EDITORIAL
There’s No News but Good News for SYEP
“I’m from D.C., the home of mumbo sauce, go-go and the Summer Youth Employment Program,” a young D.C. native proudly proclaimed when asked where she was from. “Ben’s is all right, but SYEP is the real thing for those of us who grew up in D.C.” The young woman said, “I got my first job” during the SYEP program, as thousands of D.C. residents often say, and this summer, she is the employer of several D.C. high school and college students who learn about the city, meet its influencers and explore journalism and media as a career. Mayor-for-Life Marion Barry is most likely smiling from above upon hearing and knowing that the program he started more than 40 years ago remains a positive legacy celebrated by D.C. youths and adults alike, the majority of whom the program has touched in some way. In 1979, the Barry Administration kicked off the summer with considerable fanfare, as it did every year after, announcing the businesses that supported the local government-subsidized program and encouraging others to “hire a youth.” It was his answer to keeping young people off the streets and allowing them to earn much-needed income during the summer break. Every D.C. youth between 14 and 21 was encouraged to apply. As a result, thousands of youths received summer jobs making D.C.’s program a national model. Over the years, the program hasn’t operated without its critics, however, whose complaints include its lack of meaningful work experiences, non-DC residents from surrounding jurisdictions who received jobs and times when its young workers didn’t get paid. And the program hit several bumps in the road, including bank cards that didn’t work and not enough jobs for young people who wanted one. Yet, every mayor that succeeded Barry continued the program and sought to find ways to make the program and experience better. In 2015, Mayor Bowser expanded SYEP to serve 22- to 24-year-olds. And as she seeks reelection to her third term in office, she consistently announces that 14,000 D.C. young people have been hired by the program this summer. In its 43rd year, SYEP continues to thrive despite a pandemic, thanks to both public and private sector employers willing to ensure D.C. youths have a safe and productive summer. WI
Guns Don’t Kill People but They Do Represent Deadly Accomplices
Perhaps the reason that America refuses to enact legislation that would make our nation a safer place for all is because we have grown immune to violence, murder and mayhem. It’s so routine that it doesn’t bother us anymore. Surely, it’s not because of the financial backing of organizations like the NRA or other groups, including many members of Congress, who base their arguments on the Second Amendment which protects an individual’s right to bear arms. Surely, it’s not because of our fear of “the other” – those who look, think, act, speak or live differently and whose differences make us so afraid that we remain insistent on being “strapped” at all times – just in case. Whatever the reason or reasons, we have long grown weary of the pontifications of elected officials who, following every mass shooting, inevitably say something like, “Our prayers are with you.” That’s not to say that prayers don’t matter. After all, as one person once said, “Prayer is believing that God has the answer.” But if that is indeed the case, then why do we continue to refuse to listen for the solution to our conundrum? On Wednesday, July 13, March Fourth sponsored a peaceful protest in the wake of the latest mass shooting in the U.S. The group and its supporters gathered near the Capitol Building in Northeast for a march to end gun violence. And they marched not only to demand that America wake up and put an end to mass shootings . . . by any means necessary. They, like the editorial board and readers of The Washington Informer, recognize that the scope of gun deaths in the U.S. , has extended far beyond mass shootings. Consider that just last week, according to data released by Gun Tracker, the U.S. recorded 491 deaths and 1,054 injuries for the period between July 1 and July 7. Tragically, last year’s death rate due to gun violence was 19,288. Gun violence resulting either in injury or death continues to touch more and more Americans every day. Maybe we won’t see a change for the better until death visits the homes of those with the power to make a change. Perhaps. But that would be thinking pessimistically. We can end this, we can change this, we can ensure that our children do not fear going to school, or attending parks or gathering in church or . . . walking down the street in their neighborhoods. We can – but are we willing? Yes, sadly, “that is the question.” WI
TO THE EDITOR WI is Must-Watch TV I just wanted to shout out The Washington Informer News TV! I don’t always catch the shows live, but I love going back to YouTube and listening to the valuable information each week. I make sure to keep my pen and paper handy. Keep up the excellent work. Sally Blakes Washington, D.C.
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Fight On for Women’s Rights The reproductive health rights marches and protests are paying off. President Biden issued an executive order extending abortion protections despite the attack on women’s rights. Let’s all continue to work together. Tedundè Kamara Laurel, Md.
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