Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited facts for kids
Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited, often called HARYOU, was an important organization started in 1962. It was founded by two psychologists, Kenneth Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark. The main goal of HARYOU was to create more chances for young Black people in Harlem to get good education and jobs. It also helped people in Harlem learn how to work with government groups to get their needs met. The director of HARYOU was Cyril deGrasse Tyson, who was the father of the famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Cyril deGrasse Tyson was also a founding member of the 100 Black Men of America.
What HARYOU Did
HARYOU quickly became well-known across the country after it was formed in 1962. In 1964, the government under President Lyndon B. Johnson gave $110 million to support HARYOU's ideas for improving education.
Improving Education and Jobs
HARYOU had several plans to make education better in Harlem. These plans included:
- Bringing in education experts to help organize schools in Harlem.
- Starting programs for young children before they went to kindergarten.
- Offering extra help after school for students who needed it.
- Creating job programs for young people who had left school early.
Helping After the Riots
After some unrest in Harlem during the summer of 1964, HARYOU wrote a report. This report explained why the problems happened and suggested ways to fix them. HARYOU, along with other groups, received money from the government for a program called Project Uplift. This project aimed to prevent similar problems from happening again in the future.
Joining Forces
Later, HARYOU joined together with another group called Associated Community Teams (ACT). This merger happened with the support of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr.. The new combined organization was then known as HARYOU-ACT.
