A wave of youth violence in America is hitting African American communities hard. This report highlights some efforts across the country to prevent and stop youth violence. People in Oakland (California), Pine Bluff (Arkansas), and Washington, D.C. were asked about youth violence in their communities. Of the adults surveyed, 77% were afraid that…

Counselors who are really interested in motivating urban youth must come to recognize the importance of a strength-oriented approach to guidance. They must stop talking about deficits and, instead, identify and use the unique strengths of urban adolescents. Success counseling is one technique that can be used to facilitate this process. (Author)

Increasing participation of Black students in high technology vocational programs requires (1) eliminating negative attitudes about vocational education; (2) introducing technology education in elementary and middle schools; and (3) linking vocational programs with community opportunities, for example, through the work of vocational-technical…

Examines rap music's origins as street music and poetry in the early 1970s and as an expression of Black youth experience. Discusses rap groups, women and Whites in rap, Christian rap, copyright disputes, and distribution difficulties. Rap is an informal educational medium that affects adolescents' values and attitudes. (JB)

Assesses two opposing theories regarding the causes of the social disengagement of African-American youth. Argues that many of these youth adapt to their problematic environments and engage in antisocial behaviors. Urges further research on their attitudes, perceptions, and behavior about sexuality and fatherhood. (FMW)

The chapters of this report provide a starting point for the development of authentic prevention strategies for use in the African-American community, specifically for high risk youth. It is neither a "how to" manual nor a mandate for specific program details, but it does highlight the key components of alcohol and other drug abuse…

This booklet reviews historical, social, and developmental information about young black males as well as strategies for change and examples of successful programs. The text is based on a 1-day conference on at-risk young black men. The first section sketches the conditions of inner-city black families from the earlier decades of the century to…

The attitudes of two groups of teachers and administrators from inner city schools in northeastern Ohio, who met at Kent State University in the summer of 1969 to discuss problems relating to education and the disadvantaged child, were contrasted using a Q-sort technique. One group of 32 was writing an innovative social studies curriculum; the…

An overview is provided of issues confronting the African American male, along with a strategy to nurture a new generation of African American males. Chapters 1 and 2 focus on the social status and new demographics of the African American male and the external threats that are devastating to the African American male and the African American…

No ceremony or rite exists to usher the African American male youth into proper manhood. Such ceremonies, referred to as rites of passage, mark commonly agreed-upon standards, activities, tasks, and trials that each youth must master to achieve the community-sanctioned title "man." The clear articulation and subsequent implementation of…

This case study of a young African-American urban male and his increasing involvement with the criminal justice system illustrates that merely providing opportunities for members of the underclass is not enough. An outlook that allows members of the underclass to invest personal resources in their opportunities must be fostered. (SLD)

Using the example of the African-American community and its own distinctive voice, argues that schools can draw upon routine practices within the cultural life of communities to enhance the literature students' skills. This paper explores "signifying" and links between literature and talk in the African-American community. (JB)

Examines the present turmoil in disadvantaged communities, arguing that many urban problems result from historic mistreatment of slum dwellers, especially non-whites. Disproportionate representation of young African-American males in prison and the justice system does not occur by chance. As unequal access to opportunity continues, the underclass…

The educational outlook for children of school age in low-income minority neighborhoods of New York City is discussed, drawing primarily on the researcher's observations in a field study in Central Harlem. The decline the neighborhoods have undergone is summarized; and the role of drugs, especially crack, is discussed. Some opinions of residents…

This paper analyzes educational and social forces that prevent black males from achieving in school and policies that separate black males by race and gender from the general school population. The policy, social, and legal ramifications of plans for at-risk black male students in New York City, Baltimore (Maryland), Milwaukee (Wisconsin), and…