'Social toxins' infect black males
Ginwright touts positive impact programs for youths
Tracey Tate
Issue date: 11/12/09 Last update: 11/12/09 at 11:21 AM PST
Section: News
The advent of young black men 18-25 years of age dying at an unprecedented rate, particularly in Oakland, caused Shawn Ginwright, Ph.D., associate professor at San Francisco State University to ask himself, "What's the use of my degree if I can't save my brother's life?"
In a presentation Nov. 4 at Laney College, Ginwright discussed the "Urban Trifecta"--a three tiered cause/effect seen in urban communities--and the subsequent downward spiral among black youth. Ginwright also presented the theory of "Radical healing."
Ginwright's concern for black youth and love for Oakland led him to create outlets for improving troubled communities within the city.
Realizing that the theories he learned in school did not explain what was happening in his community, Ginwright took the helm in organizing programs that have a positive impact on black youth in Oakland.
Speaking in a room filled to capacity, Ginwright took his audience on a historical tour of the genesis of crises among young urban men that impels them to commit such crimes as the recent brutal gang-rape of the 16-year-old girl in Richmond.
"The consequences of what happened in Richmond are a result of an unhealthy condition existing in those young men," Ginwright said.
According to Ginwright, pervasive social toxins are poisoning this group of young men. During an interactive session, the audience helped identify specific social toxins, which Ginwright maintains are similar to physical toxins that lead to illness and eventual death. These toxins include fear, poverty, anxiety, racism, violence and uncertainty as key factors in limiting the functionality of individuals within urban communities.
The "Urban Trifecta," a three-fold phenomenon, has been a major contributor to the breakdown of communities housing urban youth. Ginwright asserts that this "Trifecta" consists of:
1. Exodus of Jobs
2. Emergence of a "Crack" economy
3. Violence
Tracing the development of the "Urban Trifecta" in Oakland from the 1960's to the 1980's, Ginwright chronicled the emergence of the Black Panthers to the loss of industry, which led to a loss of jobs, the first stage. Then, the emergence of crack cocaine, which Ginwright categorizes as the "second holocaust," began drug wars, which escalated violence within Oakland communities.
In a presentation Nov. 4 at Laney College, Ginwright discussed the "Urban Trifecta"--a three tiered cause/effect seen in urban communities--and the subsequent downward spiral among black youth. Ginwright also presented the theory of "Radical healing."
Ginwright's concern for black youth and love for Oakland led him to create outlets for improving troubled communities within the city.
Realizing that the theories he learned in school did not explain what was happening in his community, Ginwright took the helm in organizing programs that have a positive impact on black youth in Oakland.
Speaking in a room filled to capacity, Ginwright took his audience on a historical tour of the genesis of crises among young urban men that impels them to commit such crimes as the recent brutal gang-rape of the 16-year-old girl in Richmond.
"The consequences of what happened in Richmond are a result of an unhealthy condition existing in those young men," Ginwright said.
According to Ginwright, pervasive social toxins are poisoning this group of young men. During an interactive session, the audience helped identify specific social toxins, which Ginwright maintains are similar to physical toxins that lead to illness and eventual death. These toxins include fear, poverty, anxiety, racism, violence and uncertainty as key factors in limiting the functionality of individuals within urban communities.
The "Urban Trifecta," a three-fold phenomenon, has been a major contributor to the breakdown of communities housing urban youth. Ginwright asserts that this "Trifecta" consists of:
1. Exodus of Jobs
2. Emergence of a "Crack" economy
3. Violence
Tracing the development of the "Urban Trifecta" in Oakland from the 1960's to the 1980's, Ginwright chronicled the emergence of the Black Panthers to the loss of industry, which led to a loss of jobs, the first stage. Then, the emergence of crack cocaine, which Ginwright categorizes as the "second holocaust," began drug wars, which escalated violence within Oakland communities.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jack
posted 11/12/09 @ 3:10 PM PST
The witnesses that encouraged, approved of and recorded this savage rape and beating are guilty of the same mentality that led to the horrific attack on the poor girl. (Continued…)
Post a Comment