"Pull Up Your Sagging Pants... " Campaign Kick-Off In MO
On Friday, February 12, 2010 the Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) will kickoff its campaign to encourage young people to pull up their pants and begin focusing on the task of uplifting their community. In years past an old adage used prior to undertaking a major task was "roll up your sleeves and get busy". However, with today's fashion trend of sagging pants that in our humble opinion projects negativity, we are calling upon all the positive forces of our community to join us in encouraging our young people to have a new outlook toward their present fashion trend of sagging pants and see the necessity of engaging themselves in the struggle to transform the many negative socio-economic conditions impacting our families and communities such as unemployment/under-employment/abnormal high school dropout rates/mass incarceration/lack of political accountability/racism/ etc.
Historically, changes in many societies were initiated by youth movements, such as that which occurred in South Africa, during the height of apartheid and the early civil rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's.
Accordingly the UAPO will be making this clarion call for our youth to redefine themselves as we move steadily into the 21st century. "We need future leaders who have respect for themselves and a vision to reshape today's society and this campaign is long overdue," stated Zaki Baruti, long time community activist and President/ General of the UAPO.
To kick off the campaign, the UAPO will host a forum at Northwest Academy, in St Louis, MO. In attendance will be the student body along with other community leaders. The panel will include successful young adults and students. Confirmed panelists are: Jeffrey Reed, President- The Reed Group LLC; Carlos Mayfield- Sales Consultant; Kandis Hendrix-Associate Broker-Castle By The River and Contracting Specialist-National Material & Supply Company LLC; Eric Miller- Volunteer Services/ UAPO and Kenny Boyd, President / Kennyboy Productions.
Mrs. Valerie Carter Thomas is the progressive Principal of Northwest Academy.
