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!
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 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!
Featured on NPR program Tell Me More, Aisha and Chris discuss their experiences as young people growing up in Chicago, the systemic challenges young people face, and what they’d like to hear from President Obama tomorrow. Check it out!
We urge the President to go further on Friday during his time in Chicago, and make a substantive speech that addresses the underlying factors that perpetuate violence in Black and Latino communities across the nation.
BYP is pleased to report that President Obama will visit Chicago this Friday to address a variety topics, but will shine a particular spotlight on Chicago’s gun violence crisis.
Michelle Obama’s plan to attend Hadiya’s funeral is a wonderful gesture. But it does not address the systemic issues contributing to gun violence in Chicago. Mr. President! Come home! We need your voice and leadership!
In an op-ed published in the Chicago Sun-Times, Rev. Jesse Jackson urges President Obama to come home to Chicago and address the city’s gun violence crisis.
Chicago Police are now offering a $40,000 reward for information pertaining to the shooting death of 15 year-old Hadiya Pendleton. Originally $11,000, the department was able to up the dollar amount after a flood of donations from the public.
A 2008 anti-gang PSA has surfaced featuring Hadiya Pendleton when she was in the 6th grade. It’s a haunting, heartbreaking video.
54 year-old Shirley Chambers never expected to outlive all four of her children. On January 26th, her fourth child – 33 year-old Ronnie Chambers – was shot to death while sitting in a parked car.
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!
