The Power of V.E.E.C.H.
Vitality
We will educate our students on the importance of valuing their health. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, African American youth accounted for 22% of childhood obesity statistics within the United States. Physical fitness can not only help to reduce childhood obesity, but regular exercise has been attributed to helping to reduce mental stress, and other psychological disorders amongst children. African Americans are 20% more likely to endure severe mental health problems while being compared to the remainder of the American population. Under the Vitality portion of our program, V3P will also address; illegal drug use, alcohol, sexual education, etc. Our health (physical, mental, and emotional) is truly our wealth, and our children need to understand this at a very young age.
Education
Within the African American population, education is nearly as valued as it should be. We will challenge and encourage African American youth to pursue education relentlessly while understanding the many benefits that will arise from stretching their young minds. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2014 only 19.7% of African Americans over the age of 25, held a Bachelor’s degree. When the talks of wealth and education come into play, the value of the two becomes synonymous. Under the Education portion of our program, we will also address: Tutoring, mandatory study groups, college preparation courses, etc. There was once a time when African Americans were denied access to a quality education; and although the opportunities still aren’t equally distributed within the United States, the decision to pursue it is more vital than ever.
“The community must be able to take hold of its individuals and give them such a social heritage, such present social teachings and such compelling social customs as will force them along the lines of progress, and not into the great forests of death. What is needed then, for any group of advancing people, is the College-Bred Community, for no matter how far the college may fail individual cases, it is, after all, the center where knowledge of the past connects with the ideal of the future.”
W.E.B. DuBois, The Education of Black People
Entrepreneurship
According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2015 only 4.2% of African American owned businesses had employees. Many African-American communities lack employment opportunities for its citizens, and that causes great concern. In 2020, African American unemployment was at a dismal 11.4%, highest of any racial group. With more African American owned businesses, it is our belief that the wealth gap and unemployment statistics can be substantially reduced within the African American population. Under our Entrepreneurship portion of our program, we will also focus on: financial literacy, managing credit, writing business plans, etc. Theoretically speaking, more businesses should create more job opportunities, and it is our hope that we can assist in the development of more African American entrepreneurs.
Collaboration
Showing service to one’s own community is an invaluable character trait. Within the Phoenix community, there are countless organizations and institutions that are doing some amazing things to help the community’s less fortunate. By partnering with said establishments, we will continue to make our impact on the Phoenix area as our children begin to embody and appreciate the significance of their service. The necessity of collaborating with other individuals and entities cannot be underestimated — teamwork makes the dream work! Under the Collaboration portion of our program, we will focus on: volunteering at homeless shelters, community restoration projects, hosting food and backpack drives, etc. The great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” And in collaboration with others, our youth will serve until it becomes a part of their very being.
History
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” Powerful words spoken by the great Marcus Garvey. There are many great accomplishments that lie in the history of African Americans, and it is important that African American youth learn of them. We will teach the youth of African American inventors, leaders, and unsung heroes who fought to cement their place in American and world history. Additionally, under the History portion of our program, we will also discuss: historical events, innovative inventions, scholarly accomplishments, etc. Would you like to know why African American children deserve to learn of the history pertaining to their ancestors? Within scholarly research, it has been discovered that African American youth who possess a strong knowledge of their history tend to possess a positive racial identity. Also, this knowledge has been utilized by African American youth as a buffer against racial discrimination in academic settings, as well as helping to prevent psychological disorders.