Who said it was okay for Middle School Children to party in Downtown Minneapolis?
“A simple question deserves a simple answer.”
By Don Allen, Journal of a Black Teacher (2024)
(Photo: Dr. Boyce Watkins X feed; Fair Use)
The erosion of our social structures concerning Black children is a topic that consistently sparks my curiosity. I often find myself contemplating the reasons behind this decline and the impact it has on our communities. About four years ago, I began to delve deeper into my readings. I realized that the issues affecting the Twin Cities could potentially arise in other cities, and local communities had to find ways to restore collaboration and human capital to enhance the city for the betterment of local businesses, neighborhoods, and, most importantly, the people. However, I couldn't comprehend the exposure of our 12-16-year-old children to adult situations while exploring downtown with the same level of enthusiasm as adults. Though it may not be a popular question, the most crucial one that demands an immediate answer is: where are the parents, relatives, and local church communities? What has become of the moral compass that should guide our children in distinguishing right from wrong?
Depending on one's perspective, finding a solution to community safety involves addressing crime, understanding poverty, and law enforcement (the police). Unfortunately, certain human capital institutions maintained by the dominant culture have rejected the traditional role of the police and shifted law enforcement towards social justice, equity, and racism. To this day, no community leader, politician, or academic in the Twin Cities has been able to provide a cogent explanation for this shift. If there is little to no concern about children being in downtown Minneapolis on a weekend night, after the clubs close, in the streets, then tragic events like the death of a teenage girl being run over by a car after an altercation will become commonplace—an abnormal norm. Without protests or changes, this behavior will persist because we have not yet decided whether it should be treated as a condition or a crisis.
Below is an example of one possible solution.
*One city in the U.S. that has made strides in lowering youth crime is Boston. Through its Operation Night Light program, launched in the 1990s, Boston effectively reduced juvenile delinquency by pairing police officers with probation officers to conduct home visits, ensuring that youth were adhering to curfews and probation conditions. This initiative fostered relationships between law enforcement and the community, emphasizing intervention over punishment (Klein, 2009). Boston also implemented youth outreach programs such as the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), which provides safe recreational activities and mentorship, keeping children engaged and off the streets (Boston.gov, 2021). Moreover, the city's collaboration with community organizations and schools has been instrumental in reinforcing a sense of responsibility and involvement among youth, significantly lowering crime rates and encouraging family accountability (Shelden, 2012). These integrated approaches have contributed to Boston’s success in reducing youth crime.
*References:
- Klein, M. W. (2009). Juvenile Justice: A History of Interventions
- Shelden, R. G. (2012). Delinquency and Juvenile Justice in American Society
- Boston.gov. (2021). Youth programs and community initiatives
By Don Allen, Journal of a Black Teacher (2024)
(Photo: Dr. Boyce Watkins X feed; Fair Use)
Depending on one's perspective, finding a solution to community safety involves addressing crime, understanding poverty, and law enforcement (the police). Unfortunately, certain human capital institutions maintained by the dominant culture have rejected the traditional role of the police and shifted law enforcement towards social justice, equity, and racism. To this day, no community leader, politician, or academic in the Twin Cities has been able to provide a cogent explanation for this shift. If there is little to no concern about children being in downtown Minneapolis on a weekend night, after the clubs close, in the streets, then tragic events like the death of a teenage girl being run over by a car after an altercation will become commonplace—an abnormal norm. Without protests or changes, this behavior will persist because we have not yet decided whether it should be treated as a condition or a crisis.
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Below is an example of one possible solution.
*One city in the U.S. that has made strides in lowering youth crime is Boston. Through its Operation Night Light program, launched in the 1990s, Boston effectively reduced juvenile delinquency by pairing police officers with probation officers to conduct home visits, ensuring that youth were adhering to curfews and probation conditions. This initiative fostered relationships between law enforcement and the community, emphasizing intervention over punishment (Klein, 2009). Boston also implemented youth outreach programs such as the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), which provides safe recreational activities and mentorship, keeping children engaged and off the streets (Boston.gov, 2021). Moreover, the city's collaboration with community organizations and schools has been instrumental in reinforcing a sense of responsibility and involvement among youth, significantly lowering crime rates and encouraging family accountability (Shelden, 2012). These integrated approaches have contributed to Boston’s success in reducing youth crime.
*References:
- Klein, M. W. (2009). Juvenile Justice: A History of Interventions
- Shelden, R. G. (2012). Delinquency and Juvenile Justice in American Society
- Boston.gov. (2021). Youth programs and community initiatives
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