HONOR-ROLL WATCH : Young and Gifted

The news concerning young black men that gets the most exposure seldom is good: A quarter of them are represented disproportionately in just about every social category that spells trouble. It’s unfortunate that this tends to overshadow the accomplishments of the majority of young African-American males, who lead law-abiding and productive lives.

Working against the stereotypes is the Links Inc., a national black women’s organization that nurtures positive steps by young people.

The Angel City Links recognizes outstanding students though its Young Achievers program. The chapter, one of five in Southern California, has awarded $465,000 in scholarships to 330 bright young African-American men since the program was founded 10 years ago.

The scholarships are awarded after the men attend workshops that could be called Character 101. The demanding sessions, taught by a psychologist, stress self-control, ethics, moral development, sexual responsibility and other qualities. The focus is on triumph, not trouble.

The Young Achievers is only one of the many black self-help programs run by the Links, an organization with 8,000 members in 240 chapters across the country. Many Links projects, including anti-drug and anti-teen-pregnancy programs, aim at improving the self-esteem and scholarship of young African- Americans.

The Angel City Links deserves support for propelling young black men toward achievement, and for calling attention to the too rarely publicized success stories.