African American Youth Violence

This literature review concerning the topic of African American youth violence addresses the following areas relevant to this study: youth violence research and prevalence, assessment of related factors, prevention and treatment of youth violence; and summary and conclusion.

Youth Violence Research and Prevalence

Brener, Lowry, Barrios, Simon, and Eaton (2005) reported on violence-related behaviors among U.S. high school students from 1991 to 2003. These authors stated that homicide and suicide are present in one-fourth of deaths in individual's ages 10 to 24 years. National health objectives for 2010 include the reduction of prevalence of physical fighting in adolescents and a reduction of the prevalence of carrying a weapon at school in this group. The center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that according to the youth Risk Behavior Survey, violence-related behaviors did decrease from 1991 to 2003, however students were more likely to miss school due to feeling unsafe at school. A 2003 survey determined that one in ten high school students were threatened at school, indicating the need to improve safety in this environment. Zhang and Johnson (2005) reported an example of this violence, noting the prevalence of violent behaviors on school property, in Mississippi public high schools from 1993 to 2003. Data from the Mississippi Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which includes a sample of 9,

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ates was the steepest in Boston. Between 1990 and 1996, the drop in homicide rates was 61.2% and it is believed that a group of ministers had a key role in this reduction. The Ten-Point Coalition prevented youth violence in Boston by changing the way police and the community related to one another. The community wanted safer streets but did not want to put their children in jail and black churches helped resolve this problem. Winship and Berrien (1999) stated that members of the religious community in Boston were the most vocal critics of aggressive police tactics. Reverend Eugene Rivers became a controversial person due to his criticism of the police department. Religious leaders were active in initiatives such as Operation Cease-Fire. Until 1992, African-American clergy tended to follow independent paths, but rivers established outreach programs for gang members and community youth. In 1992, a Baptist church held a service for a youth that was murdered in a drive-by shooting that took place within the walls of a church and this led to the collaboration among Boston African-American clergy. The Ten-Point Coalition was developed at this point and it included 40 churches and several reverends as key leaders, Reverend

Category: Psychology - A