Literacy or Lockup: One Teen’s Fight to Fix a Broken System
It was a rainy Monday night in March, and there I was, soaked to the bone, hammering out a 20-slide PowerPoint at Best Buy because my family couldn’t afford electricity, let alone a computer. I’d sprinted past closed libraries and locked community centers, dodging despair to ace my middle school English project—my first-ever A. That same week, I’d taken Florida’s FSA test, bombed it, and landed in remedial classes. With no food, a hospitalized friend shot in gang violence, and bills piling up at home, who cared about a test? I’m Laura Lurns, and this isn’t just my story—it’s the story of millions of African American youth trapped in a cycle of illiteracy, crime, and broken schools. But here’s the twist: it doesn’t have to end that way.
The Leak That Sinks Dreams
Picture this: 85% of incarcerated Black teens can’t read, a stat set in motion by third grade. My Duval County middle school was a petri dish for this—kids like DJ, scraping by with a 2.0, or Kyle, who dropped out before sophomore year. Crime, violence, and drugs weren’t exceptions; they were the backdrop. When you’re hungry and dodging bullets, acing the FSA feels like a cruel joke. Schools failed us with subpar teaching and zero resources—my internet-less home was proof. By high school, kids see no academic future, so they turn to the streets. It’s not laziness; it’s survival.
Blaming the Victim, Missing the Point
Too often, we point fingers at the kids. “It’s the rap music,” they say, or “bad parenting.” Wrong. Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics mirrored my life—crime wasn’t a choice, it was a context. My friend Jaime’s mom wanted him educated, but she couldn’t fight the system alone. As a child psychologist, I’ve seen this trap: stereotype kids as “bad,” and they’ll believe it. I nearly did—failing tests, facing gangs, I was one step from juvie. But the real villain? Schools that don’t teach, leaving brains un challenged and futures dim.
Author Quote“
It doesn’t take a college degree to sell drugs—all you need is desperation and a desire to make a quick buck.
”
Patching the Literacy Leak
Here’s the fix: literacy’s the root, and we’ve got to patch it early. third-grade reading predicts everything—prison or potential. My teacher, Ms. Martini, saw past my low scores and dragged me to tutoring. She didn’t buy the “fixed brain” myth—neuroplasticity says we can grow. With her pushing me toward a growth mindset, I went from remedial to a 4.0, graduating early with an associate’s degree. Parents, this starts with you—demand better, fight for resources. States taking back education could help, but only if they prioritize reading over bureaucracy.
Key Takeaways:
1
Illiteracy, rooted in third grade, drives Black teens to crime—85% of incarcerated youth can’t read.
2
Schools fail with poor resources and teaching, but a growth mindset can turn it around.
3
Parents must fight apathy and spark confidence to break the cycle.
One Spark Can Light a Fire
A Harvard Youth Advisory letter changed me. Me—an adviser? Suddenly, I saw my struggles as strength. I co-founded Hear the Youth, pushing for internet access countywide (thanks, Dr. Green!), tackling hunger, and joining task forces on crime. It wasn’t easy—more Best Buy treks, sleepless nights—but it proved brains bend with effort. Parents, your kids need that spark. Swap screen time for books, chase every opportunity. A decentralized system could free states to ignite these fires—if they ditch the old excuses.
Author Quote“
85 percent of incarcerated African-American youth cannot read… a leak we must patch as early as possible.
”
Break the Chains, Build the Future
Schools shrugging, parents giving up. I beat it, but millions don’t. Only 16% of Black teens read proficiently by high school—unacceptable. You’re your kid’s first teacher; don’t let broken systems win. Fight for literacy, and you’ll gift them confidence to break free from crime’s pull. Want more? My Free Growth Mindset Course has the tools to turn your kid into a powerhouse. Click it—let’s rewrite their story together.
