Be mindful of your village

One day several years ago as I was crossing the street in downtown Cleveland, I noticed two young people wrestling in the lobby of a building near my office. As I advanced towards the building, I realized that the two young people consisted of a boy and a girl and they were not wrestling. The young boy, who I later found out was fourteen at the time, was throwing the young lady around and groping her all the while. The young lady was also fourteen at the time. I was a bit concerned when I realized how much they were enjoying this youthful pseudo-sexual romp in public. Her clothes were in disarray and her suitor seemed more and more aggressive as I approached them.

I walked in and not surprisingly, they were so engaged in their playfulness, they did not realize that an adult was now in the lobby with them. As I assessed the surroundings I noticed that they were also unaware that they were on camera the whole time.

I cleared my throat and got their attention. The young lady looked as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn't have. The young man looked proud of himself at first and then he looked annoyed.

I spent the next few minutes speaking to both of them. The young man walked out of the lobby but the young lady remained. She was waiting on her aunt to get off of work. I spoke to the young lady a little longer about her ideas regarding self worth and expectation.

She hugged me when I left.

I saw that young lady today as I was coming to work. She gave me a hug before I remembered who she was. She has graduated from highschool and is starting college in the fall.

She told me that she remembered my discussion with her and that she appreciated what I did. I was not so naive to believe that one discussion with me would change her life, but I do believe that as we encounter people we can add water and sunlight to seeds of hope that live in all of us. I believe the passion and sincerity that I demonstrated towards her was more effective than the words I selected.

Adults, If you notice that the children in your village need your wisdom or guidance, don't turn a blind eye. You never know how much you can assist in shaping someone's course. More importantly...it is your village duty.

Peace © 2005 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Being proactive prevents unwelcome stress

It's almost that time of year when you have to start shopping for school supplies, new clothes and after school programs. Those are the basic telltale signs that a new school year is beginning. Savvy parents know however, that it should not stop there. Make sure that you take the time to meet with your child's new teachers at the beginning of the year. Explain to the teacher what your expectations are for your child and let their teachers know that you are there to be supportive in this effort. Try to get an idea what your child's teachers expect from you as a parent and from your child as a student. Inform the teacher to alert you if there is any decrease in academic performance, or if any behavior problems arise. Express to your child's teachers that you do not like being blindsided by unsuspecting progress reports that indicate your child is not doing well. However, be clear that poor performance is not the only time you want to hear from them.

Furthermore, inform your child's teachers of any free time that you might have to volunteer. Get involved with the school as much as you possibly can. If your schedule prevents you from volunteering during the day at any time, work with the school's administrators and PTA to find activities that can occur outside of school hours. Be creative and committed. Do not wait to be invited. Take the initiative. You don't wait until the bank invites you to come and check on your money do you? You wouldn't care if your money was housed in a bank where you thought people didn't like you, you would walk in and demand to see how your money is being handled. You pay attention to your paychecks....you know when they are coming and if they are not what they should be. Well, your children are worth so much more than your money. Be just as tenacious about their education.

Additionally, provide methods of communication for your child's school. (i.e., cell phone, email) Emails are great ways to communicate when you cannot be present for conferences. Talk to your child's school about email conferences.

Finally, be pleasant. Some teachers are guarded at the beginning of the year. Do not come off as intimidating or neurotic. This is not to say don't be assertive or feel entitled, but the adage that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar rings true. So be cordial and be sincere, but by all means parents, be involved! © 2005 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

What Tenth Are We Expanding?

The name of this blog was born in the mind of W.E.B. Dubois. Dubois stated that "[t]he Negro race, like all races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men. The problem of education, then, among Negroes must first of all deal with the Talented Tenth; it is the problem of developing the Best of this race that they may guide the Mass away from the contamination and death of the Worst, in their own and other races..."

DuBois was arguing that social change could be accomplished by developing the small group of college-educated blacks he called "the Talented Tenth"

It is my hope that with exposure and discussion, we can expand that Talented Tenth and create conditions for more children of color to have access to information and resources, as well as a better education.

"Remember...children are not always limited by their abilities...sometimes they just need access..." Sheila M. Wright © 2005 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED