By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
Last week, I had occasion to participate in a peace rally in the Riverwest community. There were approximately 75 to 100 people that took part in this anti-violence gathering at the BP gas station; the site of the youth disturbance and looting spree on July 3rd following the firework display at the lakefront.
This unfortunate public spectacle by a handful of Milwaukee youth, who happened to be Black, triggered considerable media attention. As is usually the case, in such instances, the participants were quickly demonized in order to sensationalize the event.
The youth in question were constantly referred to as a, “Black youth mob” or “pack of wild teens.” This, in turn, has only served to further polarize an already splintered city.
The peace rally was intended to serve two purposes. First, it presented an opportunity for community residents to come forth and express their collective sense of unity/family. And second, it offered an opportunity for the larger community to see that not all Black youth are engaged in nefarious pursuits — as was evident by the number of young people that participated.
I don’t condone the unlawful acts by a handful of teens for an instant, but to paint all Black youth as troubled is unfair, and undermines any semblance of community.
A more enlightened response is to engage our young people by listening to what they have to say, and offer some constructive outlets for them to explore.