by Craig Thompson
There has been an increase in the number of discussions surrounding our youth. Unfortunately, many of these conversations have focused on what actions they are not taking, what opportunities they are missing and the bleakness of their future. Educators, social scientists and others have bought into the notion that the future of our community is bleak because a number of our young people are ill prepared to tackle the challenges they face and are likely to face. Sadly, too many of our youth have become associated with an over-used label which has caused some in our community to give up hope. The label in question: "At-Risk."
We have heard the term used over and over again. Think carefully about the number of times you have heard (or said) the term "at-risk youth" when referring to a generation many have also called "lost." Let's be clear - when we see or hear that phrase, there is no question as to whom it applies. Rather than determine actual risk, as determined by personal history or actions, we have calculated risk based on looks, styles of speech, living conditions, neighborhoods and race.
Accordingly, we did not view 15 year old Charles "Andy" Williams as an at-risk student before he allegedly killed 2 of his classmates and wounded 13 others at his school in San Diego, California. We did not assess the students who torched a portion of their college campus after an NCAA final four game as at-risk students, even after many of them were forced to pay for the damage they caused to university property. Our minds would not allow us to call the young man from a private school in Baltimore an at-risk youth, although he videotaped himself having sex with a young girl from another school (without her knowledge or consent) and passed the tape around his school for others to watch.
The examples cited above illustrate the unfortunate reality that too many youth in our communities are not given chances to realize their full potential because of the labels we place on them, especially at an early age. For too long we have had to fight against the stigma associated with unfair labels. For example, no person, business or government places much faith in a ghetto; however, a neighborhood receives our full attention. Similarly, no person, business or government can fully trust or place faith in at-risk youth. However, we can give our full attention and time to students we feel have nothing but potential!
Quite frankly, we should look at ourselves when we seek to determine any risk associated with our youth. When our young people are angry and frustrated, WE are at risk, because we will feel the effects of their rage. When our young people are failing in school and in the work force, WE are at risk, because they hold the keys to our future. When our young men are dropping out and failing to set clear goals, WE are at risk, because they will eventually seek to marry our daughters! It is crucial that we refrain from knee-jerk reactions regarding what we perceive as a threat to our future. Our future will be assured when we assist in the development of our youth, and only then will we eliminate the risk.
We can look at examples like the Bronx Preparatory Charter School in the heart of New York, which has seen the percentage of students performing at grade level in math jump from 29 percent to 71 percent in seven months. We can applaud the Science, Engineering, Mathematics & Aerospace Academy (SEMAA) program, which has given students in historically under represented areas throughout the country a healthy dose of math and science since 1993.
We can learn more about the Baltimore Mentoring Partnership, which creates programs designed to match young people with caring and capable mentors in Maryland. People throughout the country have decided that true risks surface when we do nothing, and have established successful programs to diminish those risks. If we are to move forward and establish a secure foundation, it is imperative that we recognize the impact of labels, and stop using them when referring to OUR future.
Craig Thompson is an attorney, lecturer, writer and host of weekly radio and television shows. At age 32, Craig is a highly sought after public speaker, addressing topics such as leadership, goal setting and self-esteem. He has spoken across the country at churches, schools, colleges and to civic organizations. He can be reached at cathompson42001@yahoo.com
