NCJ Number
75095
Date Published
1980
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Characteristics of black on black crime are identified, the role of educational institutions as change agents impacting on this problem is discussed, and strategies for helping black youth are considered.
Abstract
Black on black crime is an outgrowth of pathological racism, and is a reflection of the poverty and powerlessness of a ghettoized people. While black on black crime represents a serious problem, the major source of criminal activity in black communities is organized crime. American schools are largely structured for middle-class students and do not meet the needs of black youth, many of whom become involved in or accused of criminal activity. Educational programs should assume a major role in providing a positive environment for black youth, leading to a decrease in black on black crime. The schools should provide opportunities for success by black youths by treating them with respect and dignity. Leadership ability which is often used to carry out criminal acts should be channeled into positive constructive activities. Truancy should be reduced, and children should be kept in school. Learning strategies should include decisionmaking skills and nonviolent conflict resolution methods. Black youth should be provided with positive role models through the schools, young adults formerly in conflict with the law should be used as streetworkers to help black youth solve school and family problems, and social services should be located within the school. Adult advocates and mentors should be assigned to underachieving, high potential youth. Adult criminals should be kept out of the schools. Blacks should combat black on black crime; however, such crime is a creation of the white majority, who are ultimately responsible for solving it.