| “A Crushed Rose” is a true story. A beautiful child was robbed of her youth. Her voice was muted, spirit crushed, and body violated. Her eyes showed fear, sadness, and depression; people labeled her shy. She whispered her story to a few adults; they smiled and pretended not to understand. This Rose began to wither from the inside; her petals spiraled out of control. Incest is a sexual union between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal or forbidden by custom. Incest cannot survive in a family where the rights of children are respected and protected. An informed community and enlightened culture is obligated to expose crimes against children. Law enforcement and social service agencies must rescue victims of sexual and physical violence. Law enforcement must ensure the rights of the victims. How do you make sense out of a life of terror? How much mental, emotional, verbal, and physical, abuse can a child take from their biological parents before they rise up and challenge their abusers? Victims of violence are usually physically weak and mentally confused - therefore, they just weather the storm. They pray to God for a rescue. The strong emotional bond of shame keeps people trapped for years. In the case of Roszalia Ellen she was also held captive by a continuous threat with a 45 automatic handgun. However, as an adult, she engaged in a six-year war to save her daughter from being put to death by the state of Mississippi. That fight gave her strength to battle for her health and peace of mind. She ended her fight with God and turned on the real enemy. She prevailed with a clear message to openly fight all forms of sexual violence against children, including the most horrendous depravity - incest. |
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. |
