The Washington Post has profiled Kenneth Roberson, a recent high school graduate who is looking for work. Roberson is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tenn., which was recently selected by President Obama as the country's most "inspiring" high school. Obama spoke at the graduation ceremony, giving a message of hope and confidence in the future of the graduates.
Roberson, who is an excellent student and athlete, has been looking for jobs, to no avail. He is a good kid who looks after his siblings, hangs out at the Boys and Girls Club and is excited about heading to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the fall. However, Roberson's hopes of finding a summer job are doubtful because of the unusually high unemployment rate affecting young black men.
Roberson is indicative of many young African Americans who are qualified, yet are unable to find jobs because of a bleak market. The photo profile says, "The percentage of black men with jobs last month dropped to its lowest point in 40 years. The situation is worse for teens, worse again in the South and worst of all in late May as graduates swell the job market." Ouch.
Roberson wonders aloud, if he can't find a job, then who can? We're wondering the same thing, with black unemployment at Depression-era levels in some cities, like New York City. Perhaps President Obama should focus less on hope and more on action as it relates to unemployment in this country.
Read more at Washington Post.
In other news: Atlanta Lawmaker Announces That He Is Gay.
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