The National Black Police Association and Youth Promoter initially aimed to help youth organizations fundraise by selling Safe Solar Eclipse glasses in North and Central Texas. Once the Youth Promoters’ team members started talking to national vendors and youth organization leaders, it became apparent that traditionally underserved zip codes and predominantly Black and Hispanic communities would not have immediate access to solar eclipse glasses.
It was shocking to see how many Oak Cliff residents were unaware of the eclipse and the need for safe glasses. Eclipse Glass vendors across America have flocked to North Texas, setting up in Arlington, Allen, Frisco, Downtown Dallas, North Dallas, Ennis, Red Oak, and Waxahachie, but not in the southern sector of Dallas. The question is, why? Is it because of the crime rates, because it looks scary when you tour Lancaster Rd, or because the demographic in southern Dallas is not interested in the Total Solar Eclipse? Whatever the reason, it does not remove the fact that the eclipse is happening, and even people living in poverty-stricken communities will need safe glasses to protect their eyes.
The solution is multipronged:
- A concerted effort should be made to have signs on as many corners as possible indicating that the Total Solar Eclipse is coming and requires protected eyewear.
- The Dallas Police Department should have a more significant presence in Southern Dallas from Friday through Monday, providing a sense of safety for possible vendors.
- Vendors must be willing to set up and make the glasses readily available.
- Media outlets make public service announcements alerting youth organizations in Dallas to the opportunity to fundraise and serve their local community.
Youth Promoter seeks to address current societal issues that youth and young adults are enduring, such as emptiness, depression, anger, violence, mental health, low self-esteem, information overload, hopelessness, and the need to obtain money by any means. Youth organizations and schools have the most significant opportunity to reach our young people because they are open to instruction in these settings. It has been said, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Youth Promoter (YP) believes that giving young people a solid foundation is the greatest gift you can give them
