"in honoring him, we honor the best in ourselves..."
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Remembering Malcolm...."And we will SMILE"
"I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I’m a human being first and foremost, and as such I’m for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole."
"in honoring him, we honor the best in ourselves..."
"in honoring him, we honor the best in ourselves..."
Remembering Lorraine Hansberry (5/19/1930-1/12/1965)
"Just sit awhile and think . . . Never be afraid to sit awhile and
think"
"There is always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing"
think"
"There is always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing"
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Missing my Father
As I listened to the remarks made about my father during his funeral, a million memories flashed through my mind. Some of the memories that belonged solely to me, some I shared with my beautiful mother and daughter, some with other family members and friends that had become a part of our family throughout the years. The words of Shakespeare seemed so apropos:
“All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time
plays many parts,His acts being seven ages."
I imagined my father as an infant, a young child, the baby in his family. I could see his bright, kind eyes and his handsome smile. I knew he was quiet as a child; he was always busy studying his surroundings; noticing everything that most would miss. One of his classmates during the services, said to me, you know, “me & your dad, we were the quiet ones.” He was so tall to me, but in reality he was a little fellow but he embodied all that a man should be, so he stood 20 feet tall.
He played football in his youth and starred in all his school plays, but when he wasn’t doing a job in the limelight he was content to be the silent observer. In describing my dad in my younger years, I always would write that he embodied the phrase “walk softly but carry a big stick” – He never made a lot of noise/fuss about anything and when he spoke it’s because he had something important to say.
He liked to talk about his days as a rookie with the NYPD, and how "bad ass" he had to be on the Tactical Patrol Force in the 60s and whenever watching Al Pacino in "Serpico"; he never failed to launch into stories about his days at the 66th Precinct in Brooklyn. "Yeah, it was really tough those days, a lot of corruption" and ofcourse I would think to myself "sure, Dad, sure."; thinking I can't imagine him hurting a fly. Although, he grew up hunting and fishing, he would go all out to nurse an injured bird to health. He had such a gentle nature; yet you knew that he was not one to be messed with.
I often asked my dad to tell me the story of how he met my mother in NYC. He, from Beckley, WVA and my mom from Wichita Falls, Texas met in their Apartment Complex in Queens, NY. He told me he observed my mom for some time, walking her collie everyday and he decided he’d like to meet her. He decided to be original; he would approach her while she was doing laundry that way she’d have to engage in conversation. He asked her “does your dog bite?” and my mom in her ever so sarcastic/snarky manner replied “He has teeth, doesn’t he.” After that day, neither could recall a time before the other. They were together over 40 years, married 36 of those years. I was fortunate to be blessed with two loving parents that were partners in every way and committed to building a family.
Dad while working as a NYC Police Officer often moonlighted to make sure his family didn’t go without. He was loved by his partners, employers, and his family. While growing up, I can recall him making his home open to all of his family. If a nephew needed a place to live, if a niece needed help, his great nephew needed a car… I never heard him utter the words “no” – If he had it and you needed it, it was yours. He was a baby brother who often acted as the “patriarch” for the entire family. He offered his time, his wisdom, his home, his money and all of himself. He was selfless when it came to his family. As a young man, he remained on the road traveling to WV, Pittsburgh, VA or wherever his family might be to look after them, spend time with them to maintain close ties. He loved his family dearly.
I remember bringing several friends to my parent’s home in Georgia when I was a freshman at Fisk University and my dad and all the guys went out and took a spin around Atlanta. They got back so late, I questioned my classmates “where could you have been with my father all this time?” and they said “Please, your pops is cool; he can kick it with us anytime.” I recall thinking then about all the many layers of my wonderful father.
He was full of surprises and believed in taking risk. He said things like "you can't win big in life unless you're willing to put it all out there and take a chance."
As he aged, life’s storms were not always kind, but he remained smiling and undaunted. He was always thinking, planning and when asked how he was feeling, his response would more often than not be, “I’m kicking but not high” Yet, he always managed to get the energy to play with his beloved grand daughter, and in true grandparent fashion he spoiled her always. He referred to her as "PaPa's little girl"; his adoration and devotion to her had no limit. As he had with me and my brother, he loved her selflessly. He understood the true meaning of love and needed not to ever speak the word, as his actions told the story of his love day in and day out.
As I walked out of the church at his funeral and saw the faces of the many family members, friends, the many flowers, the cards, the calls of all whom had the blessing to have him touch their lives. I knew they all knew that he embodied the love of GOD and lived his life in love. I think about the quote regarding The Measure of a Man "Thou hast made him a little less divine, a little less than God, and crowned him with glory and honour". My father was a devoted husband, loving father, exceptional grandfather and incredible friend to all who knew him.
Today marks one month since my father has passed. Over the Memorial Day Weekend, my family and I went to just sit/place flowers at his grave and tried to wrap our mind around it all. It seems just yesterday, we were talking, laughing, making plans and now we are trying to navigate this life without the nucleus that made us whole. We cry, we feel like screaming, we talk and nothing fills the enormous hole in our hearts.
I know that death is a tragic fact of life and that no-one is exempt of such heartache, yet it is no less life changing. His sudden passing has been a true wake-up call about just how fleeting and fragile this life truly is. I have always prided myself on sharing a smile and a kind word with a stranger; but have taken those I love and who love me for granted. I'm reminded that every second is a gift and we must live our lives as though the next is not promised. It may be cliche, but it's so true. There are no do-overs. Cherish the moments, the routine, the stuff that seems in-significant; take a moment to absorb and appreciate the blessing of all that it really is.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Movies and Books.
Precious
My daughter and I went to the see the film Precious opening weekend and I was so happy to find once we arrived at the Regal Theater, shows were sold out until the 7:50 p.m. showing. As I looked around, the lines were full of diverse audiences, all ages and races. My immediate thought was that I was so glad Oprah and Tyler Perry got behind this story.
I read the book in 1997 and purchased a copy for my mom immediately and recall writing something in the hardcover jacket like "Thank-you for being a wonderful mother and grandmother." When I read Push in 97'; I felt as though I had grown up in such a sheltered life at the time I didn't know anyone with a story as tragic as Precious Jones. I debated on whether or not my daughter should see the film due to the abhorrent physical abuse in the book. I actually suggested that she read it some months back because she is an avid reader, but she declined. Anyway, I finally decided it was an important story for her to see as the character Precious Jones is around her age.
In my opinion, Lee Daniels did an excellent job and the casting director deserves much praise by doing a phenomenal job in adapting the book to film. The writer of Push, Sapphire did an excellent job of addressing the various factors that play crucial roles in the survival or the deterioration of a child and his/her future. The film specifically addresses failures that exist in governmental/state agencies, inadequate schools, welfare system, inadequate parenting to the cruelty of peers and the indoctrination of self-loathing that defines so many young people. It's an important story that illustrates that no matter what one may face if they look inside, they too can PUSH through. When the film was over, myself, daughter, the two older women beside us and the cute couple at the end of the aisle just sat still. It was extremely HEAVY though hopeful. As we walked out my daughter asked me if I needed a HUG. I could definitely tell that it had a profound impact on her. I think it reminded all viewers of the profound impact you can have on someones life by just simply being kind and caring to your fellow human being.
I don't want to give anything away,it was a great film and I definitely recommend it.
Regarding any criticism - I'll just say that, I do wish that quality films of color with POSITIVE/HAPPY story lines would garner the same attention/backing/distribution.
Good Hair - I enjoyed the film a couple of weeks ago and didn't quite understand the number of people walking out in the middle of the film. As I thought about it later, Chris Rock did give the audience the idea that AA women are the only ones who go to extremes or pay absurd amounts for hair maintenance, which is simply not the case. I always quote, I think Richard Pryor - Make 'Em Laugh and Slip the truth in - but to Chris I'd say let it be a well-rounded, 360' truth. It's an issue that plagues all women putting more value on their external appearance than what's going on internally sometimes. I will say the film made me decide yet again not to revisit the PERM, I just recently put one in after five years but after the "soda can" experiment; I think I'll stay away from it. He showed the ostentatious Hair Show yet didn't touch on the beauty of a Sister Saturday Social at the Salon. I've had two of the hairstylist featured in the film both Jason and Derrick do my hair down through the years and unlike their EXTRA film appearances both are very talented, fun hair stylist. While in the salon, I've met and exchanged pleasantries with women from all walks of life and it's actually a very warm experience that was absent in the movie. I still say hair is nothing but an accessory and women reserve the right to wear it however they choose. If they are trying or hoping to be someone else then it most certainly deserves some examination.
Waltz with Bashir - I rented this film the other night and was unable to sleep after watching. I can't imagine that I could have sat through it had it not been done in animated form. The last minute or so left me paralyzed and overwhelmed with a sadness with the haunting images of the genocide, news footage of victims in Sabra and Shatila during the invasion of Lebanon in 1982. I recommend that anyone reading this watch and think about the devastation of war. Remember that the violence sanctioned by law helps fuel the violence that is not.
Latest Books Read
I thought Elif Shafak's did an excellent job of story-telling by creating very vivid characters and demonstrating fictionally how life can often unravel yet remain hopeful. Although the novel has very heavy themes, genocide (Armenians in Turkey,1900s),familial betrayal, abandonment,loneliness; The author is able to make it somewhat bearable by letting things slowly reveal themselves. All the characters are multi-dimensional, each with something left unsaid.
I'm not surprised that the story is a perfect example of the incredible strength of women and the weight that we must carry within society and also how the youth must live with decisions that were made before they even enter the world.
I'm so glad I picked up this book. I would definitely recommend it.
"The oppressor has no use for the past. The oppressed has nothing but the past."
The Shock Doctrine - I finally finished this book, I think I've lost the 41 members that belong to our online Book Club. It's a must read.
http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine
My daughter and I went to the see the film Precious opening weekend and I was so happy to find once we arrived at the Regal Theater, shows were sold out until the 7:50 p.m. showing. As I looked around, the lines were full of diverse audiences, all ages and races. My immediate thought was that I was so glad Oprah and Tyler Perry got behind this story.
I read the book in 1997 and purchased a copy for my mom immediately and recall writing something in the hardcover jacket like "Thank-you for being a wonderful mother and grandmother." When I read Push in 97'; I felt as though I had grown up in such a sheltered life at the time I didn't know anyone with a story as tragic as Precious Jones. I debated on whether or not my daughter should see the film due to the abhorrent physical abuse in the book. I actually suggested that she read it some months back because she is an avid reader, but she declined. Anyway, I finally decided it was an important story for her to see as the character Precious Jones is around her age.
In my opinion, Lee Daniels did an excellent job and the casting director deserves much praise by doing a phenomenal job in adapting the book to film. The writer of Push, Sapphire did an excellent job of addressing the various factors that play crucial roles in the survival or the deterioration of a child and his/her future. The film specifically addresses failures that exist in governmental/state agencies, inadequate schools, welfare system, inadequate parenting to the cruelty of peers and the indoctrination of self-loathing that defines so many young people. It's an important story that illustrates that no matter what one may face if they look inside, they too can PUSH through. When the film was over, myself, daughter, the two older women beside us and the cute couple at the end of the aisle just sat still. It was extremely HEAVY though hopeful. As we walked out my daughter asked me if I needed a HUG. I could definitely tell that it had a profound impact on her. I think it reminded all viewers of the profound impact you can have on someones life by just simply being kind and caring to your fellow human being.
I don't want to give anything away,it was a great film and I definitely recommend it.
Regarding any criticism - I'll just say that, I do wish that quality films of color with POSITIVE/HAPPY story lines would garner the same attention/backing/distribution.
Good Hair - I enjoyed the film a couple of weeks ago and didn't quite understand the number of people walking out in the middle of the film. As I thought about it later, Chris Rock did give the audience the idea that AA women are the only ones who go to extremes or pay absurd amounts for hair maintenance, which is simply not the case. I always quote, I think Richard Pryor - Make 'Em Laugh and Slip the truth in - but to Chris I'd say let it be a well-rounded, 360' truth. It's an issue that plagues all women putting more value on their external appearance than what's going on internally sometimes. I will say the film made me decide yet again not to revisit the PERM, I just recently put one in after five years but after the "soda can" experiment; I think I'll stay away from it. He showed the ostentatious Hair Show yet didn't touch on the beauty of a Sister Saturday Social at the Salon. I've had two of the hairstylist featured in the film both Jason and Derrick do my hair down through the years and unlike their EXTRA film appearances both are very talented, fun hair stylist. While in the salon, I've met and exchanged pleasantries with women from all walks of life and it's actually a very warm experience that was absent in the movie. I still say hair is nothing but an accessory and women reserve the right to wear it however they choose. If they are trying or hoping to be someone else then it most certainly deserves some examination.
Waltz with Bashir - I rented this film the other night and was unable to sleep after watching. I can't imagine that I could have sat through it had it not been done in animated form. The last minute or so left me paralyzed and overwhelmed with a sadness with the haunting images of the genocide, news footage of victims in Sabra and Shatila during the invasion of Lebanon in 1982. I recommend that anyone reading this watch and think about the devastation of war. Remember that the violence sanctioned by law helps fuel the violence that is not.
Latest Books Read
I thought Elif Shafak's did an excellent job of story-telling by creating very vivid characters and demonstrating fictionally how life can often unravel yet remain hopeful. Although the novel has very heavy themes, genocide (Armenians in Turkey,1900s),familial betrayal, abandonment,loneliness; The author is able to make it somewhat bearable by letting things slowly reveal themselves. All the characters are multi-dimensional, each with something left unsaid.
I'm not surprised that the story is a perfect example of the incredible strength of women and the weight that we must carry within society and also how the youth must live with decisions that were made before they even enter the world.
I'm so glad I picked up this book. I would definitely recommend it.
"The oppressor has no use for the past. The oppressed has nothing but the past."
The Shock Doctrine - I finally finished this book, I think I've lost the 41 members that belong to our online Book Club. It's a must read.
http://www.naomiklein.org/shock-doctrine
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Weekly Address: Progress with the G-20 in Pittsburgh
Despite the President's positive summary of the G-20 Summit, I am still left with some questions regarding all nations being held accountable to meet the desired intent of improving the global economy by leveling the playing field and eventual nuclear disarmament.
Reminding myself - "Intent is half the battle" and Incremental change is better than no change.
I still believe.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I love this song!!!!!
I've been told it's been made my ringtone for friends and family - How'd they know????
Monday, September 14, 2009
Long Weekend and VMAs
Friday started off not so great, wait..rewind...that's not quite true. I awakened my daughter with a nice size goodie bag, a card that when opened played "My Girl" by the Temptations and she was all smiles therefore I was also. Off to school she went with 24 cupcakes in hand to distribute amongst friends/peers in her fav. class or at lunch and I to work. Here's where things change rather quickly. Perhaps it was the enormity of the day, daughter's b-day, remembrance of 9/11, scheduled employee appreciation social, several interviews throughout the day. Have you ever been in a situation where you are always kind to someone(s) and no matter what you do/say they just don't like you? Whenever my friends or daughter have shared such a scenario, I usually respond "Kill 'em with kindness" or "you're only responsible for your actions, so be nice and wear joy." - Let's just say for a few minutes, I forgot that very good advice this past Friday. My emotions went from being upset to actually crying. WTH???? I know. Who knows what really provoked such a reaction...but I felt terrible... That is until I left for the evening packed my car and got on the road headed further south to enjoy daughter's Birthday Weekend and Party with friends and family. My daughter was pampered for the day, she went to N'Seya Hair Salon and got dolled up, met up with friends and later enjoyed a party at Dave & Buster's. Her aunt and cousins spoiled her; they surprised both she and I with such incredible gifts. We just wanted to spend time with loved ones as she and her cousins have celebrated their b-days together since birth because they are only a month apart. The gifts were to her, like the cherry on top of a very perfect sundae. The weather was fantastic and she had a great time. We made it back home to prep for the next day and tune into the VMAs.
2009 VMAs
"The below pic was a sign that the night might go badly"
I really hate that Kanye West used such poor judgement because I personally am a fan and will remain so. He's an incredibly gifted artist - not only does he write, produce, perform, he paints, he sketches he's truly a beautiful mind. It's obvious based on this last outburst and past behavior he suffers from narcissism, that mixed with the weight of fame, unjust system that exist no matter how great you are based on melanin and now the loss of his rock, his mother. I believe in his mind, he honestly believed his friend,Beyonce was slighted. He didn't take into consideration the feelings of anyone else and showed a serious lack of respect for another artist. Not to mention that Taylor Swift is just a child. I felt more sorry than angry about his poor behavior. As they say "out of bad comes good." - I think this will remind him that everybody doesn't see the world as he does and he doesn't have the right to force his opinion on others. I hope he will emerge a better person as he's a great talent.
Beyonce was simply a class act and Taylor Swift, a very gracious young lady.
2009 VMAs
"The below pic was a sign that the night might go badly"
I really hate that Kanye West used such poor judgement because I personally am a fan and will remain so. He's an incredibly gifted artist - not only does he write, produce, perform, he paints, he sketches he's truly a beautiful mind. It's obvious based on this last outburst and past behavior he suffers from narcissism, that mixed with the weight of fame, unjust system that exist no matter how great you are based on melanin and now the loss of his rock, his mother. I believe in his mind, he honestly believed his friend,Beyonce was slighted. He didn't take into consideration the feelings of anyone else and showed a serious lack of respect for another artist. Not to mention that Taylor Swift is just a child. I felt more sorry than angry about his poor behavior. As they say "out of bad comes good." - I think this will remind him that everybody doesn't see the world as he does and he doesn't have the right to force his opinion on others. I hope he will emerge a better person as he's a great talent.
Beyonce was simply a class act and Taylor Swift, a very gracious young lady.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
My beautiful daughter will turn 15 yrs. old tomorrow and as usual I've been running around trying to make sure the day feels extra special to her. Since September 11, 2001, I've constantly had to remind her that although the world suffered a true tragedy, the day is still a blessed day as it's the day she was born. I went to the store this evening to purchase 24 cupcakes for school. Yes, I still send cupcakes to school. Unfortunately, I never bake them (I only bake w/my daughter). I'm pretty certain, I'll be sending cupcake care packages to college someday soon.
My daughter was so excited about her 7th birthday, I can imagine she was sitting in her classroom on the Upper West Side in Manhattan awaiting the surprise mommy promised. My parents were up visiting and I was working in NJ and before setting out on that extraordinarily beautiful morning; I reminded my mom to "please pick up the cupcakes from Magnolia" to take to her school. As I crossed the GW bridge, I remember marveling on what a perfect September morning it was. When I arrived at work, everyone was glued to their computer and initially I remember thinking/discussing that someone in a private plane must've had an accident. It wasn't until my boss arrived and the second plane hit that we recognized the magnitude of it all. As I tried to call out all of the lines were busy and I was stuck in NJ. My girlfriend finally got through to tell me that she was in contact with my family, everybody was ok and they were walking home from my daughter's school. My mom had decided to skip Magnolia and go to the local PathMark. She was en route to the school when the second plane hit.
I was finally able to catch NJ Transit at midnight as all bridges/tunnels/ferry service was suspended. The next morning my beautiful little girl said "My Birthday is a Sad Day." Devastated by such tragedy, but determined that she not combine the two; I resolved that she would never have that sentiment again.
Dedication to My Beautiful Daughter - 15 and blossoming in to a young lady - Old school but still Oh! so true.
My daughter was so excited about her 7th birthday, I can imagine she was sitting in her classroom on the Upper West Side in Manhattan awaiting the surprise mommy promised. My parents were up visiting and I was working in NJ and before setting out on that extraordinarily beautiful morning; I reminded my mom to "please pick up the cupcakes from Magnolia" to take to her school. As I crossed the GW bridge, I remember marveling on what a perfect September morning it was. When I arrived at work, everyone was glued to their computer and initially I remember thinking/discussing that someone in a private plane must've had an accident. It wasn't until my boss arrived and the second plane hit that we recognized the magnitude of it all. As I tried to call out all of the lines were busy and I was stuck in NJ. My girlfriend finally got through to tell me that she was in contact with my family, everybody was ok and they were walking home from my daughter's school. My mom had decided to skip Magnolia and go to the local PathMark. She was en route to the school when the second plane hit.
I was finally able to catch NJ Transit at midnight as all bridges/tunnels/ferry service was suspended. The next morning my beautiful little girl said "My Birthday is a Sad Day." Devastated by such tragedy, but determined that she not combine the two; I resolved that she would never have that sentiment again.
Dedication to My Beautiful Daughter - 15 and blossoming in to a young lady - Old school but still Oh! so true.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Some people never cease to amaze me RANT!!!!
Obama addresses Students
I have such a bad attitude today maybe it should be categorized as pure disgust. All the news reports about Parents in an uproar, refusing to let their children see/listen to the President of the United States and boycotting schools that are going to air today's message. C'mon People, I've been using expletives all day.
Honestly, I can recall Reagan in the 80s addressing students about "staying away from drugs" , taxes and economic freedom. Hellllllllllo!!!! I really believe it was a speech more apropos for the adults of the nation at the time. Especially since during Reagan's administration, I seem to recall a blown up *CRACK* industry, devastation of many families and an all-round break down of the American Dream. Not to mention it made me wanna put my head down and go to sleep.
President Obama is addressing students on their level, a very personal level. His speech was centered around "personal responsibility." Let's not even address the fact that he didn't address in depth the external forces that confront and lay obstacle for our children today but rather say YES! there are blocks in your way, knock them down and PUSH!!!!
According to various new sources about "40% of fourth grade students are reading below grade level." It's obvious that something is missing. Accountability doesn't only lie with teacher or parent but with the community, society in general and most importantly with the student. I, personally, remind my daughter all the time that a student's job is to "learn" and LEARNING is a verb, an action. What a disservice some parents and school officials committed today. Whether you agree or disagree with the POTUS, to teach your child not to take an opportunity to listen to our nation's Commander and Chief is to encourage a lack of respect for authority, to appear to not be committed to education and the elevation of our children as a whole. I feel sorry for any adult who participated is such Bullshit...Yep that's what I said/wrote because I don't have a better word.
My child has a supportive parent, grandparents and a village that loves and encourages her and she needed to hear:
"There is no excuse for not trying. Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you, because here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America." "Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength because it shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and that then allows you to learn something new."
Imagine the child who doesn't have a support system, who comes to school has been abused and is out trying to navigate this world on their own. The President basically let our children know this is a partnership, they have to do their part and if the people or systems put in place falter to Keep on Keeping on.
I applaud our President for caring "about our children" and raising awareness despite the HATERS!!! Ugggh!! I'm just disgusted today. I did title this entry RANT, right?
Homeless Children in U.S. Schools
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/education/06homeless.html
While so-called concerned folks are running around boycotting the President, the children are in trouble. Families are plagued with poverty and an ever widening economic gap. All of this contributes to homelessness and serious lack of access to the tools necessary for the youth to succeed in this world.
WAKE-UP People!
"While current national data are not available, the number of schoolchildren in homeless families appears to have risen by 75 percent to 100 percent in many districts over the last two years."
I have such a bad attitude today maybe it should be categorized as pure disgust. All the news reports about Parents in an uproar, refusing to let their children see/listen to the President of the United States and boycotting schools that are going to air today's message. C'mon People, I've been using expletives all day.
Honestly, I can recall Reagan in the 80s addressing students about "staying away from drugs" , taxes and economic freedom. Hellllllllllo!!!! I really believe it was a speech more apropos for the adults of the nation at the time. Especially since during Reagan's administration, I seem to recall a blown up *CRACK* industry, devastation of many families and an all-round break down of the American Dream. Not to mention it made me wanna put my head down and go to sleep.
President Obama is addressing students on their level, a very personal level. His speech was centered around "personal responsibility." Let's not even address the fact that he didn't address in depth the external forces that confront and lay obstacle for our children today but rather say YES! there are blocks in your way, knock them down and PUSH!!!!
According to various new sources about "40% of fourth grade students are reading below grade level." It's obvious that something is missing. Accountability doesn't only lie with teacher or parent but with the community, society in general and most importantly with the student. I, personally, remind my daughter all the time that a student's job is to "learn" and LEARNING is a verb, an action. What a disservice some parents and school officials committed today. Whether you agree or disagree with the POTUS, to teach your child not to take an opportunity to listen to our nation's Commander and Chief is to encourage a lack of respect for authority, to appear to not be committed to education and the elevation of our children as a whole. I feel sorry for any adult who participated is such Bullshit...Yep that's what I said/wrote because I don't have a better word.
My child has a supportive parent, grandparents and a village that loves and encourages her and she needed to hear:
"There is no excuse for not trying. Where you are right now doesn't have to determine where you'll end up. No one's written your destiny for you, because here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future. That's what young people like you are doing every day, all across America." "Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength because it shows you have the courage to admit when you don't know something, and that then allows you to learn something new."
Imagine the child who doesn't have a support system, who comes to school has been abused and is out trying to navigate this world on their own. The President basically let our children know this is a partnership, they have to do their part and if the people or systems put in place falter to Keep on Keeping on.
I applaud our President for caring "about our children" and raising awareness despite the HATERS!!! Ugggh!! I'm just disgusted today. I did title this entry RANT, right?
Homeless Children in U.S. Schools
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/06/education/06homeless.html
While so-called concerned folks are running around boycotting the President, the children are in trouble. Families are plagued with poverty and an ever widening economic gap. All of this contributes to homelessness and serious lack of access to the tools necessary for the youth to succeed in this world.
WAKE-UP People!
"While current national data are not available, the number of schoolchildren in homeless families appears to have risen by 75 percent to 100 percent in many districts over the last two years."
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