By: Joseph C. Phillips
Few things are as satisfying as proving a common sentiment false. Whether in the media or in barber shop discussions, we are often led to believe that the priorities of our young people are askew and that black men do not take an interest in their communities. It is little wonder the beast cynicism so often rears its ugly head.
Last Monday, while speaking at the African American Youth Leadership Program's annual summer conference, I was inspired by several men of character and spent some time with some truly dynamic young people. It was a pleasure seeing often spouted misconceptions, along with my doubts about the future, blown to smithereens.
The AAYLP is sponsored by the Research and Policy Institute of California, a non-partisan think tank dedicated to issues affecting the black community in California.
The current president of the institute and one of its founding members is Tommy Ross, vice president of public affairs at Southern California Edison. Ross has spent his career attempting to build relationships between those who make policy and those who are affected by that policy. That relationship is dependent upon clear lines of communication, which are fostered best through research and dynamic leadership.
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