In Support of Reaffirming the NAACP’s Stance against Youth Violence

WHEREAS, the NAACP has initiated and participated in numerous campaigns and worked very diligently over the years to combat youth violence; and

WHEREAS, over the past year, we have seen many students fall victim to the violence in their communities; and

WHEREAS, according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, the leading cause of death among the age group of 10 to 24 year olds is homicide with the majority of the murderers being peers of the victims; and

WHEREAS, according to the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, the average number of young African-Americans who die each day is 16 and annually around 668,000 young people ages 10-24 are treated in the emergency room for injuries sustained from violence; and

WHEREAS, according to the Josephson Institute Center for Youth Ethics, an estimated 20% of 6th through 10th graders in America are bullies, a target of bullying or both; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to promote a more just and safe society for our teens to not be afraid to walk to or from school because of the threat of violence; and

WHEREAS, the NAACP believes strongly in protecting and promoting the well being of youth in all ethnic and racial minorities.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NAACP, more specifically, the NAACP Youth and College Division, will work actively and more aggressively to "Stop the Violence and Start the Love" in our communities by any means necessary; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this campaign shall include, but not be limited to, providing the guidance, education and training to all youth that is vital to building self-esteem and increasing awareness of our proud heritage and the sacrifices made by so many