We applaud the community for coming together Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Rockland Elks Lodge to discuss the youth crisis. That is a great start. Now we must follow through on that discussion and demand action.
None of what we heard at this forum was new information, but it may be the first time we have heard it all put together in such a stark manner. Young people are facing serious mental health problems, addiction issues and other crises. There is a shortage of the workers who can address these issues, so the teachers, counselors, doctors, social workers and nurses available experience burnout and struggle to keep up with the work.
The problems that our community has been hearing about — severe behavior problems, mental health emergencies, juvenile crimes, substance abuse, massive increases in special education services — are just symptoms of a much larger illness.
The speakers at this event were correct that this issue must be addressed immediately, and part of the solution is to start from birth. Attempting to address the needs of our youth after they have become teenagers is like putting a bandage on a severed arm.
Government dollars must be prioritized for programs that educate and support new parents. These programs must be widely available, and the people who provide these services must be compensated appropriately for the important work they are doing.
One system alone cannot address the problems youth face, whether that is schools, the medical field, law enforcement or the mental health industry. There must be a holistic community effort to meet the needs of our children and young people.
This is a national issue, and it will eventually affect everyone. Responsible, constructive members of society are not just manifested out of thin air — they are created by the cogs in the wheel of society working together.
Black History Month
Because Black History Month is now an annual event, it can be easy to forget the path that led us here and to take it for granted. So here is a little history lesson.
Black History Month began in 1926 as a week-long observation on the second week of February, to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. This was initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who was the second Black person to earn a doctorate from Harvard and dedicated his life and career to spreading knowledge of Black history.
Through Woodson’s hard work, this annual week-long celebration spread around the country.
On Feb. 3, 1975, President Gerald Ford issued a statement recognizing the week and encouraging all Americans to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation’s life and culture by our black citizens.”
The next year, this was expanded to a month-long observance. President Ford again issued a message, recognizing Woodson and the importance of Black history.
In 1986, Congress designated February as National Black History Month and directed the president to issue a statement on its observation each year.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
– Feb. 2, 1887, was the first celebration of Groundhog Day! This tradition comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that a hibernating animal would awaken in early February and predict the rest of the winter season, which they appear to have adapted from the celebration of Candlemas.
While this belief started with a badger, hedgehog or bear performing the task, we can all agree today that the groundhog is the correct animal for this important event. Now if you will excuse us, we must go watch a certain Bill Murray movie…
– The first American steel ship, Dirigo, was launched from Bath on Feb. 3, 1894.
– St. George was incorporated as a town on Feb. 7, 1803, from part of Cushing.
– Hurricane Isle was incorporated as a town on Feb. 7, 1878, from Vinalhaven. Hurricane Isle was reunified with Vinalhaven in 1937 after giving up its incorporation in 1921.
Historic birthdays:
Feb. 2, 1882: Author James Joyce was born in Dublin, Ireland. Joyce is best known for his works “Ulysses” and “Dubliners.” His novels are widely regarded as the end of modernism and the start of the postmodern movement.
Feb. 3, 1894: Norman Rockwell was born in New York City. Rockwell is famous for his depictions of small-town America on the covers of Saturday Evening Post magazine.
Feb. 6, 1895: Baseball legend George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Ruth is widely considered the greatest baseball player of all time. He set multiple records during his time in the sport, including hitting 714 home runs during his career.
Feb. 8, 1931: Actor James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana. Dean is a cultural icon and is best remembered for playing Jim Stark in the film “Rebel Without a Cause” as well as his tragic death at a young age.
The editorial board of The Courier-Gazette and The Camden Herald collaborate on issues of public interest.
