TGR: I Stand with Jack: New Schools and Recs, Not More Prisons :: Prevention is the Key!
By Doni Glover, www.bmorenews.com
(BALTIMORE - October 8, 2012) - When you have poor schools – rife with signs of corruption as reported in the Baltimore Sun – there is no need to wonder why so many young black men are dropping out of school and dropping into prison. It’s very basic math. And while the African American community, I believe, can appreciate having “nicer” facilities for the 14 to 17 years olds incarcerated who are charged with adult crimes than in close proximity to adult men – I believe the broader question is of the overall perception in place here.
If you have never been to Greenmount Avenue in East Baltimore where the prisons are located, you’ll know that Baltimore has several institutions – from a half-way house to a Super Max. Anyone who traverses Greenmount Avenue near Eager Street is well aware of why people are in these places. What East Baltimore and the larger community needs is the resources to prevent young people from ever having to make a criminal decision.
From day one of BMORENEWS, the prison system has been among our top priorities. Why? Because 39% of America’s prisoners look like me – black and male. Now, forgive me if I’m wrong – but black people only make up 15% or so of the population. That means a terrible disparity: there are an outlandish percentage of black men in prison. And this is nationally. Add to that the fact that this country incarcerates at a higher rate than any nation on earth – and then maybe you will understand my concern.
I stand with Baltimore City Council President Bernard “Jack” Young. We need this city, this state, and this nation to invest in our young people like we once did. These basic privileges ought be afforded to a community that comprises 30% of the state. Besides, it is good to take care of people, especially the people of Baltimore. It’s the right thing to do! New recreation centers. New schools. This is what we need.
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"DOES IMAGE MATTER?" :: Black Wall Street BALTIMORE :: Thursday, June 6th :: 6p-8:30p :: Downtown Cultural Art Center:
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NEWS UPDATE: Greater Baltimore Community Meetings :: June 4th (Woodlawn) and June 13th (Sandtown):
* Tuesday, June 4, 2013
7 to 9 pm
Woodlawn Community Center
2120 Gwynn Oak Avenue
Gwynn Oak, MD 21207
* Thursday, June 13, 2013
7 to 9 pm
Sharon Baptist Church
1373 North Stricker Street
Baltimore, MD 21217
The Glover Report: It's Election Time!:
Whether it's Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta - wherever, black people have to come to better understand a Delegate from a state Senator and a state Senator from a US Senator. We have to understand what the local Council does, what the state assembly does, and what is done in Congress. We also have to understand the legislation they write and who it impacts. Classic example: prisons. Somebody is voting for more and more prisons. My issue is that too many people who look just like me keep filling these cells. Currently, America has the Gold! It incarcerates 25% of the world's inmates, 40% who are black and male ... like me.
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What do you think?
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agree with you Doni. I recalled in the 60's and 70's when recreational centers in all communities where lead by great recreational leaders who where highly respectible leaders to direct young people pathway in life . I also remember when activities where free as well as camp. Now, I do understand it's 2012 and our financial condition warrants adjustments but our kids and community recreational centers shouldn't be shut down and our children have to commute a distance to reach the propose 4 new recreational centers when there's no plan to untilize the old ones to be shut down . Where is our Voice for Our Tax Dollars ???? I rather see it invested in our children recreational centers for constructive activities to keep them off the street and close to home for all safety purpose. It's time for All Our City Hall Leafers To Walk The Talk Now!!!
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