sagging pants, being angry and showing aggression at the slightest disagreement. Teaching responsibility is a must, we must address teen pregnancy and respecting self. We must Celebrate Black History by teaching our Black youth how to be professional, honorable, and dignified young men and women with integrity. As we do this as a community starting right in our own back yard then we can truly celebrate Black History. Let’s start building the legacy our ancestors fought for in helping the next generation. We want our Black youth to be successful and productive citizens of this society. I’ll leave you with this if we don’t begin taking on our rich legacy, Black History will just be a celebration on the calendar, that really has no meaning, no heart, and no concern. Black History Month is not just about our history and our past, it is to recognize our present and our future, as our future is our Youth. We should help them know the importance and role as Black youths in society. Don’t allow the majority to label our Black youth in a negative way, if something is to be said, let it be the next Mayor, or Spelling Bee champion and not a statistic of an incarcerated, or another Black child slain. We must address the horrible statistics on high school dropouts, teen pregnancy, gang affiliations, drug and alcohol use, abuse, and addiction in Black youth. The statistics also as of 2022, 49% of U.S. children were White, non-Hispanic; 26% were Hispanic;14% were Black non-Hispanic; 6% were Asian non- Hispanic and 6% were non- Hispanic “All other races”. (childstats.gov). Based on the numbers there are a small number of black youth, do we have room for anymore disparaging and degrading downfalls of black youth? We have a part to play in the future of our Black youth. Let’s work to change the trajectory in a positive direction for them. Now that’s what I call Black History! As always if you are seeking counseling for yourself or for your children and youth, please feel free to contact our office. Happy Blessed New Year! Sincerely, Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC 319 206-0651 caleb@thomasacc.com thomasacc.com Thomas & Associates Counseling & ConsultingCounseling with a God given purpose! Do you want to be on the cover or centerfold? Sponsor an edition of Urban Experience MaGazine! Contact us today: iaurbanmedia18@gmail.com 9
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