The Truth!

Think of how rattled you might be if you lived in constant fear of a gun going off. Then imagine you are only six or seven years old and trying to do your homework. This is the reality for many children living in America's inner-city neighborhoods today. Now think of how it must feel to be walking home from school or driving in the car and see gangs of kids of each corner and how flashy,cool,and "in" they look to other young boys. As adults we all look and say its so sad to see kids like that, but as a young black boy struggling into man hood and trying to find his identity it may be the only place that looks like it will accept him. Studies show that young black men report that:

• 75 percent had heard or seen a shooting.

• 50 percent had seen a killing or serious beating.

• 50 percent reported that murders occur in their neighborhood.

• 39 percent had had a friend beaten or killed.

• 25 percent reported that teachers at their school had been injured by students.

• Only 8 percent reported no exposure to violence. Many teens who reported seeing violence also admitted to being a part of the violence studies also show that
  
• 50 percent had been in a serious physical fight.

• 33 percent had used a weapon in a fight.

• 25 percent had been physically cruel to someone.

• 10 percent had been arrested/jailed for violent behavior.

• Only 33 percent said they had not engaged in any violent behavior.