Perilous times: Symposium examines barriers facing Black boys
By Tammie Jones, Skillman Foundation Public Policy Fellow
More than 400 people gathered at Marygrove College on Nov. 20 in support of Detroit’s African-American young men.
The event was convened by several area foundations and universities, including The Skillman Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, The Kresge Foundation, University of Michigan School of Social Work and Marygrove College. Among the symposium participants, which included elected officials, educators, youth development professionals, pastors, parents and youth, the message was clear: We must do things differently if we want to change the outcomes of African-American males.
Shawn Dove of the Open Society Institute kicked off the day’s events, noting that while the outcomes for Black boys is abysmal, we must maintain an asset-based focus. When we look only at the negative statistics, a sense of vertigo can take over, as though the world is spinning around you and there is nothing you can do to stop it. However, when we look to strengthen existing leadership, cultivate partnerships, invest in promising practices and recognize the untapped potential within our youth, there is an opportunity to make tremendous change quickly.
Participants then had an opportunity to discuss the barriers to Black male success and identify ways in which we could help to remove those obstacles, clearing the way for all boys to succeed. Youth helped to inform the conversation, speaking to their own experiences and needs.
Although numerous challenges were identified in these discussions, people in the room demonstrated a desire to take action right away – both at the individual and organizational levels. Chief of Police Ralph Godbee spoke to symposium participants, telling them that he would be working to transform the culture of his department. He noted it was vital to transform the way police perceive young African-American males, noting that “if locking up Black men was the answer to our problems, the U.S. would be the safest place in the world.”
The youth in attendance spoke to the need for continued love and support from parents, teachers and the community at-large. Although they are constantly barraged with negative images of Black men through the media, the youth felt that a strong presence of African-American male mentors could help to combat feelings of disconnectedness and hopelessness. They asked for increased acceptance, patience and commitment from all the adults in their lives.
Additionally, the need to create pathways to success became evident during the day. Detroit’s African-American young men need opportunities to be successful in school, to participate in internships and apprenticeships and to be leaders within their community. This will require leaders across sectors and communities to come together on behalf of Black boys.
Having recognized that this discussion would produce a myriad of ideas and discussions, participants were invited to continue to participate in the conversation and help set the priorities for this work. These meetings are scheduled for the second week in December, and those interested in attending can RSVP by clicking here . Additionally, The Skillman Foundation has committed funds to launch 50 community-based projects targeting Black and Brown boys in the city of Detroit, which will be administered by the Prevention Network.
