Pearls of Hope: 2010

Allen Chapel AME Church will continue the legacy of love that started in the heart of Mr. James “Herb” Baskerville. Eight years ago, Mr. Baskerville felt a tremendous call to serve the homeless and needy of the Sanford community. He asked Pastor Valerie Henry if the church could devote a day to feeding the hungry in the community. Pastor Henry agreed. However, Mr. Baskerville did not live to see his vision come to fruition. He passed away a week before the event would take place. However, Pastor Henry vowed to press on with the vision anyway. They held the “Unity Prayer Breakfast” and have been feeding the hungry every year since. The Eighth Annual Unity Prayer Breakfast will take place on June 26, 2010.

Mr. Baskerville was truly a pioneer and history maker in Sanford. He left and indelible mark on the community, simply because he refused to ignore the call to serve. And he did serve the Sanford community in many ways. He was the first African American car salesman in Sanford. He worked as a salesman for Ford Motor Company for over 35 years. He was a member of Allen Chapel AME for more than 40 years, giving of his time and talents as a steward and as the president of the Allen Chapel Male Chorus. He and his wife, Bernice, have 8 children and 11 grandchildren.

The event will honor the commitment and service of Mr. Baskerville. There will be good food, good singing and a heaping helping of love dished out to the community. The address for Allen Chapel is 1203 South Olive Avenue in Sanford, FL. The event is completely free and open to all. However, I’m sure the church wouldn’t mind donations to help continue the legacy and make the event even bigger in the future. You can call (407) 321-6864 for further details.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Sheriff Jerry Demings Challenges Black Leaders at the Seminole County Florida NAACP Banquet

The first African American sheriff for Orange County, FL, Jerry L. Demings, challenged black organizations to train the next generation. Sheriff Demings delivered the keynote address for the Seminole County NAACP Annual Freedom Fund & Awards Banquet on June 5.

Sheriff Demings and his wife, Valdez Demings, rose from very humble beginnings to the top of their fields. He is married to the first female police chief in Orlando. They both grew up poor and were the first generation of their families to go to college. Sheriff Demings spoke of his father and mother who were a taxi cab driver and maid. He said when he considers where he is now, it only serves to humble him more and remind him of his responsibility.

During his speech, Sheriff Demings made it his task to remind all of those blacks who have risen to the top to lift others as well. He said that most of us make it in spite of our circumstances. It is our moral responsibility to help someone else. Sheriff Demings warned that with the state of many of our communities, if we don’t reach back to help, we all will regret it. Sheriff Demings cited a few alarming statistics. Three-fourths of those in prison due to drug offenses are people of color. In Orange County, blacks make up 19% of the general population but 54% of the inmate population. “Shame on us. Shame on America,” he said.

He also challenged the NAACP audience to consider the delusion young black males have with professional sports. Many believe a contract with the NFL or NBA is their ticket out. Not only is making it to a team highly unlikely, even those who do make it are not necessarily set for life. Sheriff Demings said Otis Smith, General Manager for the Orlando Magic, shared that 68% of NBA players find themselves broke within five years of retiring. The vast majority of black millionaires are entrepreneurs. Therefore, the logical path to economic advancement and empowerment for black people is business and financial training not an obsessive drive toward athletics.

One of the young people that the NAACP has nurtured and supported came back to show the benefit of the NAACP’s work. Angenique DeJesus received a scholarship from the local branch. She is currently a student at the University of South Florida, pursuing a degree in Bio-Medical Sciences. Her goal is to use her talents to serve.

Not only did the audience hear from current civil servants, they paid tribute to local trailblazers and pioneers of the Civil Rights struggle. The Seminole County NAACP Branch held its very first induction into the Seminole County Civil Rights Hall of Fame. Willie King, Francis Oliver, Edward Blacksheare and Sandra Gaines were all inducted for their contributions to educational and political equality in Seminole County. This ceremony will take place every year. Future inductees can be nominated by contacting the branch at (407) 328-7496.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Dorothy Height "Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement" Dies at 98...Finally Rest for the Weary.

Dorothy Height died at the age of 98 at the Howard University Hospital on April 20, 2010. She marched with King and counseled Roosevelt. She didn't just walk with giants, she was a giant among giants of the Civil Rights Movement.

Though not as celebrated as others, Height gave her entire life to the fight for freedom. President Obama called Height "Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement." He went on to say, "...And even in the final weeks of her life...a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest...Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith."

Height had a passion for justice that drove her to fight on despite persecution on two fronts. She was black and a woman in America. Still she kept fighting because she had to.

She was overlooked. Though she was a primary organizer of the March on Washington in 1963 and stood next to Dr. Martin Luther King as he gave his famous "I Have a Dream Speech," Mother Height was never counted among the so-called "Big 6" of the Movement.

She was rejected. Mother Height applied and was accepted to Barnard College. However, as she was preparing to enter, she was told there was a mistake. The college had already filled its quota of two blacks. They did not need a third.

Her life was threatened. While eating in a restaurant in Mississippi during the days of segregation, she watched as all the whites stopped eating and walked out White men in uniform came in and surrounded her and her 2 friends. The black kitchen staff came into the dining area and probably saved them from harm.

Still she kept fighting. Fighting while urging her comrades in the war to stay patient and resist the urge to get bitter. No, Mother Height never got bitter. She used her energy to keep fighting the good fight of faith until the very end.

In her fight, Mother Height served as a social worker, educator, organizer, demonstrator and adviser. She presided over Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from 1947 until 1956. After that she served at the behest of her mentor, Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women for more than 50 years. She was President Emeritus of the organization until her death. Mother Height received many honors, including 36 honorary doctorate degrees. She was also recognized by Barnard College as an honorary alumna in 2004.

America owes Mother Height a debt of gratitude. Her name should be placed among the greats and honored among the legends who built, worked, cried, suffered and died to make this country live up to its profession. Thank you Mother Height.

You can read Dorothy Height's memoir, Open Wide the Freedom Gates, to gain further insight. I'm sure you will treasure it as do I.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Florida Teachers and Lawmakers Brawl Over Merit Pay Education Reform While Kids Lose

Florida waits to hear Governor Charlie Crist's decision about the merit pay bill (SB6). The Florida congress passed the bill that would tie teacher pay to performance. In essence, Florida legislators are saying good teachers should be paid more and bad teachers should find another profession. Teachers answer back "you try teaching a bunch of problem kids while making no money."

The Seminole County School board voted unanimously to send a letter to Crist, urging him to veto the bill. And the battle goes on. And the kids lose.

I certainly support teachers and understand the difficult and very important work they do. However, I am frustrated with a seeming opposition to every reform. Especially when reform has worked in the past. Teachers fought tooth and nail against accountability in the form of standardized tests. Yet, testing did not prove to be the end of the world. In fact, schools, teachers and students have improved since implementation of these tests.

Our children need reform now. Too many children are getting left behind. And I know there are teachers out there who can reach them. Let's do whatever we must to motivate those teachers and encourage others to go into teaching.

Maybe we should look more closely at how "merit" is determined. Tying it to test scores may not be the best strategy. Right now teachers get paid based on degrees held and how long they've been teaching, regardless of how well they've been teaching. In fact, teaching is the only profession where after you've been doing it long enough you pretty much can't get fired. Some have suggested merit should be determined just as it is in the real world. The boss should decide who should get a raise. In this case, the boss would be principals.

But whatever we do, we must do something. I am not for a resounding "no" to every plan. Walking out, protesting and calling in sick is not going to get the job done. The republicans have given their ideas. Democrats and teachers' unions need to work together with the lawmakers and business leaders who are pushing for reform. Or at least offer an alternative.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Miss Smith Goes to Wharton!

I am simply overjoyed to report that Miss Tonjanka Smith has been accepted into the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. We reported on Miss Smith back in January after she participated in the Sanford MLK Oratorical Contest. She plans to major in Business, specializing in Economics/Finance. She will then go on to earn a master’s degree in Legal Studies, concentrating on nonprofit organizations.

The Wharton School of Business is considered to be the preeminent business school in the world. Many Fortune 500 CEOs, government leaders and billionaires attended Wharton, including Donald Trump, JD Power, Donny Deutsch and Warren Buffett.

This young lady is bound for great things. Many young people will go on to college this year (even prestigious schools like Wharton) and do great things. However, I am so encouraged by this news because Miss Smith is not only going with brilliance, dreams and confidence, she is going with a heart to serve. Because of this, we all will reap the benefits. Let's pray for our young people.

Friday, April 2, 2010

All is Not Fair in the War on Drugs

Unfortunately, I know quite a few brothers locked up in jail. Most of them are there in some way because of crack cocaine. Mostly for the sale of it. Many for the use of it. Some for both. So I’m ecstatic to hear that congress is dealing with the unjust sentences given out for crack.

Crack cocaine has caused severe devastation in my community and family. It would take a book to address the many ways in which crack has affected blacks. In fact, many have been written. One way crack has caused irreparable damage to the community is through depletion of black males who have been sucked into the prison system.

Years ago, the government declared “war on drugs.” Back in the eighties, under President Reagan, a drug czar was established. This sounds great right? Get rid of the drugs. Clean up the neighborhoods.

However, what ended up happening is black males came under attack. They were profiled, targeted, rounded up and locked away. And there was no mercy. In fact, mandatory minimum sentences made sure judges weren't allowed to have mercy on people selling crack.

So imagine 18 year old Tommie. He doesn’t do that great in school. He finds out he’s not going to get a diploma because he doesn’t pass the FCAT. So Tommie looks for another means to make a living. He gets caught with a relatively small amount of crack (but enough to know he’s probably planning to sell it). So when Tommie should be in college, he will be in prison. He gets out of jail in his mid-twenties with a felony conviction. So he can’t get a job. He doesn’t have any skills or education. Now what? Tommie goes back to selling crack. But now he has a kid or two. He gets caught again and winds up in prison during the time when he should be raising his children. His children now have no father and quite likely will end up repeating this cycle.

War is tough huh? Especially when you’re on the losing side. But all is fair in war right? Well maybe not this war. Currently, the minimum sentence for being caught with 5 grams of crack is 5 years. But guess what someone across the tracks would get for carrying 499 grams of powdered cocaine. Maybe just a misdemeanor charge and a maximum of 1 year in jail.

Some would argue this is one reason for the large numbers of black and Hispanic males in prison. They are not the largest users of crack cocaine. However, blacks and Hispanics make up 92% of those incarcerated for crack cocaine under federal guidelines. Is this fair?

The Senate recently passed the Fair Sentencing Act (S.1789) which would reduce the mandatory minimum sentence for possession of crack cocaine from 100 times that of people convicted of carrying powdered cocaine to 18 times the sentence. This could result in 4000 fewer prisoners in 10 years. You can go to www.thomas.gov to find out more about the bill. Also, to make sure this bill becomes a law as soon as possible, contact your representative through the Capitol Switchboard at 202) 224-3121. Or go to www.house.gov to email your representative. Click on “write your representative” and you’ll be directed to the right person.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Black Marriage Day 2010: Why Did I Get Married?

The problems in the black community are complex, even daunting. The negative statistics are endless. Premature death rates, divorce rates, incarceration rates, juvenile delinquency rates. Depressing. But we have always known to look to the hills for hope. And there is hope. There are solutions. One very powerful and attainable solution is marriage. When you add healthy marriage into the equation, all of the above negative rates are significantly improved and even reversed. How refreshing!

The benefits to children are immense. Children in homes with married parents are less delinquent, have fewer behavioral problems, higher self esteem, better educational outcomes and are more likely to delay sex. These benefits are particularly significant among males. However, these benefits can not be attained in any other way, not in single parent homes or with parents who are just cohabitating (shacking).

There are also huge benefits for adults. Married adults have more income, happier and longer lives, better health and greater accumulation of wealth. Contrary to popular myths, married couples also have better sex!

This could be revolutionary for our communities. Good marriage equals higher property values, lower crime and better schools. Because improving marriage can have such a positive effect on communities, many faith-based and community groups participate in Black Marriage Day. The National Pan Hellenic Council in association with the Masonic Lodge Brothers of Jupiter Lodge #22 and Mocha Moms of Orlando, Inc. have decided to bring Black Marriage Day to Central Florida.

Black Marriage Day 2010 will be held Sunday, March 28 at 5 pm. The community is welcome to come out and Celebrate the Joy of Marriage at Jupiter Lodge located at 420 S. Tampa Ave. in Orlando. The theme is Real Love vs. Puppy Love. There will be refreshments, door prizes and fun and healthy discussion about marriage. The groups will also collect medical supplies for Haitian relief. All are welcome, married, divorced, single or in a relationship.

For information about the Central Florida event, send email to nphcorlando@live.com. To find out about the purpose and origin of this nationally celebrated event, go to www.blackmarriageday.com.

Glenn Beck Should be Ashamed of Himself

Last night, I was watching Glenn Beck (shame on me). He was standing at a chalk board like some kind of professor teaching a course on crazy right wing conspiracies. So I kept watching (shame on me). As I watched, I heard him say things like "If Obama isn't a socialist, he sure does hang around a lot of them." Then he proceeded to explain how passage of the health care reform bill is the beginning of the end for America and a sure sign of Armageddon (shame on him). When I first saw Beck years ago, I thought he was a little loony. Then I figured he was a savvy talk show host who knows how to get good ratings. Now I'm sure Beck is an irresponsible demagogue, taking advantage of loose canons without regard to the potential hazard. Sure he might be crazy like a fox. But many of his fans are crazy like "go get your shotguns and form militias" crazy. Shame...shame....shame!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Bill McCollum Doesn't Represent Me

The Attorney General of Florida, Bill McCollum moved to stop health care reform just as the President signed the bill to pass it. McCollum and attorneys general from South Carolina, Nebraska, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, Idaho and South Dakota filed federal lawsuits against the bill. How sad. How cruel. I'm sure McCollum has great health insurance. He'll never have to worry about getting sick and not getting to get treatment. I'm sure his family members don't have to choose between meals and perscriptions. He doesn't have to worry about coming down with a catasrophic illness, being dropped from a plan, and losing his life savings. But he is running for Governor in the upcoming elections. This is his way to make a name for himself. Never mind all the people who need health care. These lawsuits are a ridiculous waste of tax dollars. Bill McCollum does not represent me or most Floridians. He should not get to spend my money this way. Floridians can call him and let him know how you feel at 1-866-966-7226.

The President Makes History Again

President Obama will sign the historic health care reform legislation today. Many have tried for decades to make health care a benefit of American citizenship. Obama was able to make it happen. This achievement will certainly be noted in the history books.

Some changes will take place immediately. Seniors will get $250 rebates for the Medicare drug coverage gap. Also, young adults will be allowed to stay on their parents' plans until age 26.

In the short term, insurance companies can't deny coverage to children because they are already sick or had a sickness in the past.

Also, insurance companies won't be able to cancel people because they get sick. This is one of the biggest insurance company abuses. People pay premiums for years. Then when they get sick and need a return on their investment, the insurance companies drop them. This happened to my mom. She worked, paid for insurance, then got cancer and got dropped. Imagine the emotional distress this causes to someone who is already facing a life-threatening illness. Now this person will have to worry about how he or she will pay for treatment and hospitalization. My mother was lucky. I've seen many who were not so lucky, who died unnecessarily because of lack of medical care.

By 2014 no one will be denied because of preexisting conditions. People will be able to get tax credits to help pay for insurance. Medicaid will be expanded to cover more people. For example, a family of 4 with a household income of $88,000 will be eligible for some benefits.

Eventually, the number of uninsured will drop by more than half.
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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Call Your Representative Before the Vote

It is so important for regular everyday American citizens like you and me to get in the debate over Health Care reform. Let Congress know if you support the President. If you don't speak up, politicians and insurance companies will make the decision based on their interests. You can quickly call your representative before Congress votes this weekend by dialing 1-866-783-2462.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

From the Trenches: The Grace Report

No Excuses: Simply Do What You Must to Teach the Children

I have been a Music Teacher, Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Reading Teacher, Curriculum Resource Specialist, Reading Coach, Instructional Coach, and presently I am a Staffing and Compliance Specialist for ESE and ELL students here in the Orange County Public School System in Orlando, FL.

Sometimes I feel like the shadow of JIM CROW has cast itself over our educational system with a vengeance. It is still true that a poor education guarantees a poor lifestyle. Unfortunately, we (minorities) are still separate and unequal. Yes, we are in the same school buildings and it looks like we have access to the same materials, but it is simply not true.

Unfortunately, I have witnessed years of students being retained, staffed into the ESE program, placed in classes the system felt was adequate for the student(s) when it appeared they were not or could not learn. However, the truth is many times the teachers were not properly trained and monitored. Resources, interventions and accommodations were not properly implemented. Another sad truth is there are veteran teachers who literally do not believe that certain students can learn. How do you expect great results on FCAT or any other assessments students are required to take if they are not properly prepared. The easy way out is to blame the students.

I believe all students can learn if they are given equal resources that will be used to edify each student not just the strong student who needs little help anyway. The under resourced students must be exposed to the education we are requiring them to learn. Just opening a book and reading it does not mean you are or have been exposed to the text. The teacher's job is to make the text meaningful and memorable by any means necessary.

To the defense of most districts, the workshops on how to differentiate instruction are provided, how to reach the under resourced are provided, and how to bring instructions to life are provided. Unfortunately, it is not always used on those that need it. I love my district, all my trainings were provided free of charge by my district. I made it a purpose to use the training provided for all students especially those who needed it and as a result I was very successful in the classroom and I am very successful outside of the classroom.

We must educate our parents on what CIVIL RIGHTS means, on what the importance of Education means, on how important it is for them to be involved in their children’s education and how it important it is for them to educate themselves. We must stop the blame game and get involved in our communities. Thurgood Marshall and many others have paved the way for us to continue what they started. Our problem is we blame each other and quit, instead of having the I will die doing what I believe in attitude… Our ancestors did it.

Alisa L. Grace is a Staffing Specialist at Acceleration Academy in Orlando, Florida.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Don't Let Them Leave Us Out...Be Counted!

Make sure you and all your friends and family fill out your U.S. Census Form 2010 and turn it in. Everyone needs to be counted. Go tell your neighbors. Go help your grandparents and other senior citizens fill it out. Make sure every person living in every household is counted. Even a person who does not have a permanent residence needs to be counted. The Census is how the federal government decides how much money will be given to state and local governments for schools, community centers, senior programs, hospitals, etc. It determines where shopping centers and new housing developments will be built. It also determines how many Congressional Representatives each state will get. The Census is completely confidential. So don't be afraid to be listed. The African American community can benefit greatly from all of these resources. However, we are hugely underrepresented in the count. In other words, our communities don't get what they should get because we don't let the government know how many of us are really here. So be counted!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

U.S. Department of Education Announces Civil Rights Investigations

Right now students all across Florida are taking the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). This test determines whether 3rd graders will be promoted, whether seniors will graduate, how much funding a school will get and school grades. I have noticed that schools with the largest minority populations are often the ones that have the most trouble reaching that much desired “A” status. This inequality in schools is taking place all across the country. Why is that? And more importantly what can we do about it?

The Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, seems to think these sorts of unequal outcomes in schools is evidence of civil rights abuses. Duncan took part in a march at the legendary Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama this week. He and other leaders were commemorating the 45th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, when demonstrators were beaten down as they marched peacefully for the right to vote.

Duncan calls unequal education the “civil rights issue of our time.” After the march, he announced there will be a nationwide investigation of civil rights in public schools. Thirty-eight school districts will be reviewed to see if they are in compliance with the U.S. Constitution’s mandate for equal education for all students.

A good education is often a ticket out of poverty. If a child develops a love of learning and the confidence in his or her learning ability, he or she can get a good education, a good job and become a productive member of society. However, at some point in their schooling, many minority and low income students begin to lose hope in what the educational system can do for them. They look for other ways to get by. Often the other ways lead to the criminal justice system. This contributes to a cycle of criminality and poverty in our communities.

In the district where my child attends school (Seminole Co., FL), just like in many districts across the country, the schools that serve minority and low income populations get the most inexperienced teachers. Might this contribute to the reason these schools also end up with “C” ratings and below and students without faith in education? And in the schools with a majority white and higher economic populations, the minority students are often segregated within the schools and put into tracks. Sometimes those tracks don’t even get counted when determining the school grades. So many of the “A” schools are “A” schools minus the minority scores. So just sending your child to an “A” school doesn’t mean they will get an “A” teacher or an “A” education.

The Department of Education is investigating to see which districts are equal access districts. They will be looking at areas such as student access to college preparatory classes, discriminatory discipline and tracking. School districts that are found in violation of students’ civil rights could lose funding or be referred to the Justice Department. How would your district measure up?

Thursday, March 4, 2010

The Florida Congress Proposes an End to FCAT

The Florida Senate proposed a bill this week that could get rid of the dreaded FCAT. Many are saying “good riddance.” There has been a fight over this test since its inception in 1998. As a parent with a third grader who will be taking the test next week (a third grader who has gone from excited, to worried, to anxious, then back to excited) I understand all the emotions wrapped up in this test. Every mommy wants her baby to succeed. I encourage parents to let lawmakers know their concerns about the possible changes that might take place as early as next school year.

The purpose of the test is supposed to be to make sure kids are getting what they are being taught and that seniors are prepared for college or work before they graduate. Though there is evidence of some positive effects from the FCAT (such as higher graduation rates and narrowing achievement gaps), many students are still struggling. So the Florida House of Representatives and Senate have proposed bills to take a look at the FCAT and assessment in general to see how they could be improved to measure student progress.

The Florida Senate introduced a bill that would actually make testing standards more rigorous. Students would have to take end-of-course exams in algebra I, geometry, algebra II, biology and chemistry or physics. Educators will also develop a new English/Language arts exam. These exams could start replacing FCAT for high school students beginning next school year.

After all the pressure and test anxiety over FCAT, making tests harder might seem kind of crazy. But supporters of the bills say students will only rise to meet the added challenge. They say in order to ensure that our students and all of us will have a bright future, we must make sure that they rise to meet the challenge. Right now, 80% of freshman entering community colleges in Florida have to take remedial classes for the first year before they can take any classes that actually count for credit. This is a waste of time and money. The new requirements are supposed to make sure this doesn't keep happening. I don’t have a problem with challenging the students. But just testing to show that kids are having problems isn’t enough. What is in this bill that makes sure that all the students and educators will be prepared to fix the problems and rise to meet the challenge? We have to keep an eye on these lawmakers to make sure ALL the children will be served by this bill.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Till Victory is Won: Who Will Take the Baton?

When I went to the Seminole County School Board Meeting a couple of weeks ago, I must admit I got a little discouraged. The Board heard and responded to the will of the people. That was good. There was a relatively large turnout. That was good.

My concern was about who turned out (or who didn’t). Though the proposal discussed in this meeting would have affected students living in Seminole County, the majority of attendees were over 50 years old (too old to have children who attend Seminole County Public Schools). Where were all the parents? Where were the students? I know that most young adults work. Many were not able to make it due to work schedules. However, everybody was not at work or preoccupied with some important matter. I know a few more parents could have made that meeting.

I remember when working with the NAACP, I would always get asked, “How do we get the young people involved?” This is such an important question. The Civil Rights Movement generation is getting older. After the meeting, I heard one pioneer say, “They could have at least waited until we were dead to try this.” (I won’t mention her name. But please feel free to elaborate on your comment if you read this). I thought that was such a poignant statement. I’ve been thinking about it ever since the meeting. What is going to happen when those who paved the way have moved on?

Ironically, it has been speculated that one reason young people aren’t civically engaged is because of all the advances the older generation fought to make. Schools are integrated. We have black millionaires. We have a black president for goodness sake. So have enough battles been won? Do we still need freedom fighters?

The NAACP just named Roslyn M. Brock as the chairman of the board. I was encouraged by this announcement. The NAACP is making an effort to reinvigorate the freedom movement. Ms. Brock (44) is an intelligent, accomplished and committed leader (and she's a Florida girl). She has established her agenda to work on improvements in education, the criminal justice system, health care, economic empowerment and civic engagement. She also will work to reestablish the NAACP as a multicultural organization that addresses the needs of all disenfranchised people. Go to www.whoisroslynbrock.com to read about her. Benjamin Jealous, at 37, is the youngest president the organization has ever had. Both of these leaders are too young to have had to experience racial segregation. However, they are fired up about the work. What can we do to motivate other young people?

Monday, February 8, 2010

Equal Education Threatened in Seminole County Florida

The school board in Seminole County Florida will vote tomorrow on a controversial rezoning plan. The proposed plan has raised the attention of parents and community groups such as the local NAACP and Goldsboro Front Porch. If approved by the school board, this plan will affect all students living in the Northeast and Northwest clusters. Currently, students living in the North part of Seminole County are able to choose from a pool of schools called “clusters.” If some school board members (and parents living in the more affluent sections of the county) have their way, students will be forced to go to “neighborhood” schools.

The clusters were set up in 1998 to ensure that schools would be integrated and that all students would have access to quality education. The Supreme Court ruled in 1954 that schools were to be integrated. The federal government observed many school districts including Seminole County for decades to make sure the integration orders were obeyed. Seminole County worked for many years to get out from under the regulation of the federal government. The district instituted the school choice program in 1998 to settle the desegregation case against Seminole County. They achieved what is known as “unitary status” in 2005, meaning they had eliminated all vestiges of discrimination.

Now some fear that since the district is not being watched by the federal government, they could be reversing the many years of desegregation work. The school board says the reason for the proposed changes has nothing to do with reversing integration but is instead an effort to eliminate the cost of busing students. Community leaders say the reason for this rezoning plan is to keep minority and low-income students out of the more affluent neighborhood schools as parents at these schools feel minority and low income students are bringing down test scores. The community leaders such as Seminole County NAACP president Turner Clayton, Jr. also feel this plan will severely hurt the schools in lower-income neighborhoods. Clayton fears minority and low-income students will lose access to quality teachers and funding if schools are not fully integrated.

The school board will meet and vote on Tuesday, February 9 at 5:30 p.m. It is very important that the members of the community show up and call to voice their concerns. The meeting will be at the Educational Support Center located at 400 E. Lake Mary Blvd in Lake Mary. The following are school board members and contact information:

Diane Bauer: 407-320-0495 or 407-695-3552e-mail:Diane_Bauer@scps.k12.fl.us
Jeanne Morris: 407-320-0385e-mail:Jeanne_Morris@scps.k12.fl.us
*Sylvia Pond: 407-320-0371e-mail:Sylvia_Pond@scps.k12.fl.us
Sandra Robinson: 407-320-0381e-mail:Sandra_Robinson@scps.k12.fl.us
*Dede Schaffner: 407-320-0588e-mail:Dede_Schaffner@scps.k12.fl.us

*Expressed support for rezoning.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

President Proclaims Black Economic Empowerment

I am always inspired and awestruck when I consider the seemingly unscalable mountains African Americans have had to climb and imagine the unbreakable barriers African Americans somehow managed to break. My soul looks back and wonders over God’s amazing grace toward our people.

President Barack Obama honored the strength and determination of African Americans in his Official Annual Proclamation of African American History Month on February 1, 2010. The theme for African American History Month is “Black Economic Empowerment.” The President urged all Americans to “honor the African Americans who overcame injustice and inequality to achieve financial independence and the security of self empowerment that comes with it.”

The President also expressed his administration’s commitment to overcome today’s challenges through extending credit to small businesses that will enable them to thrive, reversing tax breaks for large corporations that move operations overseas instead of hiring Americans, and giving breaks to companies that provide jobs to stimulate America’s economy. He also stressed that education is key. Therefore, the Obama administration will invest in schools and work to make college available to all students to prepare them to compete in a global economy.

The President pledged to do his part. However, he acknowledges that neither he nor the U.S. government can do it alone. Just as it took the commitment and determination of regular people to break those barriers and climb those mountains of history, it will take the same commitment and determination today. President Obama calls on parents and community leaders to partner with him to “push our children to reach for the full measure of their potential, just as the innovators who succeeded in previous generations pushed their children to achieve something greater.”

You can go to http://www.asalh.org/ to download the entire Presidential Proclamation and learn more about the origin and founders of African American History month.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Tonjanika Smith Speaks Truth to the People in Sanford

When it looks like darkness all around us, God always shines a light and gives a reason to hope for the future. I witnessed just such a reason as I listened to Miss Tonjanika Smith speak at the Sanford MLK Oratorical Contest last week. This young lady is confident, intelligent, humble and wise beyond her years. She spoke about Dr. King’s message of the “Beloved Community” and how our egos and personal ambitions get in the way of our progress. Dr. King called this corruptive pride “the drum major instinct.” Miss Smith admonished us to use our drive to serve and lift up others. If not, we will only hold us all down. Following are excerpts from her speech:

This drum major instinct is found in every one of us—and it is, as Dr. King described, the “desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first. And it is something that runs the whole gamut of life.”

Understand that the drum major instinct is never going away, but when used correctly, when used for good, it could make things happen. The way Dr. King says it, “If you want to be important…wonderful. If you want to be recognized…wonderful. If you want to be great…wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Obama’s job as president is to serve the American people. A doctor’s job is to serve the needs of his patients; a lawyer to serve the needs of his clients; a parent to serve the needs of their children. A community’s job is not to boast about how many millionaires they have living in it, but to serve the needs of its civilians.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Not how much money do you have? Not how much is your house worth, but what are you doing for others? What are you doing to aid in the creation of the Beloved Community?

King once went on saying “…say that I was a drum major for justice…a drum major for peace…a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”

When all the material values, when all the awards and titles are stripped away, when the color and orientation and nationality is no longer a distinction among us, what will define your life? Were you a drum major of the crusade for the Beloved Community, or were you one of the unfortunate ones that let their drum major instinct—their ego—trip them up and lead to their downfall?

Miss Smith is a senior at Lyman High School, where she is ranked 21st in her graduating class. She is a member of the National Honor Society, maintaining a 4.2 GPA. Smith is well-rounded, not only excelling academically but also spiritually, culturally and socially. She participates in conferences, pageants and community service projects at her church. She is the captain of her step team. She volunteers to feed the homeless. She is running for the national title of “Youth of the Year” for the Boys & Girls Club. She has applied to 13 colleges (Harvard University among them). She plans to major in Business, specializing in Economics/Finance. She will then go on to earn a master’s degree in Legal Studies, concentrating on nonprofit organizations. Miss Smith is certainly letting her light shine.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Haiti Rising

Haiti has been politically and legally free since 1804. Haiti is the first free black nation in the Western Hemisphere. Haiti is the home to a very proud, very tenacious people. However, Haiti has suffered during its’ history, revolution after violent revolution, tragedy after disturbing tragedy, coup after bloody coup, disaster after unimaginable disaster. So I have asked the Lord (just as I know many are asking) why can’t Haiti (and the rest of the black world) seem to overcome? I just needed to voice the question that is piercing my heart at this time.

Haitians have been in control of their own nation for over 200 years. I know there are many complex political realities in Haiti. There is corruption in government and interference from other more powerful nations. But what plagues Haiti seems to be far deeper and more complex. Of course the earthquake that has shaken Haiti is not something that we can control, rationalize or explain.

Some have suggested this recent disaster is a case of sinners in the hands of an angry God. They suggest because Haiti is all wrapped up in occult practices, God is punishing Haiti. I suggest these people delve a little deeper into Haitian history before they pass rash judgments and make claims about the intentions of God. Besides, if we take a look around, we’ll see there is plenty all over the world and right in our own backyards for God to be angry about. Haiti is just the lesson in point for today. God is pointing our eyes toward Haiti right now for a reason. We need to be studying and asking why.

Haiti has been shaking for a long time. My prayer is that the shaking has intensified to the point where we will take notice. That we will take action. That it doesn’t have to get stronger than a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.

Haiti suffers because of the corruption and greed of its’ leaders. Although they have resources, only a small elite class benefits from them. The rest of the people suffer in poverty. Poverty leads to more corruption, criminal and immoral behavior, poor education, and hopelessness. A cycle of poverty perpetuates itself as the rich keep their wealth and do everything they can to keep the poor from getting their wealth. Although I don’t live in Haiti nor have I ever been there, I can identify with these conditions. I have seen these conditions in my own neighborhood. I saw it when Hurricane Katrina battered New Orleans.

God is trying to make us look. Look at what we are doing. He’s trying to make us change our actions. He’s trying to make us see that He is in control.

Man has caused confusion and turmoil, oppression and distress with weapons and political games. The way we are acting is causing violence, turmoil, corruption, immorality and instability all over the world (not just in Haiti). Wealthier nations feel secure as long as we have power and wealth. But God has the power to tear down anything we have the power to build. We must acknowledge this fact. Acknowledgement of this fact will lead Haiti and the rest of us to act in a way that will bring peace, equality and prosperity.

The former senator of Haiti Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles has said, "The hospitals cannot handle all these victims. Haiti needs to pray. We all need to pray together.".

If Haiti does indeed look to God, there will be great and lasting change. If Haiti experiences this kind of change, it will be such a powerful example for the rest of us. Haiti’s history is no accident. Its’ position as one of the poorest countries just miles away from the richest country on the planet is also no accident. I pray for Haiti to rise out of this stronger. With God, they can. Let’s pray they will.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Anika Noni Rose: What Else But a Rattler?

Congratulations to Anika Noni Rose for two 2010 NAACP Image Award nominations. Rose is up for “Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture” as the voice of Princess Tiana in the animated film The Princess and the Frog. She has also been nominated for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Series” for her role in the HBO show No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Rose has already won a Tony Award for her performance in the hit Broadway musical Caroline, or Change. And by the way, Rose is a graduate of Florida A& M University (Go Rattler!). Where else besides “The Hill” (the highest of seven hills in Tallahassee, FL) could you get enough gumption, savvy and strength to go to New York City with no job and no money and end up an award-winning movie star? Ms. Rose is an inspiration to black girls and all girls.

Other nominees include Denzel Washington (The Taking of Pelham 123), Monique (Precious), Gabourey Sidibe (Precious), Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side), Glee (Outstanding Comedy Series), America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), Jamie Foxx (Law Abiding Citizen), and Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy). The theme for this year is “One Nation, One Dream.” The nominees are very diverse as the NAACP will use this show as an instrument to appreciate all cultures through an African American lens. The Image awards will air on Fox on February 26 at 8 p.m.

Much love to all the nominees. But I know the Rattler will Strike, Strike and Strike Again!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

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