PLATFORM : A Fair Shake

It’s regrettable, but the media does not give black teens a fair shake. For example, they appear to concentrate entirely on gang activity, drugs and murder when they focus on African-American youth, giving some the impression that all black teens are violent. Meanwhile, scores of articulate and well-motivated young people never see their names in print or their faces on television news.

For example, the media didn’t cover the recent African-American Teen Forum, a gathering of about 200 youths in Los Angeles. These young people want to become more aware of African culture and are dedicated to working with other teens to improve their lives. Those who attended the forum are trying to foster better communications with their parents, bring attention to the problems of inadequate educational resources and develop healthier bodies and minds to better prepare themselves for the role parenting.