Hello World!

Hello World!

This is my first blog. I have many interests that I would, could, and should be writing about. Like my fiery passion for cooking. Or my obsession with cheesy romantic comedies. I should, could, would write about my African heritage and the stories and folktales I have collected over the years, or even the adventures up and down California. However, despite all the could, should, woulds in the world, I decided to blog on Youth and Justice for the next 14 weeks. I am deeply invested in the stories of American youth, especially those in the minority and at risk categories.

In California, which is acknowledged as one of the most progressive states in the country, the juvenile justice system is neglected. Through studies, stories, and experience I have began to develop a pessimistic world view about being young and brown in this state. While famous accounts of the prison industrial complex and Rodney King versus the LAPD explore institutionalized racism within the courts, there has yet to be the same clout or attention given to the youth experiencing the same injustices.

In theory juvenile justice is supposed to emphasize reform and rehabilitation more so than any other form of justice. Of the thousands of minority youth in camps, juvenile halls, and the CYA of California, 70% of them return to one of these places within two years of their release. In no way is that reflecting rehabilitative structures. I am taking on the exploration as to why the system is failing- especially in such a seemingly progressive state? What went wrong? And who is working to correct those mistakes? There are after school programs and non-profits out there who care about those neglected by their society…how do they propose revision and reform?

This blog is not lighthearted or carefree, and maybe I would be better off writing about something that is. It is supposed to be provocative, volatile, engaging and informative on a level that hopefully many of you reading out there will respond to and perhaps some will even take action in their own ways.  In talking about systematic oppression, I acknowledge the risk of being accused of making excuses for minorities and using racism- a term that many believe only exists pre civil rights era- as an excuse for the way things are. Within each of my posts I will attempt to explain how relevant and prevalent race and racism are in our society today- especially within the juvenile justice system. Why aren’t we listening to or caring for the voices of the future?

Is it because of their age? Do the experiences of prejudice only seem to matter only when one reaches the age of 18 or older? My not-so-subtle questions lead to the reason why I write, why I want to write, why I feel a responsibility to do so. For all the voiceless young men and women out there, I write to share your story in hopes that the rest of the world will begin to listen.