UNCFND HISTORY

Introducing Unconfind

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Addressing the infrastructure disparities caused by redlining and how it significantly contributes to declining youth sports participation.

This article's central theme is how redlining perpetuates unjust practices under the 13th Amendment. The 13th Amendment abolished slavery but allowed for its continuation as a punishment for crime through a loophole that states, 'Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for the crime of which the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction,' legalizes and protects many inequities in America. Redlining exacerbates these issues, as schools and community centers in redlined areas often need more funding and support for extracurricular activities, including sports.

This policy hinders the development of athletic skills and the potential of future professional athletes, leading to a decline in youth sports participation. This impacts children's physical, emotional, and mental well-being in these urban communities. This project explores how redlining has influenced the availability and accessibility of sports facilities, funding, and opportunities for young athletes in marginalized, underprivileged, and underserved communities, and how it will be fixed.

This project introduces a strategy to ensure the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities within Philadelphia, one of America's most redlined cities. If successfully implemented, this strategy could serve as a beacon of hope for other urban cities nationwide, effectively combating inequality and significant disparities within youth sports. By dismantling the barriers imposed by redlining and related policies, we can create a more inclusive and equitable landscape for the next generation of athletes, instilling a sense of optimism for the future.