-
Why take the pledge?
Far too many Black youth continue to be demonized, criminalized and murdered.
Enough is enough!
In response to this intensifying crisis, the Black Youth Project (BYP) has launched “The Pledge.”
With “The Pledge,” we are asking individuals and organizations to close ranks around black youth and make a commitment to take action and fight with black youth as they confront a relentless crisis. We at the BYP believe that each person can make a difference by doing something!
By taking The Pledge we not only articulate our concern about black youth, but symbolically unite our voices with others who will work to confront this crisis.
If we each take action, whether it is starting a group, signing a petition, or mentoring a young person in your neighborhood, then we all become a part of the solution.
Stand With Black Youth!
-
Black Youth Project on Facebook
Recommended posts
Monthly Archive
Tags
2012 American Values Black Boys black community black feminism Black girls Black Men black women Black Youth Black Youth in the News capitalism celebrities Chicago Community Criminal Justice education Empowerment Fame Gender GOP Guns gun violence health hip-hop Homophobia Latino youth LGBTQ Media Men Money Music Police police brutality Politics Pop Culture Poverty President Obama R.I.P. race racism Sports trayvon martin Violence Violence Against Women Women
-
Archives
Most Popular Posts
- Mourners Gather at Memorial Service for Malcolm Shabazz
- “I Make HIV Look Soo Good”: The Politics of Disease, Stigma, and Self-Worth
- Scandal Finale Garners Show’s Highest Ratings Ever
- Standout Football Player Jay Harris Gives Up Michigan State Scholarship to Pursue Rap Career
- STUDY: Body Mass Index of Low-Income African Americans Linked to Proximity to Fast Food
- Candice Glover Wins American Idol
Most Commented Posts
- Say No To Drugs (Especially if you are on welfare or a state employee in Florida)
- Dialectic Thought and Contradictions: There Aint No Post-Racial Society & there Aint No Black and White
- After Hadiya: A Plan for School Safety
- Puff, Puff.
- Week of July 27, 2009 to August 2, 2009
- Jay-Z on “Big Pimpin”: “What kind of animal would say this sort of thing?”
Monthly Archive
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Swagger-less Politicians
Barack Obama has it. What is it? Some call it swagger, some call it panache, and others say that it is uncanny composure. Nonetheless, it is an intangible characteristic that helps him appeal to the masses (obviously excluding politics). However, it seems as if today more than ever, Obama is in a class by himself when it comes to politicians with personality. By personality I don’t mean the ability to come up with cutesy retorts and one-liners to make the news cycle. I mean the ability to embrace their individuality without buying into the stiff suit cohort. Where are the politicians who enjoy spoken word, ride Harleys, and who are unashamed to say they listen to rap music? To be honest, many in mainstream America are uninformed. A lot of the electorate casts their ballots based on issues completely unrelated to candidate’s voting records and credentials. For some it’s race or gender, but for many it’s relatability. When Barack Obama said that he had Jay-z on his ipod it resonated with many people who weren’t necessarily entrenched in the political sphere. When Sarah Palin talked about her time as a hockey mom, many middle-aged mothers rejoiced that they could vote for someone just like them.
While policy is undeniably important it is only one factor in selling a candidate. It saddens me that I can’t really think of any elected officials with swagger. Trust me, lack of swagger is a bipartisan problem that needs to be addressed. While Democrats and Republicans may differ ideologically they seem to be monolithic when it comes to style and savvy. Even Obama bores me with his white shirts and red or blue straight tie. Can we get some variety? Throw in a bow tie every now and then, maybe even a pastel color. We say things our gauche because they have never been done before. David Plouffe and David Axelrod ultimately changed the way political campaigns will be conducted. Why can’t some politicians change the game?
Let’s be honest, we all know politicians are normal people. Many of them have experimented with drugs, had extramarital affairs, and have done many other things that have a negative social stigma. While I don’t think they should embrace their indiscretions, it’s time for many of them to just flat out loosen up. It would be nice to see Nancy Pelosi do the electric slide or see Jesse Jackson Jr. in the front row at a Lupe Fiasco concert. Maybe I’m asking too much of our elected officials. I just like to think that I casted my vote for a normal human being, not a robot.
No related posts.