Young Lions: Challenged to Live Free

Young Lions: Challenged to live free contain four major themes:
1st Ancient African History from 10,000 BCE—343 BCE—African Americans have inherited a beautiful legacy. Young Lions documents the glory of ancient Kemet, now known as Egypt. This book provides our youth with a
wonderful opportunity to learn about the magnificent achievements of their ancient African ancestors.
2nd Physical and Mental Health—The reader learns how cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs damage the body, soul, and mind. Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS are preventable diseases. Other mental health
challenges are examined in a unit titled MENTICIDE: Gangs, Guns, & Gangsta Rap.
3rd A flawed Criminal Justice System—The war on drugs and the mass incarceration of Black males is based on enriching a segment of the population.
Concerning incarceration, a young urban critic might say, “So what if I spend a little time behind bars ? I will survive.” However, someone must inform him about a written record that will follow him for the remainder of his life. A
misdemeanor/felony record will make it legal for others to deny him opportunities, such as the right to state and federal employment, educational grants, decent housing, and much more. People with criminal records become
instant pawns to be exploited by others. Nevertheless, those burdened with a record do have a few options to fight back. A life that is never questioned, disciplined, or challenged will cease to grow and develop to its maximum
potential.
4th The Real World—Education is presented as one of the solutions to end generational poverty. In addition, strategies to cope with oppression, racism, and violence are provided. Young Lions contain four graphs and eighteen
black and white pictures. They prove that one picture is worth a thousand words.