You know, sometimes people let a knee-jerk reaction or a visceral response determine their whole outlook on an issue. We all do it. But, sometimes, we just have to step back and look at reality in order to get a clearer perspective on what we’re seeing.

I would call the response to what’s going on in Omaha, Nebraska one of these knee-jerk reactions. Longtime state senator Ernie Chambers, the body’s only black member, has succeeded in pushing through a measure that will divided the Omaha school system into three separate districts. Because of the makeup of these areas, they will result in districts where one is predominately white, another one predominately black and the third, heavily Hispanic. However, the districts are divided based on high school attendance, not race.

Here’s where the whole common sense thing begins to kick in for me. Critics decry this measure as state sanctioned segregation. But, if you ask, you might find out that students are attending “segregated” schools, right now. You see, there is no busing done to integrate schools. In fact, students are required to attend their neighborhood schools. Therefore, you end up with schools that are predominately white, predominately black and heavily Hispanic based on people of similar racial/ethnic groups living in close proximity to one another.

Supporters of this bill (myself included) say that this will actually empower these districts by giving each district control over how it will be run and provide each district with adequate funding (the model is not based on property taxes) so that children get a quality education regardless of their current financial situation.

Honestly, the only thing that I see this measure changing is who’s in control. With or without this measure, I would think that you will still end up with schools being predominated by particular racial/ethnic groups based on residence. But, what would happen is that each particular area is empowered in seeking out quality educators and having the resources it needs to do its job effectively. Honestly, I think the idea of black and Latino folks in charge of a school board is more than some there can handle.

But, I’m not mad at ya, Ernie. It’s about time somebody starting cutting through the B.S.

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Here’s something that may suprise some and cause many to reconsider how they perceive black youth. According to a recent study by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, black youth are more politically-involved than their white counterparts.

According to the study, African American young people are “most likely to vote regularly, belong to groups involved with politics, donate money to candidates or parties, display buttons or signs, canvass and contact the broadcast media or print media.”

The study also said Black people between the ages of 15-25 were most likely to raise money for a charity, tying with Asian Americans.

“Consistent with previous research, African Americans are generally the most politically engaged racial/ethnic group,” the study said.

The Maryland-based organization compiled information from telephone and email surveys done earlier this year with 1,700 young people ages 15-25.

The study’s results departs from other studies that conclude Black youth are more prone to wind up in the justice system, be killed by a peer, become pregnant or contract a sexually-transmitted disease.

Well, this certainly flies in the face of what some would term as “conventional wisdom” when it comes to young black people. Man, it sure is good to have some positive news reported about black kids for a change! I hope some other media outlets take notice.

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