The failure to engage the needs of inner-city boys is an ongoing American tragedy. Inner-city violence is causing death and injury that resonates with all it touches while burdening entire communities with the dread of daily insecurity. One third of those murdered in Los Angeles County are African American, who comprise only 8 percent of the population. This violence kills and scars the bodies and psyche of the men and women who are subjected to it.
It is a tragedy that drains billions of dollars of our county’s resources, resources that could be directed to far more constructive and positive endeavors within the most stricken communities. While violence and incarceration are the most tragic, there are other symptoms of failure. Sixty percent of African American boys in the Los Angeles Unified School District fail to graduate from high school, and African Americans are suspended from school at far greater rates then their white counterparts.
As this inner-city carnage and educational failure continues at horrific rates, most recent public conversation has consisted of accusations of police misconduct, discriminatory prosecution and incarceration. Such conversations have diverted us from focusing on solutions. These disproportionate racial outcomes can only be diminished with a massive infusion of effort and resources that cushions boys from family breakdown. This means mentoring.
Providing competent and caring male mentors for all inner-city boys in need is key to reducing their risk of crime while fostering greater educational success. Few would dispute this conclusion, but how and where to put resources and energy to achieve the most benefit? The complexity of human beings and the needs of specific communities do not permit a one-strategy fix for youth who are deprived of competent childrearing.
The inner city will not be liberated from violent crime or economically revitalized by fighting wars against racism. The bigot does not distinguish between the incarcerated and the accomplished. To expend energy on trying to shame or change his attitude is a waste of time and energy.
All effort must instead be used to empower inner city youth with the tools for their advancement. Massive community mentoring efforts and improved primary education will propel African-American boys to fulfill their potential and help inoculate them against violence and the remaining bigotry that stains our society.
To read more of Guest Commentary Joseph Charney's article, please click here.
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