Community Corner

Racial Profiling: 'We Need to Watch for Black Teenagers'

EAST ATLANTA — Young. Black. Male.

In one sense, it's a description.

In another, for some black Southeast Atlanta teens, the phase is a scarlet letter of sorts. It's a marker that consigns them to a lifetime — even after they grow into adulthood — of being perceived with fear or hostility.

It was the core of a lengthy discussion Friday at the East Atlanta Kids Club where the mostly black teen and pre-teen youngsters met with community leaders to share their experiences about racial profiling, bullying and the slights some of them said they face.

One little boy recounted how he often waves to his neighbors or says hello but that his gestures are ignored.

To the panel of adults, which included a therapist, minister, Atlanta police officers and Atlanta City Councilwoman Natalyn Archibong he asked:

"What are some possible, positive ways that children can interact with adults?"

Many of the kids, who were part of the club's summer camp, had been asking themselves that very question for the past weeks.

Their concerns grew following the verdict in the George Zimmerman murder trial, prompting club leaders to put the summit together, Jill Sieder, East Atlanta Kids Club founder and executive director, said.

East Atlanta Patch spoke with Sieder after the summit to share some of the concerns the kids raised this summer. Please click on the video to hear portions of that interview.


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