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From crime to education struggles, the Urban League of Springfield (Springfield, MA) opened dialogue about the challenges minorities face in our community, and what we can do to help.
Wednesday night marked the 102nd annual Urban League of Springfield Dinner. The League’s main focus is to improve the lives of minorities and address the challenges they face, including staying in school.
“There are too many students who are failing, not graduating and under-performing. What I think needs to happen is there needs to be a higher priority for academic achievement in the community as a whole,” said Henry Thomas, Urban League of Springfield President.
In 2014 61% of Springfield students graduated High School. That’s compared to the statewide average of 86%. However, it’s not just education. The President of the National Urban League spoke about violence in our community and the country.
“We need to be concerned about violence writ large in this country. No matter who is the perpetrator and who is the victim, we need to confront it head on,” said Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League President.
Morial also said police should strive to become more involved in the community. He said situations like Ferguson could happen anywhere. So, the better the relationship between police and residents, the safer our communities will be.
To read the full a rticle,please visit: http://wwlp.com/2015/03/11/urban-league-discusses-the-violence-educational-struggles-in-wmass/
