Black Youth

For centuries African-Americans were treated as property. It took a war to make them second-class citizens. In the end a reverend gave his life, so they could be considered equal citizens under the law.

For a long period of time the prevailing attitude of African-Americans was that America was a bad place. There was a very small portion of African-Americans who did not see America in this light. Those people were known as Uncle Toms and sellouts. This way of thinking was passed on to the kids, so they had no motivation to change. Young black Americans believed the only way to succeed in America was to become a rapper, or make it to the NBA. Now the 21st century has arrived, and a new attitude among African-Americans has emerged. Finally African-Americans are standing up and saying enough with the nonsense. Stop blaming someone else for your suffering, get an education, and help redefine black culture.

Like millions of Americans, blacks too have felt the impact of a harsh, sluggish economy. The economy has spawned high unemployment, home foreclosures, and failed businesses. If these conditions are to continue, the black middle and upper classes will be in dire need of help (Black Enterprise 2010).

Black Enterprise Magazine teamed up with Wal-Mart, and with the assistance of private and public sector policy makers assembled a town hall style forum. The purpose was to evaluate the economic and financial state of black America. They would discuss the issues important to African-Americans and their future. The issues included job creation, development of a strong, capable workforce, and small business innovation. In theory combining these three ingredients would assist in financial reform and wealth building (Black Enterprise 2010).

Analyzing the data were CEO’s, economists, and officials from President Obama’s administration. They were tasked with reviewing the policies of the green economy, education, global trade, financial reform, and capital...