The Issues and Assets of African Youth on Staten Island's North Shore:

Asset: Community support - neighborhoodnonpr<strong>of</strong>its <strong>and</strong> religious institutions<strong>The</strong> community-based nonpr<strong>of</strong>it organizations <strong>and</strong>associations are important sources <strong>of</strong> support <strong>and</strong>opportunities for youth <strong>and</strong> families, <strong>and</strong> links to mainstreamservices. As most organizations servemulticultural groups <strong>of</strong> youth, theyprovide spaces to develop interculturalunderst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> reduce communitytensions. While respecting <strong>and</strong>protecting the cultural assets <strong>of</strong> thecommunity, they also help familiesunderst<strong>and</strong>, adapt to, <strong>and</strong> accessAmerican culture <strong>and</strong> institutions. <strong>The</strong>seorganizations provide criticalconnections between <strong>African</strong> families<strong>and</strong> schools, the local police precinct,social service agencies, <strong>and</strong> externallybasedorganizations.<strong>The</strong>se organizations: Have in-depth knowledge <strong>and</strong>underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> the community Can reach community membersthat do not access mainstreamservices Are accessible (located in theNorth Shore, <strong>and</strong> provide freeor low-cost services) Create rare safe spaces withinthe community Pay attention to youth issuesIn addition to organizations <strong>of</strong>feringyouth programs <strong>and</strong> services, there arenationality associations that advocate <strong>and</strong> support theirrespective communities, including: United States Sierra Leonean Association (USSLA)32<strong>The</strong> Park Hill <strong>Youth</strong> Task Forceis an example <strong>of</strong> willingness <strong>of</strong>local stakeholders to collaborate toimprove the community for youth.<strong>African</strong> Refuge organized the TaskForce in late 2007. Communityorganizations, schools, socialservice providers, the 120 PolicePrecinct, <strong>and</strong> concernedcommunity members cametogether to discuss the needs <strong>of</strong>community youth with the aim toaddress <strong>and</strong> mitigate tensionsbetween the <strong>African</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>African</strong>American communities that haveresulted in numerous incidents <strong>of</strong>youth violence <strong>and</strong> gang activity.Many <strong>Youth</strong> Task Force membersparticipated in this assessmentprocess. With increasedcoordination <strong>and</strong> focus, the TaskForce represents an opportunity tobuild on the commitment manyhave pledged to addressing youthissues.Staten Isl<strong>and</strong> Liberian Community Association(SILCA)Ghanaian Civic Association <strong>of</strong> Staten Isl<strong>and</strong>Nigerian American Community AssociationChurches <strong>and</strong> mosques are also trusted <strong>and</strong> frequented by<strong>African</strong> families. Parents overwhelminglyresponded that they seek the advice <strong>and</strong>support <strong>of</strong> religious leaders – particularlypastors – when they have problems with theirchildren:“First <strong>and</strong> foremost we talk aboutthings. I call a family meeting <strong>and</strong>we discuss whatever the issue is. Ifthat doesn't help then we go to theChurch <strong>and</strong> talk with the pastor".” 56“<strong>The</strong> religions leaders, pastors, theLiberian community association, <strong>and</strong>social workers...<strong>The</strong>se are peopleyou could go for assistance, instead<strong>of</strong> calling the police, who will notteach the children the right thing oreducate them, or calling ACS, whowill take away your children fromyou…if [youth] go to the religiousleaders, they will help give them selfesteem.<strong>The</strong>y will tell them aboutgood <strong>and</strong> bad, <strong>and</strong> what are theaffects. <strong>The</strong>y will ask the youthleader in church to work with thembecause every child needs a rolemodel. <strong>The</strong> social worker will helpfind programs that help them. <strong>The</strong>ylook up to the community leaders to<strong>of</strong>or help.” 5756 Parent interview, February 7, 2009.57 Parent focus group, October 8, 2008.