What Can We Do?

"Teen Allegedly Killed Classmate And Took A Snapchat Selfie With Body"

So is this what we can expect in 2015? A year of news filled with social media savvy killer teens? Can we instead make sure that all children move ahead? Can we invest more in their education, safety, health and being well fed?

Since my school days, bullying has been taken to a whole new level. We malnourish our children, then we blame their behavior on the devil.

People no longer ball up their fists, and have a fair fight. Guns and knives are the preferred weapons, and snuffing out young life is in regular sight. Another young teen dead and buried by the end of the night.

I grow weary of viewing the news anymore. A young black man can't safely travel to and from school, or the store. Over his shoulder who should he look for? A cop, a school mate or some other power-hungry weapon whore.

Mass destruction of a nation, a generation, a beautiful creation.

I had a revelation. Let's give more thought, and action to investing in our youth and their education.

Wait. Is this new? Hasn't this been discussed and explored before? Ahhh yes. I recall, way back, in 1984. The King of Pop, the city's 1st Black mayor, and a world record jump indoor. They each made history, and made us think that we could soar. In my time as a teen, there was more to hope for. The school doors were open, and we were encouraged to strive for more.

Now, we live in a land ravaged by poverty, disease, illiteracy, violent crime, and war; Sadly, much more than the decades, and centuries before.

I have to ask myself...what do I, my family and my community stand for? What can we do to work together, to build and maintain a good rapport?

-Katrena Patterson