African-American boys in crisis

Erick Kalenga
Published: March 15, 2008

It seems like every year there are more and more young black boys getting into trouble. I have noticed kids at the elementary school level already displaying traits that cause them to be on some form of medication.

I know a number of young African-America boys who have tremendous potential, yet they are caught up in the system. As I look at various statistics, I notice that the African-American boys are grossly represented in correctional facilities, and a large number of African-American boys are truant.

 After prayerfully examining the situation, I was moved to call a meeting with local pastors from African-American churches in order to address these issues.

On Feb. 10, 2008 Rize-Up Youth Ministries sponsored a free lunch in order to raise awareness about the crisis concerning the African American boys and also to call people to action.

About 25 people attended, including Pastor Frank D. Lewis Sr. from Antioch Baptist Church; Pastor Timothy L. Minor of Shiloh Rixeyville; Pastor David Tillman of Beulah Baptist Church in Eggbornsville; Pastor Eugene Logan of the Boys and Girls Club; Pastor Ludwell Brown and Pastor James Bryan.

I invited Lorie Davis , director of Family Preservation Services; Roger Mello Eastern View High School principal and Greg Martz,  head football coach at Culpeper County High School.

During the presentation  Davis shared information about the issues that African- American boys are faced with.  Davis also said there is a large majority of African- American boys who are currently on prescribed medications and that  there is a huge representation of African-American boys in special education classes and the foster Care system.

Mello shared a bit of his family story and how determined his father was to see that his children got through college. He said that as a result of his parents' dedication he had the privilege of going to Sweden to see his brother receive a Noble Prize in medicine.

Mello said that every student has the right to go to college or trade school. He said he is responding to a calling and is committed to working with churches, businesses, law enforcement, youth organization and various others groups in order to have a strong support system for the students.  

Mello said that he is working with the University of Virginia on the college guide program and said he is planning a trip to visit some colleges in April. 

Martz said that college was encouraged in his house.
He said he has a brother who is involved with the wrong things and the only reason he went to college was because other people showed him the importance of college.

Martz said it's very hard to see a Division One prospect who has the ability to get an $80,000 dollar scholarship get caught in the wrong things. Martz said that he cares about the kids and he has made a commitment to make a difference one child at the time.

Martz said that almost every day he has a young man who comes to meet with him for guidance and support. 

I'm very disheartened to see our African-America boys being sucked into this vicious cycle. I believe that it is time for the body of Christ - more importantly the African American churches - to stand up and start addressing these issues.

As it is the African-American community is struggling with the lack of strong male role models. Give this crisis 10 years and we are going to have a major catastrophe. This is the generation that is going to grow up with no education and no spiritual foundation.

The urgency of this situation requires every pastor of an African-American church to take the time to look into this issue.

I truly believe that the African-American churches need to take the lead in providing education and support to single parents, grandparents or guardian of young boys.

If we don't reach our boys today and give them a godly foundation we won't have strong families and that will affect the community.

The "system" won't solve the situation, but Christ can!  

Erick Kalenga is an independent columnist who appears Sundays in the Star-Exponent. He lives in Madison County.
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