Schools need to be places of healing

George Y. Pearson asked Keith Carson about what impact the assault he experienced in front of the West Oakland BART station had on his opinions about criminals

Keith Carson responded that he feels blessed to be alive. He didn't feel angry with the culprit, instead the experience stimulated his questions as to what were necessary steps to assist the mentally unstable population segment make healthier lifestyle choices. How could someone be prevented from choosing a life of crime?

Keith Carson wants society to address the issues that lead to crime on a systemic level. There are mentally unstable people in every community and they are looking to survive. Programs for mentally unhealthy individuals are important, since the mentally ill are usually unable to provide for themselves.

He believes that after school programs are necessary to provide a constructive and supportive environment that teaches life skills. Schools need to be places for healing and a place where you learn how to live a healthy life. Rodney works with Keith Carson to create structured environments, with before and after school programs and lunch time supervision. Page 2

George Y. Pearson interviews Supervisor Keith Carson and Rodney Brooks: "Schools need to be places for healing and places where young people learn how to live a healthy life."