Report

Heard, Not Judged: Insights into the Talents, Realities and Needs of Young Men of Color

Heard, Not Judged provides detailed findings about what boys and young men of color need in order to help them overcome the challenges and obstacles they face in their day-to-day lives. The report highlights the voices of young men in Oakland, New York City, Baltimore, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Long Beach, New Orleans and Detroit as they opened up and shared what is on their minds and in their hearts. Among other things, the report focuses on four main areas:

 

• Values: This section explores the personal values of low-income, urban African-American males and the obstacles they face (real or perceived).
• Success and Optimal Health: This section aims to understand how African-American males define success, optimal health (physical, emotional, mental, etc.), and understand what they need in order to thrive, rather than merely survive.
• Competition/Winning/Skills and Creative Talents: This section aims to understand how African-American males define and value competition. They talked about their personal talents and abilities and how those helped them compete in life.
• Existing Resources for African-American Males: African-American males discussed the quantity and quality of resources available to them, both via online/digital tools and in their respective home communities.