The U.S. Supreme Court Has Made Their Decision, Now What Can You Do About It?
Greetings,
I am Scott L. Steward, founder and CEO of Genius Lab, Inc. and one of two Vice Presidents of Chicago Youth Programs (CYP). The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action policies has signaled an urgent call for action to uphold our commitment to equitable education, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by this decision.
Chicago, a city steeped in rich history and cultural diversity, is one such community. However, it is also a city marked by disparities. The most alarming of these disparities are the rising violence rates, disproportionately affecting African American communities. According to the Chicago Police Department’s 2022 Annual Report, African Americans, who constitute approximately 30% of the city’s population, accounted for nearly 70% of its homicide victims. These alarming statistics cannot be ignored.
We cannot overlook the correlation between educational opportunity, economic stability, and violence. When we fail to invest in the education of our youth, especially those from underserved communities, we risk perpetuating a cycle of poverty and violence that affects all of us, directly or indirectly.
Action — that is what we need. Action driven by an understanding that education is one of the most potent tools to break this cycle and bring about long-term societal change.
Parents, your involvement in shaping your children’s futures has never been more critical. Encourage them to tap into their potential and persevere despite adversity.
And for those of us who can, let’s put our support behind organizations tirelessly working to provide resources and opportunities to these children. My top three recommendations for donations in Chicago are Chicago Youth Programs (CYP), Chicago Scholars, and Hope Chicago.
- Chicago Youth Programs (CYP) helps at-risk youth look beyond their immediate circumstances and visualize a brighter future through academic tutoring, mentoring, and health education. Your donation can directly help a child see the world of opportunities that education can unlock.
- Chicago Scholars assists students from under-resourced communities to navigate through the college admission process, providing mentorship, admission support, and leadership training. By supporting Chicago Scholars, you invest in a young person’s dream and provide the resources for them to achieve it.
- Hope Chicago provides scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities to students. A contribution to Hope Chicago directly funds educational scholarships for deserving students, opening doors to opportunities they might not otherwise encounter.
By supporting these organizations, we can contribute to reducing the rates of violence and inequality that plague our communities. They work to bring about a sense of hope, purpose, and stability to young lives, crucial factors in combating the cycle of violence.
At Genius Lab, Inc., we stand in solidarity with these organizations and remain committed to working alongside parents, communities, and fellow organizations to create an environment where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunities and resources to succeed.
The time to act is now. Let’s invest in our children’s futures to ensure equal opportunity becomes a reality and not just an ideal. Let’s shape a future where opportunities are truly equal for all and where the rates of violence become a statistic of the past.
The clock is ticking. What will you do about it?
Stay hopeful, stay involved,
Scott L. Steward Founder and CEO, Genius Lab, Inc.