In Response To: What Message Are We Sending Our Youth

This  post is in response to Dr.Kuame Brown’s post What Message Are We Sending Our Youth  

By Coach Ron Jackson
I often feel that African-American youth, both male and female, who compete and excel in Sports are unjustifiably made to feel bad about their accomplishments. While I agree wholeheartedly that young athletes should maintain a proper balance between sports and athletics, we should not deny the fact that African-American Youth, no matter how small, may have a leg up on achieving success in athletics and the possibility of getting financial help in their college pursuits.

I am not, by any means, suggesting that they should focus entirely on athletics as their path out of a bad environment but they should give every opportunity the weight it deserves. I recognize the odds are against someone getting a scholarship to college and even longer against them turning professional in their athletic pursuits but to suggest that they not even try would be akin to acknowledging defeat without an attempt.

I do understand that many of our youth place a disproportionate amount of time on developing their athletic skills versus their academic skills. This must be corrected and brought into proper perspective but the dream certainly not destroyed.

I understand the premise but I question some of the logic in the message. We must teach our youth to be realistic in their pursuits but continue to dream and hope as long as the path permits.