AFRICAN-AMERICAN JUVENILE JUSTICE PROJECT (AAJJP)

2007 ---This is a MUST read for all who ask the question why do we need an AAJJP?

2009 -  Teen Girl Beat While in Custody, She and her girlfriend were in custody for joy riding their parents' car.  - www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj10nO45vek

2009 - WHAT‘S ON YOUR MIND

During 2009, AAJJP will promote a “What’s On Your Mind” Chat. We will enable people to sign-on to our site and we will enjoy live chat sessions about “What’s On Your Mind” in regard to Juvenile Justice and Reform. We hope to have a live weekly session that will enable families to chat from home and share concerns. We will also promote our listserv which will enable people from across the country to share ideas and make suggestions about legal issues that face their communities.

This is your time to speak and to continue to be heard!

IN BLACK AND WHITE: THE AMERICAN DREAM

It is post-election and many people still ponder over the race of President Obama, AAJJP implores people to accept that he represents the fabric of America. He represents race, ethnicity, class, and religion; he represents everything which seemingly makes America good and bad. His race reminds America of its past. Our past includes injustices faced by people of African-origin which include, but is not limited to slavery, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights movement. His middle name reminds America of its war against Iraq. His religion reminds us of our freedom to assemble and to believe in our heavenly father. With that said, he should remind America of how far we have come and how far we still have to go. He is both black and white, but he lives the America Dream and you can too!

JUST-US or JUSTICE?

African-Americans often ask themselves about Justice or Just-Us. Are the murders facing young African-American males related to just-us or because of lack of justice? Are the number of high-school drop-outs and teen pregnancy cases related to just-us or because of the lack of justice? Are the number of incarcerated youth in our community related to just-us or because of the lack of justice? AAJJP does not have the answers to these questions and are merely posing them for food for thought. However, we do believe that many of the issues facing our community are related to just-us and not because of the lack of justice. Make no mistake, to be clear, racism is real. Yes, we have a President of African-origin, however, to be clear, his presidency does not diminish the adverse effects of racism.

Nevertheless, the African-American community must be committed to educating its children; instilling morals, value and self-respect. Morals, values and self-respect can not be legislated. Therefore, regardless of who is President or a member of Congress, parents and families alike, carry the responsibility of raising children and building a solid foundation. The role of home, school and community is paramount in the development of children. It is equally important that we see the correlation between lack of education and increased incarceration. Back to the Basics can change our outcome through instilling morals, values and respect in addition to encouraging and promoting education. We can enact our own juvenile justice reform -- it starts at home! So the next time you ask yourselves about just-us or justice, remember who is really in control.

AAJJP Program ©:

THE SIX (6) P’s TO HELPING YOUR CHILDREN AVOID PRISON: Parents (Home), Principal (School), Pastor (Church), Police, Prosecutor and Prison

When the first three “P's” are in order, the other three will be non-existent.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: YES WE CAN!

AAJJP encourages African-Americans to get involved in meeting the needs and concerns of our community.  We should not sit back while others take on our cause, we need to be the voice of our community.  AAJJP encourages and believes that all people can help, but we MUST be vocal and our voices must be heard!  We have a responsibility to our future generations, we are equipped to respond and equiped to act.  We possess the education, the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to move this generation into the future. If we do not take up our cross, then who will? 

"For these are all of our children and we will either profit by, or pay for, whatever they become." - James Baldwin 

PROJECT SHE/HE: Sharing Her Experience and Sharing His Experience:  Attorney Jefferson will be engaging chidren in her SHE program and we encourage schools, communities and churches to participate.  The project is easy and children of all ages will enjoy it.  Age groups are  4 -7; 8-12; 13-17 and 17 - 21.