Gun Violence and Youth

Posted by Khadijah Ali-Coleman Oct 11, 2006

With the recent tragedies of school shootings, namely the incident involving the Amish schoolhouse, gun violence has become, once again, a media focal point and political issue, coupled with school safety. How do we feel comfortable sending our young ones off when danger can be lurking around the corner?

Inner-city youth have known for years before, though, the horrors and constant insecurity brought on when guns enter the schools. In Washington DC, schools like Ballou Senior High School, are virtual memorials where memories peek from every corner in rememberance of slain students who are victims of rampant gun violence in schools.

In my recent articles, I hope to offer guidance for those who work with young people who live within environments where hope is hard to come-by. As the years progress and we work to encourage positive youth development, it is resilience that will determine how successful a young person will become.

Read Part I and II on the importance of resiliency. Part III intends to offer additional tips on offering support to enhance this necessary coping mechanism.