Issues Facing Black Americans

Black Americans, despite the tremendous gains made since the end of World War II, still face my issues such as economic issues, social and political issues, and racial segregation issues. Even after the election of America's first Black president, Black Americans still have struggles. Here are five I believe are the struggles we will always face unless changes are made - some with others, but most with ourselves.

1. Imprisonment - After a recent visit to Rockview Prison (located in Pennsylvania), I could clearly see that over 80% of the prisoners residing in this facility were Black men. Thirteen percent of the American population are Black Americans, but 35%-37% of the 2.2 million male prison population are Black men. But while this static may seem daunting, it was nice to meet five Black men who are trying to make a difference from the inside. After speaking to them, I learned that all of them had difficult family situations that lead them astray resulting in prison, but that was not stopping them from trying to save those who on the inside to be better when they are released.

2. Black on Black Crime - I remember growing up during the beginning of the Black Panther movement. These Black men worked together to make a positive difference in the Black communities. But as times changed, so did future members of gangs in Black neighborhoods. Ninety-three percent of Black homicide victims are killed by other Blacks. Black American men are 7 to 10 times more likely to commit a crime due to negative life situations or just plain hate. And most of these crimes are prevalent in large cities.

3. Economy - Although 55% of today's Black Americans are living better than their parents, poverty is still a big issue in the Black American community. Despite working several jobs, Blacks still struggle. Black Americans earn far less that White Americans because White Americans dominate higher paying jobs. Even obtaining a college degree for Blacks does not guarantee a job.

4. Education - Affirmative Action gave not only Black Americans the opportunity to attend higher education schools, but other minority groups as well. But how, if that goal is possible, Black Americans are still facing roadblocks to their success.

5. Single Parent Households - Seventy-two percent of Black children will be raised in a single family home. With more Black men living in prison or being killed as a result of brutality or Black on Black crime, Black children are being born to a fatherless family.

There are other issues I could have included, but believe these were issues the Black community have, and will always face unless changes are made. We cannot depend on a knight in shinning armor to come and save us. There were many Black American leaders who started the charge and made a difference. It is time to continue that charge - not with violence, but with togetherness in a positive way. When we riot in the streets, destroy property, post pictures or videos of ourselves in a negative manner, the media uses it against us.

Think about Martin Luther King and his marches. Rosa Parks and the bus strike that changed segregation laws. The One Hundred Million Black Men March on Washington. These were positive situations that spoke volumes and let the world know, as Black Americans our voiced needed to be heard and we will always be here to fight for change.

Continue the positive fight!!

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