Why am I not surprised by the findings? Better yet, who is surprised? Who is alarmed to learn from a study that boys of color are “at-risk?”

I’m more “shocked” to learn that extensive resources were poured into the studies—I’m very disappointed.

I’ll tell you about my study. For 32 weeks out of the year, I visit 80—100 youth every week. Approximately 65% of those youth are female. Of the 35% males I do see every week, excluding our all boys school, 10% of those boys are minorities. That means out of the 100 youth we serve weekly, 4% are minority boys. Now, if we include our all-boys school, that increases the minority pool to 20%.

Now…let’s consider the minority boys we serve. Of our twenty boys, 1 boy comes from an economically advantaged home. Ten percent have both parents in the home. 60% read below grade level. 

That’s my study.

The strange thing about my study is that it didn’t require extensive resources from any major institution. In my study, the major cost was my time and attention to detail. In my study, relationships are being developed, but tens of thousands of dollars are not being expended. Instead, meager resources are being invested into customized curriculum, food for feeding many of those who do not eat regularly at home, and most of all gas money so that I can fulfill my commitment of mentoring and empowering the future generation onto college completion.

No more studies are needed, in my opinion. ALL YOUTH need more adult’s time, care and attention.

Boys of color do not need for another institution to fund another study. They need “Men of Color” to exhibit integrity, responsibility, academic excellence and community leadership.

Instead of criticizing the young man whose pants are sagging, engage him in a conversation in order to establish a mentoring relationship. Spend a little time; trust me, many of them really don’t need your money, and honestly, I believe if you gave them a choice of your money over your time—they’d choose your time.

The crisis with young boys of color IS NOT their plight alone! They did not arrive at this crisis by their own devices. WE FAILED THEM! They have not failed us. 

Step up and be a man of character and esteem. If you really want to impact boys of color—quit pointing your finger and step up to the plate to exhibit responsible manhood. It will be a sacrifice. It’s expected, and we shouldn’t be praised for it. Manhood is a responsibility, not an office. Let’s do it.