By Kwan Booth

Contrary to popular belief, black youth across the country have a lot to say about politics, education and cultural influence, and they wish more people were paying attention. A new study released by the University of Chicago proves that young African Americans have strong views on social issues; opinions that researchers believe will be beneficial in future outreach efforts.

During 2005 and 2006, the Black Youth Project questioned 1,590 African American, White and Hispanic young people, ages 15-25, on everything from pre-marital sex to their beliefs about the "color-blind" society. For years the actions of black youth have been vilified and determined by parents, religious leaders and public figures but Dr. Cathy Cohen, leader of the project and Professor in Political Science at the university, believes a key part of the puzzle has been missing.

"This generation of young African Americans is much talked about, but rarely talked with and asked to engage in real dialog," notes Dr. Cohen. "Religious leaders, social commentators and entertainers claim to understand Black youth. This survey, however, shows young Black Americans to be more thoughtful and complex than they are usually assumed to be, with strong opinions (that) we should understand if we want to promote effective policies that can really change the lives of young Black Americans."

Taken as a whole, the study paints a picture of a youth culture attuned to traditional values while being burdened with the realities of modern American life.

While the majority of black youth, 66%, believe in traditional family, an overwhelming majority, 73%, believe that a single mother can raise her child as well as a married couple. 55% of black youth believe homosexuality is wrong and oppose gay marriage, although 79% say they know someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

79% of Black youth believe they can make a difference participating in politics, and 74% believe they have the skills and knowledge to do so, although fewer than one in five reported having participated in political activism.

Questions surrounding one of the most hot button issues also revealed surprising results. "A lot of people talk about rap music and it's impact on young people without any data," said Dr. Cohen. "This study shows us that young people are actually discerning viewers who have thoughtful insights about cultural representation."

72% of Black youth agree rap videos contain too many sexual references and 41% say that rap music videos should be more political. The majority of black youth also agree that "rap music videos portray both Black women and Black men in bad and offensive ways."

Cohen says the next step in the program is to distribute the information to youth, advocates, teachers and policymakers searching for answers to helping the younger generation.

For more information or to read the report go to blackyouthproject.uchicago.edu

Kwan Booth is a contributing writer for whatchusay