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Q&A With Viola Dunn-Thigpen

What inspires You to write?
"It's cathartic for me. Inspiration can come from anywhere at any time. The trick is to get it on paper and see where it takes me."

Interviewed by Vernon Davis Jr. 01/31/11

What made you choose academia as a source for inner development ?
"I liked school. I liked to challenge myself, except in math. I had great teachers. I really loved the conversations we (students) had in the lunchroom. Nothing was out of bounds."

Interviewed by jamal Abraham 01/06/11

What place does Computer Science have in K-12 education?
"Information Technology is a very big part of today's society. Unfortunately, the black community is seriously lagging behind in this area. Our kids don't get the required time on computers to utilize this technology, which is largely due to low expectations of urban school systems and lack of parental interest and participation of many parents."

Interviewed by Steve Williams 01/05/11

Is Computer Science an essential subject in Secondary Education?
"When my children were in elementary school, the PTA raised funds to build a computer lab. The children learned an awful lot of things that I had no clue about. I think they learned the history of computers and then the language. Each child had computer class by 4th grade. Unfortunately, moving on to middle school is where our children don't get the access to computers that they need."

Interviewed by Adam Fate 01/04/11

If you were banned from the United States and you have to leave today, what country would you go to live in - and why?
"I've always wanted to visit Tibet. I would go there if the Chinese leave and The Dahlia Lama was there. Other than that, I would like to live on a reservation with the Native Americans. I consider that another country."

Interviewed by Dante Lee 12/22/10

Where do you go to find comfort and strength in times of struggle and pain?
"I have prayer, family and close friends and I find music very theraputic."

Interviewed by Richard Kigel 12/17/10

What is it that you like to do within your career?
"What I'm doing now; working with young people."

Interviewed by Gregory V. Boulware, Esq. 10/28/10

Why are HBCU
"They are an intricate part of our history established for the descendants of the enslaved African Americans. Unfortunately, many black Americans and their parents do not know the histories of these schools and there is no appreciation for HBCUS. There is a notion perpetuated by some that a better education can be obtained at a predominately white college or university. Meanwhile the growth of white students on these HBCUs continues to grow and the drop-out rate of, black males, especially, continues to grow because of "revolving door" policies at predominately white colleges and universities. One has to get over the. "their ice cubes are colder" mentality when it comes to HBCUs."

Interviewed by Anthony G. (Tony) Dunn 08/15/10

What things can we do on HBCUConnect to make it a better site?
"Profile the HBCUs. Show what they have to offer the black college student that destroys the myth that all HBCUs are party schools. Give the high school students a sense of what life is like on these campuses. There are so many negative misconceptions about what HBCUs have to offer our young people. In many cases, HBCUs are not welcome to recruit at individual high schools in Philadelphia, PA."

Interviewed by Reginald Culpepper 06/20/09

(interview me)
Viola Dunn-Thigpen
NSCC/Retired, Phila. PA Board of Public Education
Location: Philadelphia, PA United States
Joined: Feb 23rd, 2006
About   (request update)
I live in Philadelphia, PA, where I was born. One of 11 children. I have 4 young people of my own. Active in my "Block Association". My high school alumni association. I research college/university scholarships and grants for minorties and non traditional students. Information is shared with organizations and individuals.
I write poetry, interested in the fine arts, sociology/love underground hip hop. I love straight ahead jazz. Dislike what is termed as "smooth Jazz" it is not jazz. Interested in black youth culture. Wrote an article for the "Philadelphia Tribune Magazine" The Search For Financial
Aid". Volunteered as Parent/Advisor for The Rhoer Club of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Alpha Eta Sigma Chapter. Worked with the Alpha Phi Beta High School Fraternity and Alumni Association, here in Philly.
Won the Hugh Carroll Award of La Salle University for work on the Adult Student Council. Honored this year for my outreach activities S. G. RHO. Recently widowed.
My Interview Question
What would you like to tell anyone about yourself?
Current Whereabouts:
Keeping tabs on the political arena. Watching C-Span, Democracy Now, MSNBC and BBC America News.Tired of radio. Black music is totally marginalized. I play my jazz 33s, listen to the Blues, do wop, underground hip hop, r'n'b, Euro Classical. Nearly completed a new sculpture of mixed media. Enjoy writing Haikus. Trying to get as much scholarship information out to our young people as I can, especially to get them to consider going to an HBCU in concert with others. Passion is to get more black male students into and retain them in college and /university.
Life & Professional Aspirations:
Enjoy life by keeping active with friends and family. Enjoy my relationship with my children as young adults, watching my grandchildren grow; hope to see them graduate from college, grow into adulthood, and maybe see some great-grands. Keep doing the work to make sure that as many black children in the U. S. KNOW they can achieve in spight of the institutional hurdles and barriers placed in their path.
Education   (request update)
Considering it.... Not considering it anymore! class of
Grad Major:
High School: Simon Gratz in Philadelphia, PA class of 1965
 
Activities & Accomplishments:
Totally into my Craft Major III Art Class with John Dendy! Won 1st Place award for a Glass Mosaic in the All City Art Competition, in the High School Competition.
Best Memories:
Informal talks with our biology teacher, Mr. Jessy Taylor. Trips to the art museums with the best art teacher ever, Mr John Dendy. Cutting typing class to visit with artists who came to lecture and give information about their works of art. Yeah, Mr. D. wrote notes for us!
Experience
I currently work with Phila. PA Board of Public Education as NSCC/Retired
I have 23 years of experience working in the Counseling industry.
Activity
"Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attracive Than Other Women"
Tell Psychology Today: Apologize for "Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive?” article. This article, "Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive Than Other Women?" appea ...more
Posted by Viola Dunn-Thigpen on August 9th, 2011 • 1,256 Views
Grammy Cuts Grammy Cuts
Apparently the Grammys got super-lean this year — down from 109 award categories to a meager 79. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) cut the awards by one-third, mostly to ensu ...more
Posted by Viola Dunn-Thigpen on May 22nd, 2011 • 1,236 Views
31 Categories to be era 31 Categories to be era
May 22nd NEW YORK PRESS CONFERENCE IN PROTEST OF GRAMMY TRAVESTY NARAS ERASES 31 CATEGORIES FROM GRAMMYS OUTRAGED MUSIC COMMUNITY RESPONDS On Sunday, May 22nd at 1 pm, world-renowned ...more
Posted by Viola Dunn-Thigpen on May 21st, 2011 • 1,429 Views
My BlackInAmerica.com Profile
Why Are You Concerned About Black America:
There's a lot to be concerned about. The widening gap between th have and have nots. The hate that's being instigated against Muslims; only 48% of black males graduating from high school; the jobless rate among blacks; public education is still separate and unequal. Students do without texts; fully stocked libraries; everyday supplies and the food is awful. Art and music is non existent. Here, in Philadelphia, cursive writing is not being taught. Our children are the victims who are blamed for the failure of the educational system. The fault lies with the federal and state governments;the of public education system; principals, teachers and parents.
How Did You Find Out About This Site:
I don't remember... I was probably surfing the net.
What Would You Like To See On This Site:
More exchanges of ideas on what we need to do to help our youth. We are, ourselves, their most boisterous critics.
Did You See The CNN Special Entitled "Black In America":
Yes
My Groups
Black In America Educators
Guestbook Comments
You presume to know what is in my head, but you don't. You do not know me. I don't know you, except for what you write, which is very hard to follow at times. We all have our own belief systems. We choose what we want to believe and all else is cast away. You strike me as one with an overbearing narcissistic personality.
Tagged by Viola Dunn-Thigpen on 05/30/2012  
Thanks ,happy 4th of July weekend to you your family and friends, happy belated birthday http://jimcityauto.com It is alway a pleasure to recieve a hello from you!
Tagged by Jim Lewis on 07/01/2011  
Hi Viola, Adam Fate is my pen name, Steve Williams my given. You are on both friends lists. I rarely use Adam Fate anymore.
Tagged by Adam Fate on 05/23/2011  
/* My apologies...HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY DEAR SISTER VIOLA...and many happy returns for a bright and HAPPY FUTURE! Peace and Love, Greg. */
Tagged by Gregory V. Boulware, Esq. on 02/06/2011  
/* Oh yeah, My Beautiful Sister... Indifference, Insolence, and Intolerence is intolerable - that brother had to go! I've been patient with him in the past and he refuses to respect others as well as me and you! Peace and Love, Sweet Sister...you know who loves Ya! Greg. http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/814056/gregory_boulware.html http://ezinearticles.com/?expert_bio=Gregory_V._Boulware http://www.blogger.com/profile/10910946197037982583 http://www.BoulwareEnterprises.com */
Tagged by Gregory V. Boulware, Esq. on 02/06/2011  
I also found it very interesting, your answer to my computer science question. The schools are teaching the kids how to use computers, but not how to make them. I'm thinking about how to teach it as a workshop, computer club, something to get the knowledge to the next generation. Problem solving is a skill that is involved in many areas of our lives, and computer science teaches that even if a child doesn't choose to follow it as a career.
Tagged by Steve Williams on 01/05/2011  
I wasn't even aware of the CNN BIA since I don't watch TV. I got here because I was on blackhistory.com and Irma invited me. But it's interesting what you said. I had the impression it wasn't that good, and I can't say I'm surprised.
Tagged by Steve Williams on 01/05/2011  
Hi Viola, I will send you a request from my other account. My pen name didn't sit too well with some so I am back to using my given name.
Tagged by Adam Fate on 01/04/2011  
/* Been here a long time... */
Tagged by Gregory V. Boulware, Esq. on 12/17/2010  
And you like old fashioned jazz vinyl LPs! Amazing!!! Here in New York we have one of the few all Jazz radio stations in the nation--WBGO out of Newark, New Jersey. Can you get that in PHilly? PEACE, Rich
Tagged by Richard Kigel on 11/28/2010  
HI Viola! Stopped by and read your profile. I am a career educator myself so I totally agree with your take on the failure of our school system. As a trained counselor I imagine you have to deal with these issues on a daily basis--so I tip my hat to you and hope you never lose heart. I notice that you are a newsfreak--like me. I don't go so far as to watch C-Span--that is a sign of a honest-to-goodness news addict. But I do follow the MSNBC crowd--and often share some of the blogs and clips here. I would love to see your comments! Please don't be shy abourt sharing your thoughts!!! PEACE AND BLESSINGS, Rich
Tagged by Richard Kigel on 11/28/2010  
/* Yeah we can meet in the dambdest places. */
Tagged by Gregory V. Boulware, Esq. on 11/24/2010  
Happy tue
Tagged by Jim Lewis on 11/09/2010  
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