Address the Need
Prepare to Succeed

The plight of the many young men in society, particularly African American men, has reached a point of extreme concern.  These young men struggle to advance their lives due to the limited educational engagement at home, compounded by the negative influences of their environment.  For African Americans, particularly African American men, engagement with Police will more likely result in incarceration, stunting opportunities for life long success.  While community resources promoting the arts, sports, and music are few, the continual search for who they are, and what they are meant to be buds up against the reality of a life that makes it increasingly difficult to be successful. The results are young boys, who unfortunately turn out to be men with long-term stints in jail with felony convictions.  And if they’re fortunate enough to get out, they face an uphill battle finding meaningful employment due to their police record.  

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The NAACP 2017 Criminal Justice Fact Sheet notes the following: African Americans now constitute nearly 1 million of the total 2.3 million incarcerated population. Nationwide, African-Americans represent 26% of juvenile arrests, 44% of youth who are detained, 46% of the youth who are judicially waived to criminal court, and 58% of the youth admitted to state prisons (Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice).  Also, one in six black men had been incarcerated as of 2001. If current trends continue, one in three black males born today can expect to spend time in prison during his lifetime. AIYM is established to head off this path, and help these young men gain life skills, provide educational resources and support that will lead to long- term goals, a sound future, and the development of strong Leaders.  We are advocates for changes such as police reform and other policies and laws that impede the success of these young men.   We invite you to join us in the change. 

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