In underserved communities across the United States, violence, food insecurity, unstable housing, lead poisoning, and other factors such as racist redlining policies negatively impact young people's everyday experiences―and their futures. What opportunities are available to young Black people living in these neighborhoods? What are their survival expectations? Who can they look to for support? Lorece V. Edwards offers a thought-provoking and timely account of the day-to-day experience of living in America's neglected neighborhoods.

Edwards examines the reality of growing up Black in marginalized communities and provides a nuanced perspective of the daily lives of these youths. Many of the practices for which these young people are demonized are survival strategies. Structural violence plays a key role in their opportunities to be successful. Using Baltimore as a case study, Edwards examines the historical roots of how these neighborhoods developed.

The narrative is enriched through firsthand accounts of youth who live in these neighborhoods. Incorporating the results of longitudinal research projects focused on sexual health, substance use, communicable diseases, and decision-making among minority youth, Edwards provides recommendations for how to address systemic issues and change the trajectory of these children's futures.