ABSTRACT
Until the spring 1999 tragedy at Columbine High School in Colorado, in which two White youths killed 12 students, a teacher; and themselves, youth violence was viewed by the general public as a mostly Black issue. Along with the increased involvement of Black Americans in fighting crime and other forms of violence in their communities is the general awareness that youth violence is a national phenomenon that permeates the lives of all Americans. The vitality and strengths of the Black family and the Black community are highlighted, as well as strategies that are employed to address youth violence. Numerous theories attempt to explain the prevalence of violence among African American youth in metropolitan areas as well as factors that put youth at risk for engaging in aggressive and or violent behavior. The developmental impact on youth who grow up in violent areas further contributes to the breakdown in the sense of community.
