Golf CAN Help!
I will not be denied the opportunity to help those in need who are less fortunate than me. I believe that in working with the golf industry, and the sport of golf, we can mend some serious social problems and Charlie Sifford’s character is an example.
I know that a large number of children in the larger towns and cities like Huntsville are not getting and experiencing pprograms to benefit their lives. And if children in the larger towns and cities are being undeserved, just imagine how undeserved the children in the rural counties are.
Writer Sally Pearsall Ericson of AL.Com-The Huntsville Times published an October 1, 2104 article with some sad facts and I ask where is the outcry! The article states, according to the U. S. of Department Education, Alabama has a record number of homeless children and youth. The 29,749 homeless students enrolled by Alabama preschools and K-12 schools in the 2012-13 school years was an increase of 68 percent from the previous year. With Alabama having one of the worst economies in the country, high unemployment rate of 6.9% and low educational achievements, i.e., Alabama 8th-graders rank 50th in math, I dread to see the 2013-2014 homeless numbers. I hope there is not a correlation between my State of Alabama being the most republican (red) state in the country and functioning at the bottom in almost all quality of life categories, except for football!
A large number of Alabama children are already in poverty. And for a child living in poverty, more than likely that child is not receiving the things needed for their development. More than likely, they are getting inadequate education, insufficient eating habits and unhealthy choices. More than likely they are not exposed to enough positive images, music, art and have no opportunity to experience America’s true art form, jazz music. Most of all, the children in these rural counties will more than likely not ever be expose to and experience the wonderful game of golf and benefit from the inherent values that it offers. I vow to do something about this.
In addition, Alabama is facing serious problems with its prison systems i.e., treatment of inmates, space and capacity, funding and other issues. Lately the authorities and officials in charge of correcting the problems are in discussions about building more prisons, increasing privatization and educating the inmates–in other words, putting good money towards a bad situation. And if we don’t address the homeless students and youth that are good individuals, but caught up in bad situations due to no fault of their own, the state of Alabama will be in trouble for decades to come.
This is why I say we must be more proactive, creative and offer our youth alternative ways to learning and building their character. Upstream development is one of the keys to saving lives.
When youth receive an effective amount of academic and life skills development “upstream” (early formative years), we (the people) will not have to commit as many resources “downstream” (remedial education, governmental assistance, criminal justice system)!
Putting good money (estimated $420 million to build more prisons) towards a bad situation is, for the lack of a better word, crazy! Invest $10 million in a proven program like TVYGD and we can save the State of Alabama at least $100 million. I will write more about this in upcoming blogs.
Congratulations to Charlie Sifford for being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Charlie Sifford endured the segregationist philosophy of the people that loved the so-called Jim Crow laws and white privilege. That mindset is present today, but not as obvious as it was in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.
There was Sifford, walking alone on golf courses where hateful spectators were free to spit, swear and intimidate. But his character empowered him to show them the power of Jesus’s love!
I wish more of our youth had the same character traits as Mr. Sifford, so if the police pull you over, you’ll know how to respond and live to see another day.
A Good Men Project
I was recently interviewed by Tor Constantino, a writer for “A Good Men Project“. I am proud that he sees the value in our work. Check them out.
http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/one-mans-vision-tee-success-risk-kids-part-2-torcon/
Much love to Richard Crimes, for assisting me with my blogs.
Have a happy holiday season and I look forward to 2015.
Howard Bankhead
Executive Director
Tennessee Valley Youth Golf Development
604 Jordan Lane
Huntsville, AL 35816 USA
256-604-8172
