David Horton II didn't sugarcoat his presentation to a group of youngsters Saturday.

"Young people are not stupid. They are very aware of what's going on," he said. "If you talk candidly about life and give them an opportunity to talk, they'll open up and share how they feel. They have a desire to be informed and to share. We just have to put it in ways they understand."

Mr. Horton, the author of Negro Intellect: A Guide for Young Black Males , spoke at the Carrie J. Mays Community Life Center on topics including careers, goals, money and life. Standing before about 35 youths, including some young black men, Mr. Horton asked the group what careers they wanted to pursue. Responses included a music producer, dentist, cop, underwater welder and fish and game warden.

Mr. Horton then told the youths that identifying goals is an important part of the path to success.

"If you really want to get ahead in life, you have to have goals and you have to sacrifice," he said. "Don't ever let anyone tell you that people are going to give you stuff. It's not going to happen like that. If you don't have a plan to reach those careers or goals, you're never going to get there. You have to put yourself in a position to achieve those goals."

He also shared a story about his father, who died from AIDS, to stress the importance of people taking ownership of their health and their dreams.

"Please, please protect yourself. HIV and AIDS is a real thing. It's a very serious disease," he said. "It can affect your life and the life of others around you."

Mr. Horton concluded by telling the audience they must make smart decisions in all facets of life.

"Think about your actions and remember, it's OK to be smart," he said. "That's how you succeed."