The Power of V.E.E.C.H.
Vitality
We are committed to educating our students on the importance of prioritizing their health. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, Black American youth account for 22% of childhood obesity cases in the United States. Physical fitness not only helps combat childhood obesity but also reduces mental stress and mitigates other psychological challenges faced by children. Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience severe mental health issues compared to the rest of the population. Through the Vitality component of our program, V3P will address critical topics such as illegal drug use, alcohol, sexual education, and more. We believe that health—physical, mental, and emotional—is our true wealth, and it is vital for our children to embrace this understanding from an early age.
Education
Within the Black American community, education is not yet valued as highly as it should be. At V3P, we aim to challenge and inspire Black American youth to pursue education relentlessly, emphasizing the transformative benefits of expanding their young minds. According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2014, only 19.7% of Black Americans over the age of 25 held a Bachelor’s degree. When discussing wealth and education, the two are inherently interconnected, with education serving as a cornerstone for future success.
Under the Education component of our program, we will provide resources such as tutoring, mandatory study groups, and college preparation courses to support academic achievement. There was a time in American history when Black Americans were denied access to quality education. While opportunities are still not equally distributed, the choice to pursue education remains more critical than ever for shaping a brighter future.
“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 Black American-owned businesses employed staff. Many Black American communities face a significant lack of employment opportunities, which remains a pressing concern. By 2020, Black American unemployment reached 11.4%, the highest among all racial groups. We firmly believe that increasing the number of Black American-owned businesses can significantly reduce the wealth gap and unemployment rates within the Black community.
Through the Entrepreneurship component of our program, we will provide essential resources and education, focusing on financial literacy, credit management, and business plan development. By equipping individuals with the tools to build and sustain businesses, we aim to foster economic growth within Black American communities. More Black American-owned businesses have the potential to create more job opportunities, and we are committed to supporting the next generation of Black American entrepreneurs.
Collaboration
Serving one’s community is an invaluable character trait. Within the Phoenix area, numerous organizations and institutions are doing remarkable work to support those in need. By partnering with these establishments, we will amplify our impact on the community while instilling in our children an appreciation for the importance of service. Collaboration with others is essential, as teamwork truly makes the dream work.
Under the Collaboration component of our program, we will focus on initiatives such as volunteering at homeless shelters, participating in community restoration projects, and organizing food and backpack drives. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so powerfully stated, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” By working together, we will guide our youth to embrace service as a core part of who they are.
History
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots,” proclaimed the great Marcus Garvey. These powerful words highlight the critical importance of teaching Black American youth about their rich history. From groundbreaking inventors to influential leaders and unsung heroes, there are countless accomplishments within Black American history that deserve to be celebrated and learned.
Through the History component of our program, we will educate youth about significant historical events, innovative inventions, and notable scholarly achievements. Why is this so essential? Research shows that Black American youth who develop a strong understanding of their history are more likely to possess a positive racial identity. This knowledge also serves as a buffer against racial discrimination in academic settings and helps reduce the risk of psychological challenges. By empowering our youth with knowledge of their ancestry, we provide them with the tools to navigate the present and shape their future with pride and resilience.