Panel on Disaffection of Black Youths Airs Concerns, Ideas: "Marcellus 'Bishop' Allen, who joined the notorious Bloods street gang at age 9, had a blunt warning yesterday for the panel of national experts that gathered in Washington to discuss ways to reach troubled black men. Crime emergencies, prayer meetings and community vigils, he said, are ineffective after youngsters have turned to criminal activity.
'None of you can stop nothing we want to do,' said Allen, a gang member who works to settle street conflicts in his hometown of Newark.
Allen's comments confirmed what academics, politicians and street-level organizers know from experience: People who feel disconnected from society do bad things.
Yesterday's forum, "Paths to Success: A Forum on Young African American Men," drew a crowd of about 150 to hear a 17-member panel discuss ways to end a cycle of neglect, abuse and violence that has led to high levels of incarceration and low achievement for too many.
Panelists said promoting positive behavior requires society to make significant changes in schools, churches and families. Former congressman Ronald Dellums took umbrage at the high rate of expulsions of black boys, particularly those still in preschool.
