Prison Rates Rise Among Black Men

[enlightenment06]

I received this article over AlphaEast this morning. What do you think of it and what can Alpha do to affect the situation?

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/07/na...efc42629ddced7

[BabyBlue91]

My former manager used to say (talking about editors), "You have to get them when they're two years old." I think the challenge (for all orgs) is to reach these people and help their communities teach them self-accountability at a young age.

[The Original Ape]

We can discuss this until we're all blue in the face.

Each African-American male has to accept this responsibility COLLECTIVELY, not individually. I say this because most of the problems we face as a people exist because we've lost the desire, the will, and the obligation to think, act, and feel COLLECTIVELY. We've lost THE PRIDE we use to have in being African-American. Most people today don't even want to view themselves as coming from the culture of their forefathers. They define themselves differently, and individually.

We are viewed by every group of people in this country as a beast, a threat to society; and this American society has gone as far as to employ "the law" in trying to get rid of us. "Black" men in positions of authority will gladly flex that authority against one of us just to show his european-american counterpart that he can be trusted, that he is a "different" kind of niggah. Black law enforcement officers use extreme measures when arresting one of us. Black attorneys take longer lunch breaks when defending us. Black judges, well, read what I've just said. They give us longer, harder sentences to make an example out of us. Even our women use the system against. We trust them with our troubled past; and the minute they get mad at us, they make that call that gets us cuffed. There's a host of other examples of how the system is inherently against African-American males, but I won't go farther. I just hope yall suck on this long enough to taste it before you discard it.

The only way to change those numbers you mention is for us to get out on the streets, go to the schools, and talk with brothas that want to listen. They need to read the article you presented here. It might change a mind or two.

Looking back on history, when the women felt pushed as a group, they began pushing back AS A GROUP. Look at 'em now! Well, we've got to do the same thang. We have to organize ourselves first; then start pushing back.

[Professor]

OA I feel much of what you are saying. A contributing factor why black men are in jail is because they lack skills for employment and thus turn to crime. Sad as it may be, I also believe that rap music and this bad boy image that seems to be the in thing has destroyed the self respecting black male. The media is telling black men to pump out babies by having sex relentless sex, to be a thug and that one is nothing without the bling bling or money. It's a sad time for black men.

I have came to the realization a long time ago that I can't save everyone. My chapter choices kids in the sixth grade and mentors them until they go to college. We only have 12 kids at a time and I know that seems like a small number but we do everything from buying clothes, taking educational trips to tutoring. Our success rate has been 100%. All the kids have gone on to receive higher education.

[The Original Ape]

I see the merit in what you're saying Professor. I however, don't see it as a lack of skills because technology has impacted the economy so quickly and perversely that lack of skills is a problem with the entire work force. I see it as more of a lack of opportunity due to the diminished number of employers. Today's plant output is multiple times that of plants ten years ago, and requires half the workforce. Mergers and corporate absorption has decreased the number of employers across the country, along with NAFTA.

I also see the problem we have as a severe image problem. The generalized portrayal of African-American men on shows like COPS, BET(THE VIDEOS-like you mentioned), and quite frankly, ALL of the tv shows, is one that scares even our own people. When we are encountered by people of all walks of life, we are prejudged, and prematurely convicted as guilty, regardless of the situation.

WE(African-American Men) ARE RESPONSIBLE for some of that image; and as a result, we need to do some damage control for our image by creating a new fad: DOIN' THE RIGHT THING-whatever the right thing is for our family, AND OUR KIND.

[Blackwatch]

Brothers, we have to look at this thing strategically.
The prison population is on the rise due to both systemic oppression and arrested personal development of the African American man. So we, as chapters must address both of these issues. In addressing both of these issues, we must also assess each chapter's resources. At the grassroots level, we must go out and mentor young boys. Teach them what it means to be a real man. Negate the negative and destructive images they may see in the media and in their communities. This gives the boys hope, and hope is half the battle when you talk about overcomming systemic evils of racism and poverty. Then look in your chapters, find those brothers that are grad students or professors, brothers who know how to research and write. Use those brothers to publish opinion articles and position papers in the local media, voicing facts about racial profiling, dispproportionate drop out rates and poor testing scores of African American students in the local school district, and redlining by banks, mortgage lenders, and real estate agencies. These pieces can then address the systemic barriers to our COLLECTIVE liberation. Also, host educational forums for your "votless people..." campaigns about different issues so as to eduate our community about the political process affects all of us. And encourage everyone to vote every election. If there are any brothers left enocurage them to attend school board and city council meetings regularly, and get on the citizen concern agendas as much as possible. This way, the elected officals can know that the black community has a voice, and that voice when it is articulated by Alpha, will always be vigilant in the ongoing struggle for collective freedom, justice and equality.

Just a few strategic suggestions.
Blackwatch!!!!!!

[sphinxpoet]

My Chapter is currently doing all of those things Blackwatch mentioned. http://www.apa-zzl.org The only issue is that our resources are streached as us and our college chapter are overworked. The Ques and Sigmas in my area doing work as well but for all the bashing Fraternities take I think we are on the forefront of mentoring young men on the regular! So I think the question becomes what are we to do to get other non Frat orgs involved.

Sphinxpoet

[The Original Ape]

I think they already know that the need exists, and many of them are trying to deal with it. Like us, they are limited in their resources. Those that aren't tryin' need to be reminded!

Having the experience we have working with other organizations, we have to prepare ourselves for the good and the bad. We have to network, and plan joint projects.

We just gon have ta keep tryin', even "...when care is pressing us down a bit,..."

'06 to da tricks!

[enlightenment06]

does anyone think it would be realistic for Alpha or the NPHC or a coalition of groups to set a five year target plan? for example by the year 2008 the rate of incarceration for black men to decrease by 25%. or is that just over-idealizing the black greek system. I must say that am very proud of the work the black greeks are doing now, it's just so much work to do!

[Professor]

NPHC - that's another thread - now i have post for today.