Bridging the Generation Gaps in Black Communities

Posted by on April 13, 2009

A House United:
Empowered youth. Empowered adults. Empowered communities.
Bridging the generation gaps in Black communities to get all of us what we need.

•    Young folks and young adults can you imagine a world in which your thoughts and opinions are taken seriously regardless of your age?  A world where you get to have a say in the rules, policies, and institutions that control your life? A world where you have the support and respect of adults in your community as you work toward the goals you are interested in?
•    Grown folks, can you imagine a world where you can tell you are getting through to the young people in your lives?  A world where you feel connected to the next generation?  A world where respectful and empowered youth use their intelligence and creativity to move their communities forward?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then come help make it a reality and work towards creating Black communities where all ages can work together for a brighter future.

When: April 18th 10-4:30pm and April 19th 1-5pm

Where: University of Pennsylvania campus

A House United is a 2-day workshop designed to bring Black youth, young adults and older adults together to discuss how we interact with each other across the generations.

Research has shown that good communication and positive relationships with adults are strong factors contributing to academic and financial success for young people and young adults.  These assets also contribute to good decision-making with regard to substances, sex, and violence.  For black youth, good communication and support play the additional role of helping to fortify them against negative images they may see of themselves in media and other forms of prejudice they may encounter in their lives.  Furthermore, including youth voices adds their creativity, energy, intelligence, and legitimacy to any conversation about the needs of Black communities.

This unique event will combine guest speakers, film clips, discussion, and hands-on activities to help adults and youth discuss and learn about:

•    Dynamics that interfere with good communication between Black young people and adults and how to overcome them.

•    The most up-to-date research on healthy youth development and how adults, young adults, and teens can each use this information to get what they need from each other.

•    Identifying some of the particular challenges black youth and black adults caring for them face as people of color and developing strategies for dealing with these challenges.

•    How adults, young adults, and teens can strengthen (or create) “villages” to help support them in the important work of raising or becoming the next generation.

Anyone, 13 and up, who self-identifies as being of African-America heritage is free to attend with a warm welcome extended to people of mixed heritage.  All religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and educational backgrounds welcome as well.

Tickets are free but limited, so call or email now to register! Contact Dyresha Harris at 267-997-0814 or ThisUnitedHouse@gmail.com.

Thanks for your interest in this important topic!

This program is being organized by diversity educator and UPenn graduate student Dyresha Harris.  It is cosponsored by the Greenfield Intercultural Center and the African American Resource Center of the University of Pennsylvania.