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Engaging Couples to Stay Together
Atlanta teens raising awareness of Black Marriage Day
March 22, 2010 (ATLANTA)—Studies show African Americans are less likely to marry and more likely to divorce. Active in more than 300 cities , Black Marriage Day is a nationwide initiative to reverse that trend and promote healthy black marriages—engaging adults and married couples primarily. This year, Black Marriage Day has engaged some unlikely ambassadors in Atlanta: 15 Atlanta teens hoping to see more examples of healthy black marriage.
These teens participate in Future Foundation’s RealTalk ATL program. The program helps youth at risk (in schools and community centers) make healthy choices regarding sex, love, dating and relationships. After a recent Teen Summit, the group realized many of their peers had become jaded about marriage. They decided to help black couples in their community realize their critical role—showing black teens the benefits of healthy marriage.
“This year, our Real Talk ATL teens decided it was important to go directly to the couples who can make a difference. Only they can help more black teens realize that healthy marriage is indeed positive, attainable and sustainable.”
-Shaunae Motley, director of programs at Future Foundation.
The teens surveyed happily married black couples, and asked them what it takes to sustain a healthy marriage over time. After compiling survey findings, they prepared them into tip cards for black couples: “Top 10 Ways to ‘WOO’ Your Spouse” and “Top 10 Marriage Survival Tips." On Saturday, March 27, 2010 (during Black Marriage Day weekend) Future Foundation teens canvassed Greenbriar Mall and surrounding inner city communities to share these free tips. Teens also handed out free CDs with love songs (old and new) to help couples rekindle the sparks.
“We were saddened, but not surprised. Many of the black teens in our community said they didn’t believe marriage was for them.”
On Sunday, March 28, 2010, Future Foundation teens closed out their weekend activities by visiting local churches. They reinforced their message of healthy marriage. The students attended Lindsay Street Baptist Church in Atlanta and Liveoak Baptist Church in College Park. Also, they plan to survey their peers again about their attitudes and beliefs regarding marriage. They will use the results to help provide more effective marriage and family education and resources to local teens.
To learn more about Future Foundation’s Real Talk ATL program, contact Kinetra Smith at 404-671-9301, ext. 1 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).