"Take A Black Boy To Church" Day Sweeps the Country

America Is Asked to Embrace Black Boys Four Days before Christmas

Recently, the Chicago Police department announced the formation of a 400 member Gang Enforcement Unit working to stem the tide of violence and murders in Chicago. It noted that 75% of the murders in Chicago are gang-related. "No one seems to have a solution to the issues of Black boys and young Black men in the United States', says Phillip Jackson, executive director of The Black Star Project. "Schools have failed, the police have failed, government has failed and their families have failed Black boys and young Black men."

This army of more and better-armed policemen, by themselves, cannot solve the problems of Black boys. In an effort to lift many Black boys and young Black men from self-destructive behaviors to self-driven and positive self-directed behaviors, The Black Star Project's Million Father Movement is partnering with the most dynamic force in the Black community--the Black church. Black churches, mosques and synagogues from across the country are working together on "Take A Black Boy To Church" Sunday on December 21, 2008 for any and all services that day.

The Black Star Project is asking everyone in America, from elected officials to street organization leaders, from parents to social workers, from priests and pastors to policemen and corrections officers, to take a Black boy (or young Black man) to a church, mosque or synagogue. Jackson says, "The three most powerful institutions in the Black community are the church, popular media and street organizations. These institutions must come together to address the most pressing problem for Blacks in America: The destruction and self-destruction of Black boys and young Black men."

The Black church is truly the heart of the Black community. Throughout all struggles for progress for Black people in America, the Black church has been a constant voice and leader in the improvement of the Black community. With the issues of Black boys and Black young Black men quickly becoming almost a matter of national security, the Black church is needed now more than ever. Churches are being encouraged to reach out to Black boys and young Black men, wherever they are, and Black boys and young Black men are being encouraged to reach back to these churches.

We are especially asking fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, mentors, deacons, trustees, male choir members, significant male caregivers and friends of the family to join us in this movement. Women and men of all races are also encouraged to "Take A Black Boy to Church." Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Rev. Catherine Jackson at 773.285.9600 to bring the "Take A Black Boy To Church" Sunday to your city, to receive a complete organizing kit or for more information about this event. Participating faith-based institutions will be listed in our national directory.

Churches will be given guidance on finding and working with Black boys from The Black Star Project. Churches will also be encouraged to work with and adopt local schools and men participating in this program will be encouraged to continue their participation throughout the year working with Black boys and young Black men.

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