elizabeth@albionfoundation.org; jspicer@forks.org
The question of racial inequities and the consequences of racism for vulnerable children in Albion have not been addressed. When the issue comes up it is often swept under the carpet, yet Albion continues to struggle with significant inequities in the areas of educational attainment levels, the achievement gap between minorities and whites, access to healthcare and teen pregnancy. Even more so, juvenile crime and detention is also a core issue.
In an effort to support African-American and other minority youth in Albion, the Youth Lead Racial Equity and Community Healing project will engage youth in a process of self identity and awareness through mentoring, youth leadership development, dialogue activities. As the community has suffered economically which in turn has led to failing schools, a weak healthcare, and strained cross-racial relationships, this project will engage young people of the community to explore why many of the inequities exist and then take a lead in helping the community heal through dialogues and civic engagement.