I have a great sense of appreciation for the foundations, corporations and individuals who have provided untold sums of money and other worthwhile contributions that are intended to benefit youths including preschoolers. The efforts are commendable, but inadvertently or maybe intentionally there is not a driving concern about helping the current generation, particularly those between the ages of 18 to 40.
Of course there are substantial numbers of these persons who have arrest records, lack of skills and physiological problems. However it is an established fact that this generation will be around for at least the next 30 years or longer, and something must be done to help them become solid productive citizens.
It is my absolute conviction that the most driving force that has disrupted our families, communities and schools is the destabilizing of the HOME. It has never been mandatory that there be two parents in the home, but if the parent or parents are afforded an opportunity to have a job that enables them to participate in the American Dream it can become the beginning of a family foundation.
The foundation money comes from those giants of industry, who own mega corporations and employ untold numbers of people in a multitude of jobs. Over the years too many of them have been more comfortable running commercials in news media print and television ads showing young children in places where they appear to be having an enjoyable time. If their parents where afforded an opportunity to be gainfully employed they would be able to care for their own families.
I happened to meet a young 21-year-old Black man, who just did 18 months incarcerated and who is desperately seeking employment. He now has a record, no driver’s license, no mode of transportation, has a child and is sincerely striving to be a positive productive citizen. This deplorable circumstance can be multiplied by the thousands, and too many have adopted the attitude that it is not my son or daughter, because my children are good children. I have seen a number of good persons make that mistake. It can happen to almost anyone. There are those who say to me “there is no way possible we can hire all of those persons that you are concerned about.” It goes without saying that every person who is seeking a job can’t become employed, but those of you with the power have failed to make a serious attempt to address the problem.
To those of us, who are experiencing this employment problem we must not become so disillusioned that we give up, because that is what our oppressors want us to do. It is my conviction that the local government can make a gigantic effort in eradicating this staggering unemployment problem, and I am not referring to a job. There will be a column in March 2014 where I will highlight how local government can make a very positive contribution, and how we can push them to do it.
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(Louis “Hop” Kendrick is a weekly contributor to the Forum Page.)