Claude Brown on Gang Violence

Since reading Brown’s book, I have been an ardent admirer of his literary talents. However, in reading his column, he missed a very valid point when he stated that the blacks have “not now, nor have they ever been, included in the American dream plan.”

Of course they are included; they just do not know that opportunities abound for them as they do for every other minority who has suffered inequities, discrimination, acts of racism and bigotry.

Assimilating them into the American dream will have to be accomplished starting with the home--instilling in them pride in their ethnic background, their accomplishments and by building the child’s own self-esteem with the knowledge that it is only through education that the American dream is attainable for all.

KIYOKA KURAMADA

Culver City