Posted by Leroy Barber 2 days 20 min ago
Posted by Leroy Barber 2 weeks 5 days ago
Last year, 506 murders happened in the city of Chicago — the majority of them in black communities. Similar rates of violence swept through places like Philadelphia, Camden, N.J., New Orleans, and the list could go on and on. I have in my life begun to declare myself a pacifist. I have made this change because I think, as a black man, the only recourse for me is to try and stop violence that happens in so many black communities. Turning the other cheek, responding with a gentle answer, forgiving a misunderstanding: these are the paths to recovery in my neighborhood. The “if someone hits you, hit them back” mentality is destroying black men at an alarming rate. Dads, teach your boys to talk it over, look the other way, or keep walking when things begin to escalate.
Posted by Leroy Barber 15 weeks 4 days ago
I recently heard that the state of New Jersey plans to evict the Camden Children's Garden from its 14-year-old home. I don't know if you know much about Camden, N.J., but it's one of the cities in our country that wrestles with a myriad of social issues. There are a number of incredible people there that work tirelessly to improve the living and social conditions. Mission Year has spent a number of years living and working beside neighbors and friends in this city. The people there are very committed to things like improving housing, education, and tackling food desert issues, and they have very little resources with which to work.
Posted by Leroy Barber 41 weeks 1 day ago
Does anybody else feel this weight?I woke up this morning in tears. I don’t know why today is different, but I do know the weight is for my brothers and sisters who are in pain.I imagined what the night was like for folks in my neighborhood who had to fend off threats last night.I imagine the young girl in a car — against her will or against her first choice — with the guy named John, and I lament for her soul.I imagine the young guy standing out all night selling death so he can have a little life — whether it’s in the form of food, dignity or just to feel like he is meeting some need, somehow.I imagine the mom lying in the bed next to someone she would rather not touch, but because he pays the bills for her kids to eat and sleep, she puts up with his abuse and doesn’t say anything about the other woman he also lies with around the corner.
Posted by Leroy Barber 1 year 26 weeks ago
I made myself read the Grand Jury report about Sandusky's alleged crimes and it was 23 pages of vile and inhuman behavior not only by the predator but by those who actually saw it, heard of it, or received reports about it across their desk. Then to also learn that all these children were black deepens my sadness. I am forced to ask some really hard questions.Are black people that expendable?Was the fact that they were black, poor and powerless the reason it was overlooked?Is football, a school, and personal reputation so important that a 10-year-old black boy being raped in a bathroom can be covered up? I had an idea that power was corrupt, but this is much more than simply corrupt. It is pure evil.
Posted by Leroy Barber 1 year 52 weeks ago
Posted by Leroy Barber 2 years 26 weeks ago
Posted by Leroy Barber 4 years 33 weeks ago
Posted by Leroy Barber 4 years 37 weeks ago
I have been watching the Democratic National Convention this week, and I think when Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech tonight it is going to be an important historic moment. This is not to tell you who to vote for. That's up to you. But I can't help but anticipate watching a person of color stand in the place he will tonight. I don't advocate voting for him (or not) because he is a black man, but it sure is encouraging to see history unfold. The amount of anguish that comes with [...]
