We don't necessarily need to use words like "hoodlums", but in terms of practical advice, this is as sound for African-American vernacular english as it is for

We don't necessarily need to use words like "hoodlums", but in terms of practical advice, this is as sound for African-American vernacular english as it is for Appalachian vernacular English, for the same reason that people in the business world generally talk in business-specific dialects (synergy! alignment!) rather than using the latest Internet memes. A fruitful approach will respect local vernacular usages while still teaching the generic "polished" English language.