Responding to Crisis Situations Confronting Today's African-American Youth

By: Reverend Dr. James R. Gibbs, Jr.

The book is a “how to” create a community-wide awareness from a multi-cultural, interdenominational, holistic, and theological perspective for at-risk and troubled youth(s). It is based on my experiences as a Christian educator, youth counselor and pastor. Through personal witness of African-American youths, I have experienced first-hand and swallowed the bitter pill of poverty, violence, victimization and homicide.

African-American youth(s) are statistically the greatest perpetrators of crime in the communities, and the lowest academic achievers. It is my hope to create a greater community-wide awareness at a time when society will see black youth(s) beyond the playing field and look for the real role models in their respective communities such as; teachers, pastors, mothers, fathers, and grandparents. In my book, I will place greater emphasis on the role of parenting and education in influencing youth(s) to partake in activities which will hone their abilities and create positive outlooks on life. The active involvement of various organizations, schools and individuals could hasten the achievement of these goals; for unity leads to revolutionary reform.

Interpersonal violence has a dramatic impact on the health of American youth(s). Homicides, the salient and easily measured impact, account for one of every five deaths among youths, ages fifteen to twenty-four and 58 per cent of deaths among black males fifteen to nineteen. From 1985 through 1990, firearm homicide rates increased 141 per cent for all fifteen-to-nineteen year olds and nearly tripled among black males in this age group.

Positive Adolescent Choices Training (P.A.C.T.) designed specifically for African-American male and female adolescents, applies cognitive training methods in small group settings in six skill areas. Elementary school teachers (preferably), select students for participation based on social skill deficiencies, problems with aggressive behavior, or history of victimization. Training is provided twice a week in fifty minute sessions for half of the school year. PACT volunteers will facilitate the training and are aided by a high-quality video tape that demonstrates the skills in realistic situations.