Love Perseveres

African American men are in deep trouble. In the city of Chicago only 35% of them graduate from high school. Of the few who enter college, only 22% of them actually graduate. A recent study indicates that most of those who do graduate from college are from countries outside of the US. Among those who have dropped out of high school, in 2004, 72% were unemployed and 21% were incarcerated. By their mid-thirties six out of ten high school dropouts have a prison record. This cradle to prison to death pipeline is a disaster that must be stopped.

If my house was on fire and my grandkids were in it, I would have no fear. I would rush in and do all I could to find them and bring them to safety. Isaiah 58:7 urges us to “not to turn away from our own flesh and blood”. When we turn away from the plight of African American men, we fail to recognize them as our flesh and blood. We don’t have the love that will respond in a crisis. I Corinthians 13:7 tells us that “love perseveres”. Love perseveres through danger, through discomfort, through suffering, it overcomes our fear and calls us to action.

I think many of us want to show the love of Christ, but we just don’t know what to do. We stand by helpless while the house is on fire. What are the actions that will bring change? Is there any hope for black men in the city?

Here's what Breakthrough is doing ...

• We are teaching young black boys to read at their grade level
• We are building a peer network around black boys that values educational achievement
• We are preparing young black men for college and helping them with scholarships
• We are creating high expectations and helping black boys live those expectations
• We are ensuring that black boys have a strong spiritual base
• We are providing positive experiences for black boys in an atmosphere of support

How you can help...

• Volunteer to be part of a support network by tutoring or mentoring young black boys
• Provide books and reading materials
• Donate money to the academic program so that Breakthrough can hire a reading specialist
• Donate to Breakthrough's "Earn While You Learn" scholarship fund
• Lead or assist in a Bible study group
• Volunteer to coach in a sports league or assist with an arts program