Derrion Albert, African American Youth,

and The 2016 Olympic Bid

My friend CC called and asked, “Did you hear the news? Chicago lost the bid for the Olympics in the first round.”

I said, “What happened, what caused the defeat?”

CC replied, “The beating death of Derrion Albert went around the world. How could the International Olympic Committee vote for Chicago to hold the Olympics and children are being murdered regularly in the city.”

Derrion Albert’s death was different, because of the video camera, we were at the scene of the crime. We wanted the mob action to stop. We wanted the hateful words to be silenced; we were offended by the N word and B word. We feared the 2x4 boards used to beat human beings. We were repulsed by the circus atmosphere. Our great leader Malcolm X asked this question, “Who taught you how to hate yourself?” The new question is, who will teach you how to understand self-hatred that leads to self-destruction? Who will teach you how to love yourself and care for your fellow human beings?

The murder of school children in Chicago by other youth has not been sufficiently addressed. There should be a strategic plan by the city of Chicago, The State of Illinois, and the Federal Government. Black on black crime will not be solved by more police officers or the national guard on the streets. Black Churches, community organizations, parents and the entire village must become part of the solution. This problem deserves a five-ten year strategic plan. With a review each year. What happens to people who live in poverty for generation after generation?

Also, let us take a closer look at what is going on in this country. The bid was not just against Chicago, it was the entire country that lost the Olympic Games. After a hard fought presidential campaign, we thought President Obama would be encouraged as he leads the country out of an economic disaster. But instead, hard core racist have continued to attack the President. The world is not blind to racism. This public display of arrogance and ugliness will not attract people to the United States.

Finally, may those who run community organizations, teach, mentor, and speak up for the poor continue their fight. We hope that some of the energy and funds targeted for the 2016 Olympics Games will be used to empower those who suffer from generational poverty.

Mary Morris, author of - Young Lions: Challenged to Live Free

Contact Blog: www.younglionsforschools.blogspot.com

I'm Back From Mississippi

NEW MISSISSIPPI, OLD MISSISSIPPI, & LEFT BEHIND MISSISSIPPI

My visit was to Columbus, Mississippi, located in Lowndes County. This trip was an exciting learning experience for me. After observing the glitz, I began to listen closely to the guarded conversations of the people. If Mississippi were a sentence it would be a compound, complex sentence. MS has a diverse culture. There is old Mississippi, new Mississippi, and the left behind Mississippi. The left behind group realizes they must catch up or perish.

New Mississippi is living large and living good. It does not matter about your racial identity. They have the green. New MS is enjoying life. They live in beautiful, spacious, expensive homes. Some live on top of rolling hills, drive hy-bird cars, and attend large churches. They know MS culture and how to conduct themselves.

Old Mississippi has not forgotten the history of the South. The remnants of slave culture, civil war, and pride of the confederacy are still alive. The Confederate flag is still flown on private property. Their secret society still exist. Old MS have prospered financially.

Left behind Mississippi: Many young blacks have been left behind. They are in a struggle for survival. They have the poorest education. Statistics show that education lags far behind in the segregated black schools. They do not have opportunities to get involved with technology. They are not encouraged to read. However, they play lots of video games. One phrase that was repeated over and over again was: "Our young people don't have anything to do." The elected officials with political power have not provided recreational opportunities for the youth. Nor have they provided quality educational opportunities. After Hurricane Katrina, many people relocated from Louisiana. Most of these residents have also been left behind.

Snapping at the heels of young blacks are opportunities to acquire an addiction. This puts them at risk for entering the Lowndes County Juvenile Detention Center or the County jail. The next stop is Parchment Prison. Serious work takes place in the Mississippi prisons; and, the inmates have to produce. This free labor creates wealth for the state. On the flip side there is the human tragedy. While an inmate is building wealth for the state they could be building their own life. Incarcerations take your time, dignity, and separates you from your family. Once a criminal record has been established many of your rights as a citizen are taken away forever. Examples: educational grants, government housing, all government jobs, and many good paying jobs. Some states deny ex-felons the right to vote.

Yet, there is hope for the left behind in Mississippi. I spoke before approximately 150 young people and their parents. During the question and answer session they revealed the strengths and weaknesses of their lives. Most of them place their faith in God. They listen to their parents and elders. It is time for strong courageous parents, grandparents, and the entire village to lobby for our youth and young adults. Elected officials must work hard for our children; holding a seat is not good enough. Who will be an advocate for the exploited, oppressed, and those living in poverty?

The young people of Mississippi still have hope for the future. However, there can be no compromise when it comes to using cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs. They must not participate in self destructive habits. If they continue to struggle against oppression, make use of every educational opportunity, and don't give up, the "left behind" will rise. Now is the time for all young African Americans to take part in their own rescue and survival.

Mary Morris, Author - Young Lions: Challenged To Live Free

I’m Going to Mississippi

Mary Morris

Psalms 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

I have been blessed to visit the continent of Africa three times. On each trip I was super excited. I visited South Africa and Swaziland in 2004, Ghana in 2006, and Egypt in 2007. My trips to Africa produced a great awakening and a quantum cultural leap.

On Friday, September 25, 2009, I will be traveling to the state of my birth: Mississippi. Guess who is super energized? This is no ordinary excitement before a trip. My soul is anticipating something wonderful.

While on the continent of Africa, I discovered what is missing in the lives of African American youth. What will I find in Mississippi? I am expecting the best. My Mississippi agenda is:

Friday, September 25, 2009 @ 4:00 PM - Boys & Girls Club of Columbus -

Youth and Parents - 1815 14th Ave. North - Columbus, MS 39701 - Mr. Moody, Director

Sunday, September 27, 2009 @ 11:00 AM - Union Baptist Church - 101 Weaver Road - Highway 695 - Columbus, MS 39701 - Rev. Coy Jones, Pastor

Mary Morris, Author

Young Lions: Challenged to Live Free

Blog Site = www.younglionsforschools.blogspot.com

Web Site = www.beingthegreatest.com

E-mail = msmary50@sbcglobal.net