Pubdate: Sat, 10 Jan 2004
Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY)
Copyright: 2004 The Courier-Journal
Contact:  http://www.courier-journal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/97
Author: N. HUBERT

. . . 'SET AN EXAMPLE'

Why is it that the only time you hear about African-American communities is 
when someone dies? Why not do something to prevent the deaths?

Let's consider the two recent shootings, James Taylor and Michael Newby. 
Taylor was a drug user at the time of his death, and Newby was allegedly 
selling drugs at the time of his death. Yet the only wrong that anyone 
wants to mention is the fact that these two gentlemen died.

Where was the African-American community when these men needed them the 
most? Taylor had been in and out of jail several times before his death. 
People knew he was a drug user but instead of getting him help, they either 
chose to ignore the problem or feed into his habit. Newby had been in 
trouble with the law several times, also. Where was the community when, in 
middle school, he was caught with a handgun?...

Don't protest when someone is shot. Protest when you see how many 
African-American children can't read, write or add. Protest when you see 
the drug dealers on your street corners. Protest when you hear that most 
African-American families are single-family homes.

Don't stand back and let your child be the next Newby or Taylor. Teach your 
children right from wrong and, most important, set an example....

N. HUBERT

Louisville 40217
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens