At a hearing today, George Zimmerman’s defense team stated they would not be using the “Stand Your Ground” defense at the upcoming Trayvon Martin murder trial.
Kendrick Lamar says he specifically wanted a dark-skinned young woman to play the female lead in his latest music video “Poetic Justice,” explaining that there should be balance in portrayals of blackness and beauty in the media.
Every week, the Black Youth Project collects the top news stories about black youth from across the country. This week: “Wanted: more black male teachers,” “Lives of Black Youth are Disposable in America,” and more!
Chicago city treasurer Stephanie Neely has called for a version of New York’s “Stop and Frisk” program to combat the city’s gun violence crisis. This program denies our young people of their dignity and constitutional rights, and treats law-abiding people like criminals.
A white teen in Illinois has been convicted of attacking and helping to put a noose around the neck of a black teen. His punishment: 2 years probation and to write an essay about lynching. Does this punishment fit the crime, or did this kid get off easy?
According to a new report, youth incarceration rates have dropped by 41% since its peak in 1995. And because cash-strapped are receptive to alternatives to expensive long-term incarceration, this moment presents an opportunity to solidify lasting change.
The CEO of The Onion has apologized to Quvenzhané Wallis for a disgusting tweet posted last night during the Academy Awards, and says those responsible with be disciplined. Satisfied with his apology?
What I’m saying is that there is a fine line between policing self-expression/controlling a child and protecting a child. You don’t have to be controlling to set boundaries and protect your child. Contrary to popular belief, self-expression is a right.
The family of the late Emmett Till have penned an open letter to Lil Wayne, challenging the Young Money emcee to address the controversy surrounding the lyrics, and imploring him to help educate others on the story of Emmett Till. Do you think Wayne should respond? Will he?
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announces a five-year plan to invest $50 million in youth-serving programs. Hopefully this plan will be informed by the input of the community.
The President’s visit was one moment in a longer struggle to radically improve the lives of black and Latino youth. Now that the President has come and gone we all have work to do!
Last week just before President Obama presented his fourth State of the Union address, authorities in California set fire to the cabin they believed Christopher Dorner had barricaded himself in. Dorner had avoided the LAPD for several days, using his military and police training to kill members or associates of LAPD or the county sheriff’s […]