The youth in our community are not just the future; they are the now. They are living in a world far different from the one many of us grew up in—a world dominated by social media, quick gratification, and societal pressures that pull them in countless directions. Yet, too often, we as adults speak to them as if we’ve forgotten what it means to be young and lost. We demand they act with wisdom they have yet to acquire, ignoring the obstacles unique to their generation.
It’s not that our youth lack potential; it’s that they often lack guidance tailored to their reality. Many of them are struggling with unseen traumas, fighting battles that we may not fully understand. To reach them, we must stop preaching from a pedestal and start engaging with empathy. They need us to remember our own journeys, to recall the detours and mistakes that led us to wisdom. Only then can we truly meet them where they are and guide them toward a path of growth and greatness.
This article dives into how and why our youth are lost, especially within the African-American community. More importantly, it calls on us—those who have made it through fire and struggle—to connect with them authentically. It’s a hard-hitting but heartfelt plea to recognize their worth and help them realize the seeds of greatness within themselves.
Why Are Our Youth Lost?
Social Media Addiction
Social media isn’t just a distraction; it’s a lifestyle for many youth. They compare themselves to influencers, seek validation in likes, and develop a warped sense of reality.
Lack of Positive Role Models
Many young men and women don’t see successful people who look like them. Instead, they idolize celebrities or influencers who glorify toxic behavior.
Broken Homes
A significant number of youth are growing up in fractured families, often lacking the stable foundation necessary for emotional and mental development.
School-to-Prison Pipeline
Our education system frequently fails Black youth, pushing them into disciplinary systems that set them up for incarceration rather than success.
Unaddressed Trauma
From community violence to personal abuse, too many youth are silently carrying emotional wounds with no one to help them heal.
Peer Pressure and Gangs
In environments where crime and gangs are normalized, some youth join for a sense of belonging, even if it leads them down a destructive path.
Illiteracy and Poor Education
Failing schools and low literacy rates leave many youth unprepared to navigate the world as responsible adults.
Hyper-Sexualized Culture
Music, movies, and social media often promote hyper-sexuality, leading youth to develop unhealthy ideas about relationships and self-worth.
Materialism
The obsession with “flex culture” has many youth prioritizing possessions over personal growth, leading to financial and emotional instability.
Generational Disconnect
Too often, adults dismiss the struggles of youth with “When I was your age…” stories, creating a barrier to understanding and support.
Meeting Them Where They Are
Acknowledge Their Reality
We must first recognize that the challenges they face are real and significant. Listening without judgment is the first step toward building trust.
Use Their Language
Speak in terms they understand and connect with. Don’t approach them with jargon or condescension; meet them at their level of comprehension.
Lead by Example
Youth need to see integrity and success in action. Show them what it looks like to overcome adversity without losing your soul.
Offer Real Solutions
Instead of vague advice, give actionable steps. Help them find resources, opportunities, and mentors who can guide them.
Build Relationships
Relationships take time. Show consistent care and patience, proving to them that you’re not just another adult who will give up on them.
Conclusion
Our youth are not beyond saving—they are beyond superficial solutions. They need us to invest time, effort, and understanding. They need us to listen to their struggles, empathize with their frustrations, and believe in their potential when they struggle to see it themselves.
As adults, we cannot afford to sit back and criticize. We must roll up our sleeves and do the work to connect with them, whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or simply being present in their lives. We were once where they are, lost in a world of uncertainty, and someone helped us find our way.
We are not asking our youth to change overnight. We are asking ourselves to be patient as they navigate a world that challenges them at every turn. The seeds of greatness are already within them; it’s our job to help them see it.
The African-American community has always been a wellspring of resilience and ingenuity. Let us channel that same energy into lifting our youth, reminding them of their inherent worth and their immense potential. Let us meet them where they are, so together, we can guide them toward where they need to be.
