Posted on May 4th, 2022

All youth deserve to have access to the opportunity to thrive.

However, our society is not perfect, and there are systemic injustices that have greatly impacted the ability of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) youth to reach their maximum potential. The summer of 2020 laid bare the tragic reality of injustice in America. The events of 2020 were not isolated, nor were they inconceivable. 

For Black youth, these tragic events continue to conjure up questions of worth and feelings of anger and fear. The questions on the minds of many young Black people are: What can I do? Do I have any control? Could this happen to me?

Social justice means equal rights and equitable opportunities for all, but social justice as an action is how we get there. Given what we know about the current state of affairs for Black youth, the question we must attempt to answer is how can we actively participate in social justice work and empower Black youth to engage in activism for their benefit?

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES

Here are some examples of how adults can support the social justice work of all youth, but which can be particularly empowering for Black youth.

1 - STRENGTH-BASED APPROACH

Consider the strengths of the young people in your circle and motivate them to use those strengths to promote social justice. Encourage the youths in your life to utilize their strengths to bring awareness towards a particular cause they are passionate about. For example, if they have strengths in music, art, poetry, or drama, they could work with others to organize a rally that showcases their expressive talents for social justice. If they enjoy caring for younger children, you can encourage them to volunteer at local community center or organization that works with children.

2 - SUPPORT ACCESS

As an adult, you probably have more social capital than the youth in your life, and are likely to have access to adults who may be of influence as well. Consider facilitating a meeting between the youth who you know and the adults in your network who can also support, educate, and advise the youth’s social justice actions. If Black youth are not in your circle, consider reaching out to organizations, schools, and congregations to offer your expertise, mentoring, or connections.

Source: https://thethrivecenter.org/supporting-black-youth-towards-social-justice/