Wednesday, December 19, 2007

AT-RISK STUDENTS

Fulton County, GA Targets Truancy and Crime
By: John H. Eaves
Chairman of the Fulton County Commission


As the holiday season approaches, many of us who are shopping for children are thinking of recent reports of lead paint in toys, and fearing the harm lead paint could cause our babies. But there is also a lead crisis facing our teenagers, every day - coming from the barrels of guns. Too often, that gun is aimed at a young person, but it is also true that young people are too often the perpetrators. By allowing this trend to continue, we are failing young people, and failing our communities.

In this nation, there is a 50% chance that a murder victim is African-American, although we make up just 12% of the total population. And among African-American murder victims, there is a one in three chance that the victim will be between the ages of 13 and 24.

Murder is not the only crime facing our teenagers and young adults. Burglaries in South Fulton County are up 13% over the past six months, and an overwhelming number of the perpetrators are teenagers.

Youth is often a time of experimentation with risky behaviors, and we see a range of indicatiors demostrating that trend, including high rates of teen pregnancy and a rise in HIV rates among youth. However, a willingness to abandon formal education is one of the chief indicators of an individual's future criminal activity.

Last year, in the Fulton County School System, 748 students dropped out in grades 9 through 12. A small number of these students dropped out due to incarceration or involvement with the justice system. However, the majority were removed due to poor attendance - the simple act of showing up at school was apparently too much of an investment in their future.

In the mean time, taxpayers are making tremendous financial investments on behalf of high school dropouts. The Fulton County Jail is at or near capacity on any given day, costing residents $79 per inmate per day. Nationally, 43% of state prison inmates lack a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Fulton County allocated $100 million for indigent care at Grady Health System this year. High School dropouts are much more likely to live in poverty and, therefore, are more likely to receive indigent health care.

We should be concerned when we see teenagers in the community on school days. Truancy has a "double whammy" effect - not only are students not learning, but they have the opportunity to commit crime or otherwise get themselves in trouble.

This trend was tragically highlighted after three teens committed a burglary in the middle of the afternoon on Dec. 4th. While fleeing the scene, they crashed into a power pole on Bethsaida Rd. in South Fulton, killing the driver and severely injuring the other two. Despite extensive news coverage, a 16 year old committed virtually the same crime two days later, suffering minor injuries in a crash. Why weren't these young men in school instead of terrorizing neighborhoods?

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice has predicted that the number of violent youth offenders will increase by 33% from 2007 to 2011, over the previous five-year period. the number of at-risk youths is the chief reason for this - children in foster care, single-parent families in poverty, adults using drugs and alcohol.

In 2005, nearly 10% of our nation's teenage males - regardless of race - reported having carried a gun within the previous month. In Georgia, more than 7.5% report of high school students having carried a weapon on school property. It is no wonder, then, that 8% of Georgia high school student report missing school due to fear for their own safety.

How do we solve this problem? None of us can do it alone. The teenagers themselves are prevented by biology and inexperience from understanding the consequences of their actions - all the more reason to continue our protective watch. To reverse the trend, teenagers need the support of every adult in their lives, to keep them in school, keep them safe, help them make responsible and healthy choices. Parents need help - they may not be able to achieve the task alone. Indeed, increasing rates of divorce and out-of-marriage births have led to a number of single-parent households. Despite their best intentions, single parents face an even tougher challenge, with one less adult to keep watch. Additionally, these families run a higher risk of poverty - another risk factor. More than 40% of female-headed households with children are living in poverty in Fulton County.

On Thursday, a group of Fulton County agencies will join together with law enforcement, the courts and social services agencies to map out solutions to the crisis our young people are facing. In the mean time, every adult has a responsibility and opportunity to look at the teens who are close to them and steer them on the right path.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Parents and the Hip-Hop Youth, LEARN a lesson from Sean Taylor's Death!

By: Jason Whitlock
FOXSPORTS.COM

There's a reason I call them the Black KKK. The pain, the fear and the destruction are all the same.

Someone who loved Sean Taylor is crying right now. The life they knew has been destroyed, an 18-month-old baby lost her father, and, if you're a black man living in America, you've been reminded once again that your life is in constant jeopardy of violent death.

The Black KKK claimed another victim, a high-profile professional football player with a checkered past this time.

No, we don't know for certain the circumstances surrounding Taylor's death. I could very well be proven wrong for engaging in this sort of aggressive speculation. But it's no different than if you saw a fat man fall to the ground clutching his chest. You'd assume a heart attack, and you'd know, no matter the cause, the man needed to lose weight.

Well, when shots are fired and a black man hits the pavement, there's every statistical reason to believe another black man pulled the trigger. That's not some negative, unfair stereotype. It's a reality we've been living with, tolerating and rationalizing for far too long.

When the traditional, white KKK lynched, terrorized and intimidated black folks at a slower rate than its modern-day dark-skinned replacement, at least we had the good sense to be outraged and in no mood to contemplate rationalizations or be fooled by distractions.

Our new millennium strategy is to pray the Black KKK goes away or ignores us. How's that working?

About as well as the attempt to shift attention away from this uniquely African-American crisis by focusing on an "injustice" the white media allegedly perpetrated against Sean Taylor.

Within hours of his death, there was a story circulating that members of the black press were complaining that news outlets were disrespecting Taylor's victimhood by reporting on his troubled past.

No disrespect to Taylor, but he controlled the way he would be remembered by the way he lived. His immature, undisciplined behavior with his employer, his run-ins with law enforcement, which included allegedly threatening a man with a loaded gun, and the fact a vehicle he owned was once sprayed with bullets are all pertinent details when you've been murdered.

Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL player, made the radio circuit Wednesday, singing the tune that athletes are targets. That was his explanation for the murders of Taylor and Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams and the armed robberies of NBA players Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry.

Really?

Let's cut through the bull(manure) and deal with reality. Black men are targets of black men. Period. Go check the coroner's office and talk with a police detective. These bullets aren't checking W-2's.

Rather than whine about white folks' insensitivity or reserve a special place of sorrow for rich athletes, we'd be better served mustering the kind of outrage and courage it took in the 1950s and 1960s to stop the white KKK from hanging black men from trees.

But we don't want to deal with ourselves. We take great joy in prescribing medicine to cure the hate in other people's hearts. Meanwhile, our self-hatred, on full display for the world to see, remains untreated, undiagnosed and unrepentant.

Our self-hatred has been set to music and reinforced by a pervasive culture that promotes a crab-in-barrel mentality.

You're damn straight I blame hip hop for playing a role in the genocide of American black men. When your leading causes of death and dysfunction are murder, ignorance and incarceration, there's no reason to give a free pass to a culture that celebrates murder, ignorance and incarceration.

Of course there are other catalysts, but until we recapture the minds of black youth, convince them that it's not OK to "super man dat ho" and end any and every dispute by "cocking on your bitch," nothing will change.

Does a Soulja Boy want an education?

HBO did a fascinating documentary on Little Rock Central High School, the Arkansas school that required the National Guard so that nine black kids could attend in the 1950s. Fifty years later, the school is one of the nation's best in terms of funding and educational opportunities. It's 60 percent black and located in a poor black community.

Watch the documentary and ask yourself why nine poor kids in the '50s risked their lives to get a good education and a thousand poor black kids today ignore the opportunity that is served to them on a platter.

Blame drugs, blame Ronald Reagan, blame George Bush, blame it on the rain or whatever. There's only one group of people who can change the rotten, anti-education, pro-violence culture our kids have adopted. We have to do it.

According to reports, Sean Taylor had difficulty breaking free from the unsavory characters he associated with during his youth.

The "keepin' it real" mantra of hip hop is in direct defiance to evolution. There's always someone ready to tell you you're selling out if you move away from the immature and dangerous activities you used to do, you're selling out if you speak proper English, embrace education, dress like a grown man, do anything mainstream.

The Black KKK is enforcing the same crippling standards as its parent organization. It wants to keep black men in their place — uneducated, outside the mainstream and six feet deep.
In all likelihood, the Black Klan and its mentality buried Sean Taylor, and any black man or boy reading this could be next.

Friday, November 9, 2007

What is the Purpose of True Education?

"The purpose of true education is the expanding of the mind in the form of learning new places, persons, and things; learning about things you don't know, learning how to problem solve and plan in various fields and disciplines."

B. Brown of BREG: Bachelor of Arts-English



"The purpose of true education is to use ones mind, knowledge and creative genius to become free."

Dwon Alexander p.k.a. "Cool Water": Bachelor of Science-Special Education



"The purpose of true education is to gain knowledge to improve your live and the life of people you come in contact with, to help other people. The purpose of true education is to use knowledge for the greater good.

Willie Hunter of The Sentinel: Bachelor of Arts-Political Science/Arts



"The ultimate purpose of true education is to create a more productive and civilized society."

Eric - Publisher of Grooveline Magazine: Bacherlor of Arts-History



"The purpose of true education is to educate and entertain at the same time."

Dan Silas - CEO of Nuceic Media



IMPACT - "The purpose of true educcation is the positive impact you have on yourself, your family and community in a productive way."

A.J.: Real Estate Investor



***Reprint courtesy provided by JaWar and Music Industry Connection, LLC

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Black Males Endangered Species, Farrakhan says.

By: Ernie Suggs (esuggs@ajc.com)

In a speech that touched on global warming, environmentalism and Georgia's drought, Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan drew parallels that as the earth withers, so too do black men, who have little to show for 452 years of bondage.

"Politics and the racial environment is threatening the human family," Farrakhan said. "But black males, in particular, are endangered. Our attitudes, our ignorance, our savagery are all lending to a plan - a conspiracy to make the black man not endangered, but extinct."

Marking the 12th Anniversary of the Million Man March, Farrakhan spoke Tuesday at a packed Boisfeuillet-Jones Atlanta Civic Center for the 12th Annual Holy Day of Atonement.

Ishmael Muhammad, the Nation's National Assistant Minister, said, "We accepted 12 years ago, the responsibility to be better men, better fathers and better husbands. It was a day never before experienced in our history."

Farrakhan spoke for more than two hours in a speech that touched on religion, hip-hop, politics and the perception that some successful blacks are being propped up by white people and refusing to reach back and help poor blacks for fear of losing their status.

"If you let the big car, the ranch-style home and the big salary keep you away from a movement and the freedom of your people, the Quran says that those who live easy lives have to be careful, because a life of ease sometimes make you forget struggle," Farrakhan said.

Speaking about rapper T.I., who was arrested in Atlanta and is facing Federal gun charges, Farrakhan said the charges are less about what he is charged with and more about the fact his music is influencing white kids.

He went on to talk about suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. "I know our brother broke the law. God himself is displeased, because he has given us dominion over his creatures and he doesn't want us to abuse them for sport," said Farrakhan, before coming to a near whisper. "But they didn't have to come down on the brother like that. He is young, black and super rich. And all of those white children were wearing his jersey. White people were losing control of their children to black sports and entertainment figures and they can't take it."

Farrakhan, 74, looked robust and healthy, bouncing around the stage like a man half his age. But there are questions about how long he will remain at the helm of the Nation, as he has since 1978. Farrakhan, who has battled prostrate cancer for years, had major surgery this year.

The Rev. Joseph Lowery, 86, who also has battled cancer, called Farrakhan - 12 years his junior - a young man, and reflected how he as a Methodist preacher has Prayed for the recovery of an "Islamic Minister." "I come with a spirit of rejoicing that our brother Louis Farrakhan is with us and God has sent him," Lowery said. "This is a great day for unity. What could come if we ever realized the strength in unity?"

Sunday, October 14, 2007

My Personal View on Parenting the Hip-Hop Youth!

Hello, my name is B. Brown of Bar-Red Entertainment Group (BREG) and I started this Parenting Information Blog to shine light on this phenomenon called the Hip-Hop Generation. I started as an Artist when I was thirteen (13) years old and continued writing, recording, and performing up through College where I became a College Radio On-Air Personality, and by my Senior Year, I was the Assistant Student Manager (Paid Position) as well. As an Entertainment and Music Business Professional since 1994 and an Educator (Teacher and Presently a Campus Supervisor) since 2001, I have a very unique and insightful perspective on the present youth that some people call Generation X.

I believe in Traditional Old-School Parenting. Why? Because it worked for me and my Brother! It has worked for countless young people in the past, so I do not see why it would not work for this new Hip-Hop Generation that appears to be very confused. Any young person that is twenty-five (25) years old and younger has practically grown up on a heavy dose of Hip-Hop Culture and it has basically shaped their lives. We as Parents and Adults have to do a better job of Parenting! Not only should we relate to our children and youth, there are three (3) things that I believe we should do for our Children and Youth of the Hip-Hop Generation. Those 3 things are LOVE them, TEACH them, and DISCIPLINE them.

LOVE let's our youth feel the affection and embracing attention that they need to grow and develop knowing that someone really cares for them and has their best interest at heart.

TEACHING our youth even when they are in the womb helps them learn how to do things and teaches them lessons. Positive teaching provides knowledge and insight.

DISCIPLINE provides training that helps develop self-control and efficiency. Orderly conduct and understanding a system of rules is very important.

Our children and youth of the Hip-Hop Generation must receive a true, strong combination of Loving, Teaching, and Discipline to learn the value of loving themselves, the importance of education and bettering themselves, and understanding and appreciating self-control and following rules that will help them. All of these things start at HOME. We as parents have to do our jobs and not let our children fall through the cracks of the Capitalistic Society that we live in. Parents, you can do it! I CHALLENGE you and I am here to help you! We cannot continue to allow our children to disrespect us as parents, educators, and as their elders. Public and Private schools are having issues with students that are coming to school for everything else, but to learn. That has to stop now. Parents and Adults, let's do our part in raising our children and youth correctly! If not us, who?

Thursday, September 27, 2007

How to Raise A Juvenile Delinquent

By: The Houston Police Department - James C. Bryant, Decatur

1. Begin with infancy to give the child every thing they want. In this way they will grow up believing the world owes them a living.
2. When they pick up bad words, laugh at them.
3. Never give them any spiritual training. Wait until they are 21 and let them decide for themselves.
4. Pick up everything they leave lying around - books, shoes, clothing. Do everything for them so they will be experienced in throwing all responsibility to others.
5. Avoid the use of the word "wrong." They may develop a guilt complex. This will condition them to believe later, when they are arrested for stealing a car, that society is against them and they are being persecuted.
6. Let them read any printed matter they can get their hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let their mind feed on garbage.
7. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. This way they will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.
8. Give a child all the spending money they want.
9. Satisfy their very craving for food, drink and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.
10. Take their side against neighbors, teachers and police officers. They are all prejudiced against your child.
11. When they get into real trouble, apologize for yourself by saying, "I never could do anything with them."
12. Prepare for a life of grief. You will be apt to have it.

Hip-Hop Youth, Education and Parenting!