Like other parents, we worry about a lot. We want him to use his smarts for good. Do we coddle him too much? We want him to be tough and kind, but assertive and gentle, and not mean. His boundaries of independent exploration are radiating outward, concentric circles growing farther and farther from us.

Freedom is something that is rare in its truest form. To be free in action and thought is powerful. Today we have to rethink and question who is free. Mental enslavement has been talked about for a significant period of time now and it continues to enslave generation after generation. There is the teacher that refuses to educate students on how groups became oppressed and enslaved. The hip-hip artist portraying a coon/brute image for a dollar. History that is taught in schools has been watered down to the point that the youth do not have a true understanding of events that made this country what it is today. Forced to hate everything about yourself; mind, body, complexion, and family. We have all heard or read about the Willy Lynch letters in one aspect or another. People have been breaking down that letter for years, but it was not one man that created mental enslavement. It was not done with one speech. It was done with actions. The actions on the middle passage that led to the death and rape of thousands, maybe more. A great number of the youth are not free and we can see that in action and thought. They have chosen to glorify and portray ignorance. They would rather be hood famous and ignorant than educated and average. It was not always a wicked jump shot or selling crack rock like biggie once said on one of the greatest albums of all-time. WE created that image by allowing ourselves to be enslaved. The question I ask today is, “Will you free the Youth?” 

The facts cannot be denied or ignored about the importance of parents talking to their children before the Prom. As Proms dates come concern is taken in clothing to shoes, hairstyle to perfume or cologne. Rental cars and limousines, and all the other extras that go with Proms; If car rental agencies are checked now most would already be booked well in advance of each schools respective Prom date.

Black History Month (BHM) is often about a reflection of the past, but rarely a projection of the future. Movies, documentaries, speeches and writings often reflect where African Americans, Blacks, Negros or whatever term comforts displays a brutal and challenging history.