Carlos. T. Carter, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, comments on this month’s health focus on violence prevention, including how the UL provides community support to Black youth.
Q: Carlos, how does the Urban League provide supportive adults for youth through its Black Male Leadership Development Institute (BMLDI) and Black Female Leadership Development Institute (BFLDI) programs?
CARLOS T. CARTER
Carlos: By partnering with mentors and faculty from institutions like Slippery Rock University. In these programs, youth research and identify key causes of violence in their communities — then present their findings to local stakeholders such as the mayor and city council members. The youth also create public service announcements (PSAs) about bullying and use them to mentor middle school students. These activities take place in environments with clinical staff who guide youth through trauma-informed discussions.
During critical after-school hours and on weekends, the programs ensure that youth are surrounded by caring adults who offer a supportive environment to help them focus on their goals. The mentors listen in a nonjudgmental way and provide a safe space for youth to be vulnerable, heard, and supported. This helps to reduce youth stress, boosts mental health, and strengthens resilience, allowing youth to thrive.
By fostering hope and emotional support, the program encourages youth to manage their emotions, reduce violence, and become positive, civic-minded leaders who will drive community.
Q: Sounds great! How does the Urban League help families with violence prevention?
Carlos: In partnership with organizations like Wesley Family Services, the UL Family Support Center focuses on violence prevention, including therapy. They offer workshops for parents through a Parent Advisory Council that addresses the impact of violence as well as how to prevent it. A Family Development Specialist refers families, particularly those affected by violence, to community partners that specialize in violence prevention.
By building strong, trusting relationships with families, the center becomes a safe space where families can find the help they need.
Additionally, our men’s support groups engage fathers and male role models in promoting anti-violence efforts in communities like Duquesne and Northview. These initiatives help families strengthen their capacity to support their youth and prevent them from encountering or witnessing violence.
Addressing poverty is critical to addressing violence in our communities. Beyond violence prevention, the Urban League works to remove barriers that contribute to poverty. Through the Center for Economic Self-Reliance, we connect families to training opportunities and support them in overcoming obstacles that prevent them from thriving.
We also help individuals find suitable housing and provide homeownership counseling. These services, along with those offered by the Family Support Center, support the well-being of families and empower them to create safer, more stable environments for their children.
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