One interesting element to consider when addressing this issue is the fact that other racial groups are inclined to be rich in social capital–a system put in place that benefits countless non–Melanoid people–as they continue to ensure that they will have the resources in place to succeed.

 Another sobering aspect in regards to the issue of mentoring in Black Society is that it appears that many of the men and women who once served as mentors for legions of young Black youths are nowhere to be found. In an age of mere children being led by children, it is critical that the life experience and abundant wisdom of some of our elders be utilized to guide our youth as they embark upon their careers.

There is statistical data that strongly supports the call for mentorship…particularly in Black Society. According to information in a 2015 report provided by the Young People’s Perspectives on the Outcomes and Availability of Mentoring, the youth benefit from mentoring in the following ways:

• 55% more likely to be enrolled in college than those who did not have a mentor.
•  81% more likely to report participating regularly in sports or extracurricular activities.
•  More than twice as likely to say they held a leadership position in a club or sports team.
•  78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities.
•  Nearly nine in ten respondents who had a mentor said they are now interested in becoming mentors.

Although this wasn’t included in the aforementioned itemized statistics, mentoring is also guaranteed to invoke the spirit of entrepreneurship and political/social activism among Melanoid youths, thus empowering them to become greater assets to Black Society and bigger threats to systematic racism/white supremacy which wields a debilitating effect on Melanoid people worldwide.

B. Clark

Melanoid children will be in the mix, as millions of school-age youths–from pre-K to 12th grade–either enroll school for the first time, or enter their final years as high school students full of great anticipation of what their futures hold in their post secondary years. Much has been said of the orchestrated miseducation of our youth in the schools, yet many in the dominant society choose to acknowledge the unjust treatment of Melanoid boys and girls who are being deprived of a quality education in many instances. Here are a few ways to proactively ensure your child’s school experience will benefit them as much as possible.

1. Tutoring

When it comes to excellence, academics–just like any other skill or area of interest–can be a challenge for children looking to advance through their school with flying colors. Tutoring can be extremely beneficial to students because of their opportunity to receive more one-on-one assistance with their learning materials

2. Mentorship

As the old saying goes, “Each one teach one.” As Melanated people who have attained a certain level of knowledge (in any field) that can prove to be beneficial to future generations of Black youths, it is our responsibility to utilize that expertise to see to it that Black youths are nourished with quality information that will enable them to eventually become empowered adults who will go on to “reach down and pull up” succeeding generations of Black youths themselves.

3. Implementation of Culture

Every school year (on every grade level), it’s a guaranteed bet that your Melanoid child will be bombarded with the canned script in the curriculum which  forces them to study oft-romanticized slave owning presidents, “brillaint” historical figures who openly despised Melanoid people, and bloodthirsty dictators who wanted to see the total extinction of Melanoid people on a mass scale. This school year,  give them the gift of their culture by letting them know they were more than history’s pariahs.

4. Expand their horizons.

Unfortunately, members of Black Society are the least likely of all races in America to travel. This being the case, this means that our children are more likely to not travel as well. Because they are in their formative years, children have an enormous appetite for learning and developing as people. It’s only right that their early experiences be shaped by giving them the chance to make the world their oyster, as soon as possible.

5. Give them “The Talk”.

Many parents in Black Society share a common sentiment: Their children mean the world to them, and the thought of their child not returning home after being murdered by race soldiers can be terrifying. Because of these dangerous times we live in as Melanoid people, our precious children must be informed of the dangers as young as possible. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them. In addition to giving them heartfelt commentary, tell them the truth about the system of white supremacy that we live in. Also, giving your children self defense classes wouldn’t hurt either.

B. Clark