This blog is a response to: www.slate.com/id/2247172/

Too often slight disparities between two groups of are used as fuel for extremists to point out inferiorities in the opposing side. In America, race, more specifically Blacks and Whites, are exploited as main groups that define the polar nature of this country. Unfortunately, abortion is the not-so-new frontier in which the war is being fought. Moreover, abortion rates in the black community are being attributed to racist tactics rather than personal freedom.

The billboards say, “Black children are an endangered species.” To be honest, I agree with this claim, but as I read further, the foundation of this claim isn’t in line with my beliefs or many of my fellow reproductive health advocates. The authors of the TOO MANY ABORTED website (www.toomanyaborted.com) believe the high percentages of African American pregnancies that end in abortion are a conspiracy to exterminate the Black race. They argue that since the beginning of Planned Parenthood and Margaret Satcher’s eugenics campaign so aptly named the Negro Project, that Blacks were targeted for systematic eradication. The claims, however extreme, are supported by a number of heart-wrenching statistics. But anyone can twist statistics to favor their argument, a skill taught to high school students in any standard debate course. Their opinion against the organization Planned Parenthood is apparent, but it troubles me that they don’t recognize the contributions to society as a whole that this operation has put forth. The countless numbers of lives saved through education and prevention and their work for reproductive freedom.

Nevertheless, I am drawn to the other side of the debate in this article: that Blacks, especially of the male species, are endangered more so because of the environment rather than the choice of their mothers. Black children who are in existence presently are not being affected by abortion more than they are affected by gun violence. In 2007 alone, black suffered 49 percent of all homicides in the United States, although we made up only 13 percent of the total population of the United States. This startling percentage makes me ponder whether our focus should be on those who are not yet born while so many of our people lives are being taken in their prime.

I agree that every unborn child has potential, yet on that very note the mother’s potential is at risk as well. When there are so many living people at risk of an untimely death, shouldn’t the focus be on just that, the living. Is not just as important to care for the living as it is to insure a future for those who are on their way into the world? My decision is made, but for all of you: the choice is YOURS.

The weekend of January 19^th was a glorious weekend. The sky was clear, the air brisk with opportunity to make change and bond with co-workers. The director of Teen Health Now, formerly known as the North Carolina Youth Leadership Council, couldn’t have picked a more fitting weekend. As we trekked to our meeting place, arriving in small clumps, I couldn’t help but reminisce on the first time we met as the 2009 Teen Health Now. We had lost a few members to college and fortunately the promising new members that had been recruited seem exhilarated for the advocacy that was in store.

After we became reacquainted with each other, we got down to business. After doing a focus group with a representative from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, we took to the streets to get feedback from the citizens of Raleigh on the Healthy Youth Act, the bill that was passed last year that includes comprehensive sex education in addition to abstinence only sex education. The footage will be compiled into a documentary by one of our talented council members. The next day, we focused on several trainings and most importantly the Healthy Youth Act Roadshow. This roadshow will take place in dozens of cities and counties around North Carolina, explaining what the HYA is and what it requires. One small step for North Carolina, but one leap for educated youth.

Not only has the Christian community deemed premarital sex immoral, but some youth groups are now banning front-hugging also known as normal hugs. The alternative that they offer is the Christian Side Hug, for short the CSH. This hug rids any "sin", especially of the horrific crotch brush, that could come from the awful front hugs that we have given and received since childhood. As a Christian, I find it completely absurd to think that hugging someone is any more or less of a hug. But contrary to my naive beliefs about the sinfulness of hugs, a certain group of young Christian teens have made a rap about the CSH hoping they will start a nationwide renouncement of immoral hugging. Be warned, they're raps are as tight as their hand on their Bibles.

Don't get me wrong I love Leona Lewis' song Bleeding Love. But is the pain she discussing really anything to be singing so candidly about. In just the twenty four hours that today has afforded us, approximately 3500 women and 2800 men were physically or emotionally abused by their intimate partner. Intimate partner violence is a horrifying and traumatic instance that no one should ever have to be faced with. This is a poem in testament to those who have suffered at the hands of the people who said that they loved them. It is entitled bleeding love.

broken bones
broken homes
all alone
but all for love, bleeding love

missing teeth
black eyed with no peas
no safe haven for retreat
but all for love, bleeding love

Asking, shouting why,
even louder cries
no peace inside
but all for love, bleeding love...

Its not where you seek it,
and just because they speak it
doesn't mean its real love

Love is patient and kind
Never jealous or quick to wind
back a hand to punish at anytime

Love yourself as God does,
and if your partner doesn't
Relinquish the burden of bleeding love

-If you or anyone you know is suffering from this abuse please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline for tips on how to get out and get help. (www.ndvh.org)