The black children of today are being led down a road of utter destruction. For many of them, a feeling of disconnection from the prominent leaders of the black community is a reality. Unless this gap is bridged quickly, we will once again have a dangerous reality of relying of the "controversial talented tenth."

Too often it is criticism and not encouragement that our black children hear on a daily basis. It is a problem that especially troubling considering the source of it is self-inflicted. We have all been exposed to some black leaders who seem to have a passion of attacking the youth of today without a true plan to rid us of the community's real cancers. Their words of rhetoric may resound loudly, but generally have little impact on changing black children's attitudes concerning the idea of positive prosperity in their neighborhoods and communities. Therefore it should be no surprise that some of these children feel blamed for the faults of their fathers and mothers, as well as the social ills in our communities that have not been adequately addressed. It is no wonder why we are raising a lost generation who do not feel a connection with black leadership as many of you did in the 1950's and 1960's!

There is no child that should feel that any adult, especially a black leader could be above breaking bread or having a conversation with the greatest or least of them. As a leader, you need to be able to make your presence felt in the community not just for those kids with a of 3.5 GPA or higher, or your friends' children, or Church members. The children of this generation do not feel that black leaders are listening to them. To be honest, I have some of the same thoughts and emotions from time to time. We need to building millions of blacks leaders not the chosen few who may not attempt to break the remaining bonds of oppression that plague our communities.

Do you think children believe that the drug dealing economy is being stomped out in their communities? If you cannot protect them from the problem, then you should not be shocked if it is drawing more of them into their own death and destruction! Long before rap, drugs reached the black community, and we have been spiraling down hill ever since. Some children believe that black leaders arrest a few dealers to show their commitment to ridding the streets of crime, but at the same time wonder where the money goes once it is captured! How can black leaders call these black children's grades into question, but you cannot get all the dope off of their corners? Some schools are not even safe havens to get away from the stuff. Maybe I sound harsh, however the reality is, most of our black children can become leaders. We are letting the streets be the their number one influence. People keep pointing to the Church, yet even drug dealers have gotten wise enough to put enough in the offering plate somewhere to get a pass. Black leaders can continue to talk about the glory days, but it is 2005, and we have make it through these days. Meanwhile dreams become hallow, because children may wonder if their parents truly love them, or if they will see them again.

What can black leaders do to make a difference? We need to encourage community involvement for all children from the age of five. Instill in them civic pride by cleaning up, helping the sick, etc. So children even from a young age they are able to articulate the problems in their communities. Everyone needs to discuss a current event on a daily basis from kindergarten to graduation. We must foster a community of great thinkers and truly leave no one behind. Businesses with good paying jobs needs to surround these children, so they see nothing but positive things in their communities. Also, if education is so important how come the teaching profession is one of the lowest paying jobs? Children know this to be true, maybe it is time to address these issues.

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