YN.W.A
This reality has been weighing heavily on my mind for some time. Growing up and witnessing firsthand the challenges a great majority of these young guys face—socially, physically, mentally, and emotionally—has left an unforgettable mark on me. It compelled me to shine a light on a part of our community that, for generations, many of us have been desensitized to.
There’s always more than what meets the eye. We often fail to ask why these young guys—our “Yn’s”—carry attitudes or how they end up in the situations they do. Instead of criticizing and judging, we need to pause, step back, and see them for who they are—kids, friends, family members. Beneath the stereotypes imposed by society lies so much more.
Yes, there are some who live up to those stereotypes. But that doesn’t mean there’s not something deeper beneath the surface. Growing up in poverty or without a solid support system can overshadow a person’s true qualities. It’s a weight too heavy for many to bear, often leaving young people misguided and trapped in toxic patterns laid out long before their time. This dangerous cycle perpetuates itself, claiming the futures—and sometimes the lives—of the people we love.
For generations, our community has had to navigate a system designed to work against us. Many resorted to “doing what they had to do,” a phrase we all understand, even if we don’t say it aloud. That reality hasn’t changed much. Today, young guys are still funneled into lifestyles shaped by societal norms, often without the tools or support to break free.
The concept of a “Yn” has existed for generations—young guys who embody both the struggles and the potential of their communities. Some have defied the odds, finding a different path and building lives as professional athletes, scholars, entrepreneurs, creatives, and artists. These success stories remind us that there is hope, that the “attitudes” society labels as dangerous can be transformed into something positive.
As Deante Kyle put it:
“The Yn’s are the future. They’re the soldiers. We need to love and protect the Yn’s. The only reason they’re this reckless is ‘cause they ain’t got no guidance.”
