Youth Issues Addressed
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
The violent tendencies and tenuous family dynamic often experienced by Opelousas’ Black youths were addressed in depth on Saturday before and following a three-block “peace walk” through the central area of the city.
Most of the dialogue among several guest speakers focused on the breakdown of a parental control system that has failed to teach children coping skills and boundaries normally required by society.
“We’ve failed our children. We have to correct that behavior. It’s not society’s responsibility to raise our kids. That’s something that starts at home,” said Rico Knox, who later passionately delivered a dramatic poem that illustrates aspects of adolescent disenchantment.
A small group of speakers first presented the issue in front of the St. Landry Parish Courthouse before walking to the Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center, where separate open mic presentations included free and standard verse poetry, music by vocalists and an African drum demonstration.
The event is one of two Black History month events hosted by the museum during February.
On Saturday the museum combined efforts with the Guns Down, Power Up organization to discuss the issues confronting Opelousas youths and the city’s populace.
Corey Levier, who spoke at the Courthouse, is encouraging the start of “Operation Opelousas,” which will attempt to consolidate the efforts of several ministries and community organizations that are attempting to work with city youths.
“It’s time for all of us to work together. What is needed is a small, dedicated crew that can accomplish great things. There’s no reason why we can’t all work together,” Levier said.
Levier emphasized that promoting proper behavior among youths should not be the unilateral responsibility of community action groups.
“We have to educate our kids. No longer do values need to be learned only at school. It starts at home,” said Levier.
Eric Williams, president of Guns Up Power Down, an organization that has attempted to create activities that engage youths both after school and during the summer, said 21st society is now challenged with, “taking the responsibility for raising someone else’s kids.”
A community organizer who identified himself as “Big Myke,” said the Opelousas where he grew up 30 or more years ago has become unrecognizable.
“I’ve never seen my city like it is now. I coached some of these kids and I’ve seen a lot of them come up,” he said.
During his museum presentation, Williams addressed the city’s parents.
“It’s just that some parents don’t want to correct their children. When we were kids, the neighborhoods were more like a family. We were more together because everybody was struggling for the same thing. We always had someone looking our for us,” Williams said.
Despite the prevalence of churches located in Opelousas’ high crime areas, minister Marvin Andrus said Opelousas is still plagued with violent incidents within those boundaries.
Andrus said he has created a street ministry that also aims to address issues affecting youths.
“We need to combat this mindset of this younger community. The older ones are sitting by and they are wondering what is going to happen,” Andrus added..
