Newark Afterschool Program Uses Lens Of Black History To Empower Youth

NEWARK, NJ — An afterschool program in Newark is trying to reduce crime and violence by building up young people – not tearing them down.

The City of Newark recently tapped longtime social justice advocate and history teacher Bashir Muhammad Ptah Akinyele to teach Black studies as part of a citywide program called the “Ptahhotep Academy-Brick City Peace Collective Knowledge of Self Course.”

According to Akinyele, the goal of the program is to reduce crime and violence in the city by “rebuilding self-esteem and cultural purpose” for young people. Using a lens of Black history, the course attempts to help students “develop a positive consciousness” about the contributions that people of African descent have made to world civilization, America, democracy, religion and liberation movements.

Organizers are seeking 20 young people in the city – ages 15 to 24 – to take part in the eight-week course (see flyer below). For more information, visit the Brick City Peace Collective website.

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