennis made a fascinating assertion: “Violence will never cease until we find a way to make money out of peace.”
A new article in the New York Daily News delves deeper into the Black Youth Project’s petition to President Obama, asking that President Obama make a speech addressing gun violence in the Windy City. Sign the petition at http://Change.org/BarackComeHome
Had he lived, Trayvon Martin would have turned 18 today. What have we learned since Trayvon’s death? Have we done anything to make sure that black youth are protected?
The Black Youth Project has launched a petition, asking that President Obama come to Chicago and deliver a major speech that addresses the crisis of gun violence in Black and Latino communities. Please stand up for and with Black and Latino youth by signing this petition!
Chief Keef’s music and what he represents has been derided by many. But is he, as the Chicago Reader suggests, crucial to helping solve Chicago’s crime problem and by extension helping black youth who see themselves in Keef?
The BYP Action Pledge is a step we all can take. We not only articulate our concern about black youth, but symbolically unite our voices with others who will work to confront this crisis. Take the pledge TODAY!
Leonetta Sanders, principal of Harper High School, recently spoke with WBEZ about the toll widespread violence is taking on Black Youth in Chicago. 27 of her current and former students have been shot; 8 killed in the past 13 months. This is an EPIDEMIC.
