LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Children Must Position Themselves to Take Advantage of Opportunities
- By Staff Writer
- Published 10/21/2009
- Community
- Unrated
Dear Editor:
I look at the disproportionate number of African-American men incarcerated and I wonder why? I look at the lack of quality education being offered to many of our children, and I wonder why? I look at the apparent affluence of some of our Black church congregations as witnessed by expensive autos in their parking lots and expensive stylish fashions worn by church members and I wonder if making an impression counts more than a genuine active interest in the community? Society is failing young Blacks because although opportunities exist for them, in many cases, they are not being positioned to take advantage of them. Much of the blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the emerging Black middle class.The closeness of the Black culture is highly commendable, however something appears to be wrong. Is it possible that Blacks are taking a page out of the Whites’ handbook and just not giving a damn about anyone but themselves? There are several reasons for the large percentage of young Black men being incarcerated. The one most easily acknowledged and remedied is that the Black community, and especially Black churches are failing these children by ignoring their needs. The community must answer this call because the single moms and old grandmothers cannot carry the burden left them by absent, often imprisoned by drugs and alcohol or otherwise fathers. I implore you to look deeply in your souls and do what you already know is required by God; help these children. You are their only hope.
Michael Allen
Houston, TX
I look at the disproportionate number of African-American men incarcerated and I wonder why? I look at the lack of quality education being offered to many of our children, and I wonder why? I look at the apparent affluence of some of our Black church congregations as witnessed by expensive autos in their parking lots and expensive stylish fashions worn by church members and I wonder if making an impression counts more than a genuine active interest in the community? Society is failing young Blacks because although opportunities exist for them, in many cases, they are not being positioned to take advantage of them. Much of the blame rests squarely on the shoulders of the emerging Black middle class.The closeness of the Black culture is highly commendable, however something appears to be wrong. Is it possible that Blacks are taking a page out of the Whites’ handbook and just not giving a damn about anyone but themselves? There are several reasons for the large percentage of young Black men being incarcerated. The one most easily acknowledged and remedied is that the Black community, and especially Black churches are failing these children by ignoring their needs. The community must answer this call because the single moms and old grandmothers cannot carry the burden left them by absent, often imprisoned by drugs and alcohol or otherwise fathers. I implore you to look deeply in your souls and do what you already know is required by God; help these children. You are their only hope.
Michael Allen
Houston, TX