Posted on Sun, Oct. 14, 2007

Homicide is the second-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds living in South Florida. And for the African Americans and Hispanics in this same age group, it is the No. 1 cause of death. Unfortunately, it is becoming all too common to see our children dying very violently in the streets of South Florida.

We are not alone: Cities all across America are reporting an increase in the number of young homicide victims. As a matter of fact, homicide is the leading cause of death for African Americans and Hispanic males between the ages 15 and 34.

Death lives in our communities. It masquerades in many forms. Poverty, homelessness, illiteracy, drug addictions, substance abuse, child abuse and hopelessness are all signs of death. Many of our children are simply dying to stay alive. They are fighting for survival.

It is not the terrorists who are terrorizing our communities and attacking our children. Our children are murdering our children.

It will take hope and determination to keep our children alive. Let's utilize our resources to reclaim the children we have some how lost. We can't afford to lose another child to violence or to the streets. We must stop treating our children as if they are disposable. They are counting on us to show them the way. Our parents did it for us. Investing in our children is investing in our future. We must continue to work to create opportunities for all children to receive a quality education very early in life. Children need to be surrounded by positive parents and role models in their lives in order to develop a sense of purpose.

All children should have access to quality healthcare, which we know is vital to developing healthy lives both mentally and physically.

Parents, we must resume our role in the life of our children.

We somehow got off track.

Queen Brown is a community activist and radio show host on WINZ 940 AM.