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2008 issue

Volume 6 Number 1 October 2008

Dear Reader,

In this edition we welcome Dr. Robin Lee, an educator, who has become our associate editor. She is contributing an article entitled, “The Miseducation of Urban Youth” and directs our attention to the importance of urban youth and education. The focus of education and families is something Robin is greatly interested in; she is a former public school teacher presently working with college students in her role as an administrator at California State University, Long Beach. Recently, she was awarded a Fulbright fellowship.  Having worked in different states, cities, and now, her fellowship takes her to Germany; she understands the Journal of Urban Youth Culture’s connections to urban, local, state, national, and international youth. 

This latest edition brings our vision of scholarship interconnecting with youth involvement.  Our highlight of Mr. Gary Williams from Michigan State University Extension gives an excellent view of outreach and the engagement of urban youth in outdoor activities, something that young people in urban communities need more of.  Williams, an impressive educator teaches young people archery, fishing, and life skills.  A role model for youth in general, Gary Williams relishes his role in Wayne County, the City of Detroit and the State of Michigan.  A man for all seasons, he is someone that loves his work.  He is one of those men who are a father, leader and educator to all.  This article was written by a young woman from Michigan State University.  Rachel Wiedemann is a team member of our Youth Leadership Project.  Our call insists that youth are part of the journal.  Dr. Lee, Mr. Williams, and Ms. Wiedemann are the critical body of voices that allow us to communicate with youth in this journal.  It is with great expectation that we move into our fall and winter editions.  Our team is working hard to make this journal something that will assist and support youth, families, and their respected communities meeting daily challenges.
 
Pamela R. Smith, editor, will introduce our excerpts from our work book, Growing Up Urban.  This workbook was designed for folks who work with youth.  The book authors including myself are Pamela R. Smith, Randy McNeil, and Virgil A. Taylor.  I must note that Randy McNeil, retiring CEO and President of the Youth Development Commission (YDC) was the person who requested this workbook in its early stages.  Ms. Smith took lead with hard work resulting in the transformation from pamphlet to workbook. A great deal of interaction with the staff of YDC and Shuna Hayward made this book a big success.  Virgil Taylor worked with Pamela Smith in the final production to balance this document. We had the support of Judith Richmond who designed the layout and cover, retired Michigan State University Extension leader Hank Allen, and a field team in the assembly of this workbook. Hopefully our readers will get a copy of Growing Up Urban. 

We have more on our menu in the coming months.  Please let us know what you think as we move toward a new year.

Carl S. Taylor
Senior Editor

Please e-mail us with your ideas, suggestions, and possible contributions.