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I was reading an article from Noland Martin titled Don't whine, get involved in kids' education: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/08/20/roland.ma... It struck me that Roland and others have been trying for years to make our schools and communities better with very little help from the masses. I recall a few years back that Kathy Raleigh (get well soon) and Steve Harvey were raising private money for books/desks/ chairs/ computers in inner-city LA …to try to get basic needs. And after reading Brother Harold Causey’s Blog about an education rights movement it hit me…we don’t NEED anyone to fix our school problems. Like Roland, Kathy, Steve, and Harold…I say quit cry’n and do something! On November 18, 2008 I propose a grass roots Education Rights Day – Dr. Ahmad’s 1st Annual BIA-Take Back Our School Initiative! - Every person who is able, go to your local school and help however you can - Let’s show this generation of youth that they have not been forgotten - Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and High School/ Let’s show up in force! - If the school needs painting, books, desks, chairs, laptops, etc…this will be your chance to get involved, organize a fix, and make a real difference - If the lunches are subpar, you will see first hand why and be able to help provide the resources to make a difference In the coming days, I will also have information on how you can contribute, donate, sponsor - If you are part of a faith based group…it’s your turn to give! - If you can’t make it…sponsor a person to go - I hope to get $5 per person o Funds will go to the schools for planned and/or future projects o NOTE: Funds will be used for the schools ONLY Folks have been blowing up my email about what and how to get started…so here you go: Don't whine, get involved in future generations education PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Posted By: Dr. Ahmad Glover
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 1:22PM
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Much Power to you brother, let us never get tired in our work!
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 1:28PM
Harold Causey
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Hi Dr. Glover,
You may want to see what the Institute for Self Esteem & Evaluation (ISEE), Inc. has to say about the word "kid" on their web site: www.iseeinc.org
Click on "ISEE, INC. IN THE NEWS"
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 1:41PM
Frederick Confidence
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Phil,
I'm not talking about asking for the system to do anything. I'm talking about taking the bulls by the horns! Sure it's gone to be hard to fix. But it won't be as hard as ending the practice of human trading (slavery) in America...and we did that. You can do this!
Don't fight me brother...help me!
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 1:45PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover
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I agree that this is a very important post..."stop crying and do something." If we are worried about the conditions of the educational facilities that our children, we need to take steps to change these conditions.
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 1:51PM
Emmanuel Brown
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Beat you to this one Dr. Glover. The Christian Education Department at my church has purchased over 100 backpacks and school supplies to go in them for the children of the immediate community of where my church is. I really did not give away too many, even though the whole neighborhood was covered with flyers, including door to door. However, not too many children showed up for backpacks. How is that?
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 2:25PM
Cheryl Hendrix
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Cheryl,
Pride can be a terribly restricting thing. Sadly what you think you meant and what people think you said aren’t always the same thing. Sometime your well intentioned message is received as..."hey you poor, needed people...come get these hand-outs… We will save you from your evil-wicked ways". No matter how heartfelt, many times the message doesn't have the intended effect. Or worse, people don’t want to be perceived as needed your help.
I'm suggesting that folks in need go about their daily activities (or join in if they can). This initiative really isn’t about folks in need. This is about people who see a problem doing something about it.
That’s right…those of use who like to talk and type need to put our actions where our mouths are…and here’s why.
1. If you can get one child to see that we care, that may be one less person you have to fear in 15-years standing behind you with a gun…. at the ATM machine
2. If we can help one young girl stay off the streets, that may be two less mouths you have to feed in 10-years as a result of higher taxes to support food stamps
3. If we has provide a safe place for children to learn, that may give us the doctor who invents the cure to some terrible virus…that you or your children are dying from
4. If we stop crying and take one step to empower ourselves…we might just live up the dreams of our forefathers and foremothers…and do what God has been waiting for us to do!
I applaud you and your church. I look forward to you and others raising church funds to help us make a difference. We are going to take the help where the help is needed.
I’m tired of seeing the problem grow out of control…are you?
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 3:02PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover
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I think its a great idea. This sounds a little like Tony Evans' Adopt A School Program. Please send me more information.
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 3:53PM
Bernadette Smith, HHC
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I have a business that collect school supplies and clothing all year round called All Good Closet. If anyone wants to make a donation, let me know.
Kimberly V. Taylor
President and Founder
All Good Closet
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 4:26PM
Kimberly Taylor
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That's a good idea and a great start. More people, most importantly parents, need to get involved. I just wonder how this effort will fair against the actual education and NCLB.
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 4:41PM
Ebone Evans
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This is exciting and I can't wait for more details. I will definitely be spreding the news and let us all remember that although we get weary in the work, we must never become weary of the work!
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 6:14PM
agnes levine
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I'm on board with this! Keep me posted on the details and I will do my part...
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 10:37PM
Willie Gregory
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Great idea Doc,
In Alabama we call it Save Our Schools...Whatever the name, the ideas the same....
DO SOMETHING!
Peace
Thursday, August 21st 2008 at 2:34AM
Anthony Bridgeforth
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Thanks Anthony,
This idea is very similar to SOS and Adopt a School. The difference however is that rather than pushing to issues and problems off to a group (SOS or AaS), I am asking people (YOU) to go to your local school and help out for “one day”: anywhere from 30-minutes…on up to 12 hours if you can support it.
Many of us have a dedicated day to go to the beach, BBQ, or fishing. Heck, I know folks who take time off of work to get their oil changed in the car. Isn’t our future more important that this stuff?
A couple of days ago I sat in an hot, stuffy windowless room for 1-hour…with well over 100 folks…while we went over soccer rules for my 5-year old daughter’s upcoming season.
If we can brave shopping the day after Thanksgiving Day, hot stuffy sports meetings, or other stuff…surely we can dedicate a few minutes to visit the schools. If we don’t start showing/proving that we care about the children…how can we ever expect them to grow up and care about us or each other?
Even people who don’t have school children can/should help….
Thursday, August 21st 2008 at 1:25PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover
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Dr. Glover,
This sounds like a good idea, and we can certanly add this to the many efforts that are already in motion -- such as the MILLION FATHER MARCH, where fathers in hundreds of cities across the country are going to school on the first day with their children to show their support. The BLACK STAR PROJECT in Chicago is one of the best and most comprehensive efforts to get our communities involved. I would strongly recommend that you look into this program. I know Phillip Jackson, the Director, personally. Everything he and his staff have developed is available for sharing and replication in other cities. No -- "Not invented here" attitudes.
What I would recommend is that those who are interested in improving the education of our children begin to catalog "best practices" that are working well in OUR communities to improve outcomes for OUR children. Oncewe bbegin to catalog praqctices that actually work, then we can all choose from the very best of the best. Yes, everyone has to "do something." However, my expereience has been consistent with Vince Lmobardi's quote: "It is not just practice that makes perfect, but PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT."
We live in an age of BEST PRACTICES, and that whould be our goal. I have already begun to developa catalog -- consistent with the principles of the Covenant With Black America. Please visit http://www.izania.com/forums/forumdisplay.... to review the contributions that have been made, and add any solutions you have. Let's galvanize our "COLLECTIVE ACTIONS into BEST PRACTICES."
Teachers and administrators will do the best they can every day. Those of us whose support is needed also ned to come forward with a show of solidarity. Then we can take control of education our children. If we shoulder that responsibility, it doesn't matter what school they go to, we will make a positive difference.
Check out the ideas at http://www.izania.com/forums/forumdisplay....
Thursday, August 21st 2008 at 3:03PM
Roger E Madison Jr
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Roger,
You're the man! Thanks for the link and suggestions..
Thursday, August 21st 2008 at 3:06PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover
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This is an excellent idea. In the City of Cleveland, two of our great leaders have gone home with the Lord: Councilwoman Fannie Lewis and Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. This is a huge loss to our community as the place that goes between 1st and 2nd on the most impoverished city in the US, strong leaders like them are becoming obsolete. This idea has been encouraging as we recognize that it is time for the changing of the gaurd - time for the next generation to incorporate real work and real results in our quests for material things. Not that they are unimportant, we definately need the balance. I have been wondering since joining this site as a result of the special that aired on CNN if this would be another my space community. You and others really have shown that it truly is about ACTION. That's truly what we need. I do have some irons in the fire...stay tuned for my contribution!
Thursday, August 21st 2008 at 4:53PM
Rachelle Milner
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I think this is a superb idea. I would caution, however that if you have no ties to a particular school (ie. you don't have a child attending that school) that you get permission before hand to come and volunteer these days. Many school districts throughout the country require criminal background checks before they will let you interact with the children. Don't get mad because of the inconvenience, know that there are a lot of child predators around and the schools are just trying to keep the children safe.
Friday, August 22nd 2008 at 5:58PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines
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The city of Denver, will be on board
Monday, August 25th 2008 at 12:54AM
Alton Clark
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I think this is a great idea and I am ready to jump in. Especially here, they closed several inner city public schools last year and now students can't even get enrolled in school because they're over crowded. The year before that children weren't even allowed in school if they didn't have their shots, but the parents can't afford them. The school books are out dated, they have cops everywhere, its off the hook. Yeah, I would love to help.
Monday, August 25th 2008 at 1:12PM
chivonne lawson
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Dr. Glover, I just found your blog concerning helping our schools. This is a great idea. My sorority has an education component that works in each level of education. In one predominantly black high school, we started with a freshman class and will follow that class through graduation. It is wonderful to see so many people interested in this project. It is time for us to take our kids back because what has already been done has put us back further than we were when we first pined for an education. Keep pushing us and helping us to examine our own motivations. What is the update?
Friday, March 20th 2009 at 9:26PM
Thomasena Martin-Johnson
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I just have to throw this out there.One of our local high schools (yuba City high, here about 7 miles away from me-Yuba city,Ca.)Just paid $500.00 to settle a law suit against them for one of their female student's having just given birth to a son. This 16 year old student was meeting with her 20 year old boy friend during lunch hour off school campus! Having learned that some states will allow teachers to bring guns to their class, this is somehting I have to vent with those on this post relating to helping our schools today. I have no idea if the students is what race or what nationality as we do have an Air force base herein our small, small towns.
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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Another thing that can be easily over looked is when we see our schools as federal-State 'supported' because , that school sits right in our community therefore it is to be supported by the community...the whole community.
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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Any place we try/need to get to, we always get there 'one step at a time"....
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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And,by the way Mr. Penn, are you all having any success in removing "KID" out of the works of William Shakespere?????? As more read him than this site........
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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I will say this one last thing and shut up. WE never said we wanted to go to White schools, we said we wanted THE RIGHT to go to the school of our choice.
It seem the price of gas will now get us back to our roots-the hood..as our goal is to survive any and all:times, things,places, people,laws that trys to defeat us as a culture,...even our selves being used against our selves...talking heads in main stream media...against Black Muslims...Trinity church...these are also decendants of Mother Africa!!!!!!
WAKE UP
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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Dr. Glover I say the same thing as Esther about, "back in my school days". Also how the church, the neighbor, the neighborhood, the extended family all joined in to help us help our selves...No excuses, not whining, no anti-any thing if it was to benefit our children in any way form or fasihon!!!
I am so glad that the more things change the more they stay the same as the saying goes(smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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