Young Black Creativity

It is that time again, Black History Month, where we take a historical look back at all the accomplishments within our race. It is the time where you will see television specials about boxing legends, writers, the story of people (Roots), the civil rights leaders and much more. It is the time where young black children will soak in knowledge of what their abilities are and what they can do with the gifts that they are blessed with. It is at this time, while we are discussing black notables, that we can also share with our children what we like about their gifts and how they can bring out their black creativity.

As a Coordinator of many youth programs in the Chicago area, on a daily basis I speak with many young black children, trying to impart to them that they are positive beings who have at least one skill to share with the world. Many are young writers, singers who share their talents with their families, some want to be just like their idols (Nelly, Alicia Keys, R. Kelly, and other black artists or entrepreneurs). The main thing we have to help them to discover is their voice and how to use it and not be afraid to communicate their feelings. Some of the children I have served over the years are often scared to speak up for themselves and often do not dream out loud.

Instead of helping them hope for a better future, I try to get the black children to give me specifics on what they want to do and how they think they will get to that destination. Do they want to be a scientist, a forensic detective, a writer, an entrepreneur or a vocalist? When do they want to graduate from high school? Do they want to go to a trade school or a college? These are great questions that get youth started on brainstorming how their future will play out. And also these are starting points to help them to think outside of the box. Although some of our children may want to be the next USHER, they also need to realize they are a unique person who may even do more than a celebrity or any historical person who may have contributed to the black race. They may have their own set of abilities that will help them to empower and move the race on. The next generation of black youth has the power to shape our race further and take us up even further.

Often when black children hear about the vast possibilities connected with their future, their eyes light up and they smile. When they discover within themselves the power to be - positive, and creative, they sometimes can't believe that they hold the key to their futures. The job of adults, community workers, teachers, religious leaders and politicans who come into the contact of young black children, should implore themselves to help the next generation be leaders, be confident, and learn how to critically think about their future.

Young black creativity is that child who inspires to be a teacher, a leader, a poet, a dancer, a singer, a writer, an entrepreneur, a teacher and so much more. We as a community have the power to share knowledge with the youth, not just telling them to believe in themselves, but providing opportunities for the youth to learn about their industries. Referring a child to a business owner so they can know how to run a business is a great start. In my position, I often set up appointments for youth to be connected with the world outside their blocks.

How will they know about their creativity if all they do is talk about it. Often a volunteering experience can open their eyes, or an opportunity to speak with a writer can do it too. Our children are blessed with many gifts and with the keys of critical thinking, brainstorming, volunteerism, and empowerment we can help them get to the next level. Whether they will be the next hot actors, great musician, young entrepreneurs or choose another path, we must encourage them to grow into positive, healthy individuals who can think outside the box. We can help bring their creativity out by referring them to mentoring programs, after school programs of things that interest them like graphic design, writing, performance, acting and more. We can help foster their creativity by listening to their dreams and helping them to plan their awesome futures.

(c) 2005 by Pam Osbey