ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book advocates two approaches designed to help inner city blacks, particularly males, fulfill their potential. In the near-term, nonprofit organizations, funded by increased donations from foundations, wealthy individuals, and corporations, could provide enhanced, empirically verifiable rehabilitative efforts, including job and entrepreneurial training, transitional jobs, and transportation, together with a comprehensive array of social services. Policymakers need to review federal and state laws that limit the employment or licensing of those with criminal convictions. The public sector will collect more in taxes from those gainfully employed and devote less public funds to welfare and the criminal justice system. Family poverty and dysfunctionality in combination with toxic neighborhoods represent huge disadvantages for any child to overcome. Harlem Children's Zone's neighborhood programs include organizing block associations, refurbishing playgrounds and parks, and providing foster care prevention.
