Why Go to an HBCU?

Let me start off by saying I DID NOT attend a Historically Black College/University (HBCU).  Howard was my first choice but I wasn't accepted so I went to the school that offered me the most scholarship money (Ohio University).

This blog post is inspired by a recent conversation I had with the Founder of Students2Scholars.  This program is designed to help minority students in public schools apply to and, hopefully, get accepted into private schools in our area. (I am a part of her academic advising team). This article isn't written to criticize the Founder but rather to show how her thinking is a good example of what well-meaning white folks really don't know about us and how, even with their good hearts, they can get things twisted.

During a telephone conversation we somehow got on the subject of her volunteering to register students to vote at an HBCU----North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where I presently work as a Professional Writing Consultant.

Founder:  You know I always wondered why anyone would go to an HBCU.  I mean if you're going to spend $20K or more on tuition, wouldn't you think they would want to spend it on a big name college or university. There's better opportunities for networking and connecting for jobs after graduation.  (We call them PWI's:  Predominately White Institutions).

Me:  If you knew the history of HBCU's you would know they were created because blacks weren't allowed to go to the other schools.  In order to further our education, that was the only choice we had.

Founder:  Oh, I understand that.  But I have to tell you I changed my opinion when I went onto the campus.  I got such a feeling of camaraderie amongst the students.  There was a true sense of activism and community and not like anything I ever experienced at my own alma mater.

Me:  I totally agree.  In hindsight I wish I had gone to an HBCU. But would I have been afforded the same opportunities to advance my journalism career as I had by going to OU?  Probably not because back in the day getting a journalism degree from Ohio University carried a lot more weight in the professional world than a degree in broadcast journalism from any HBCU in the country.  I got my first job because the  Program Director of the radio station where I applied was willing to take a chance on me because he knew of the school's reputation for producing quality candidates and I was the first black to work there.

After a few more exchanges we ended the conversation but I hung up thinking how this woman was trying to do her part in making a difference in the lives of others but she really had no clue of our struggle and the hurdles we have to jump over constantly just to prove we are worthy of an opportunity. But she's not alone.  As she has shared with me, a number of her friends see what they are doing as a "charitable cause" to help us advance in an unfair system but at the end of the day she, and many like her, remain blind to the challenges we are always facing professionally AND socially.

This is the same woman who told me she thought racism had ended when Barack Obama became President.  I kid you not!

Here are some other HBCU Facts she probably doesn't know:

60 percent of all Engineering degrees are earned by black students

70 percent of black dentists and physicians earned degrees from an HBCU

40 percent of blacks in Congress come from HBCU's

HBCU's  only have 1/8 of the average size of endowments that PWI's have

Cheyney University of PA was the first HBCU founded in 1837.

Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State), Samuel L. Jackson (Morehouse College), Taraji P. Henson (NC A&T/Howard University) and CHADWICK BOSEMAN, who graduated from Howard University in 1995 and went on to star in the Black Panther, which went on to become the top grossing superhero movie of all time!  (RIH)

These are just a few examples of what makes going to an HBCU so special.

Get the F**** Over Here!

Part II: 

Good 'ol Jim, the science teacher at my grandson's school, seriously crossed the line today when he told my grandson to
"Get the F*** Over Here!"  

So here's the story according to all parties involved, INCLUDING Jim, my grandson, and the Middle School Head Teacher........

At the end of the science class period, Jim was going to print out something for Jarod to help him complete his end-of-the-year-science project.  Jim went to his desk and Jarod proceeded to go sit on top of a desk located close to Jim's desk to wait for the printout.  As Jarod turned to go sit down, Jim shouted the profanity---at which time Jarod says he told Jim he shouldn't talk to him like that.  Jim reportedly admitted he messed up, said he was frustrated and thought Jarod was ignoring him.  He then told Jarod to get out of his classroom.

I got a phone call at 10:33 a.m. from Jarod (13 minutes after the incident). Because my phone was on mute I didn't hear it ring.  At 11:05 a.m. I got a text from my daughter that I happened to see right around lunch time:

"9-1-1 CALL ME GOING TO CFS" 
I knew whatever had happened was SERIOUS so when I called I found out about the incident.  So grandma and mama decided it was time to have a "Come to Jesus" meeting with the school.

Of course, Jim wasn't in this meeting but everyone else who was all told the SAME story.  The bottom line is:  HE SAID IT AND HE ADMITTED IT!

One of the options proposed by the Middle School Head Teacher was to remove Jarod from the classroom since there was only a week left but as my daughter so eloquently asked:  "Why should Jarod have to change his routine because of the Jim's ignorance?" I also wanted to know what type of repercussions would he face in light of his behavior?  A school founded on Quaker principals should NEVER, EVER tolerate a teacher cursing at a student.  As a matter of fact, no school should ever condone it!

One thing I will say about the meeting is I felt the Kip (the Head Middle School Headmaster) was truly genuine. I could feel his heart and he, as a white male with all kinds of privilege, clearly understands what Jarod is always going to be up against.  It made us feel good to know he pronounced, unequivocally, that they had Jarod's back in this situation and wanted him to know they would always be fighting for him.

We left this meeting requesting another one with Jim and the Head of School so stay tuned for my next report.  Jim may be forced into early retirement!

How White is Too White to Teach Black Students?

"What's good in the 'hood, bro? said Jim, the science teacher, as he attempted to fist bump with the student.

Student response:  "Nothing."

Jim, in this case, is a REAL-LIFE 60-something white male who teaches at a predominately white private school in my area.  The student he tried to "be down with" is my grandson, Jarod, who is the ONLY black student in Jim's science class. 

The interaction between the two came to a head last week when Jim was trying to quiet down the class----at which time my grandson said to Jim, "I wasn't doing anything.

Jim's response:  "Boy! If you say that to the police, you're going to jail!"  
So what in the hell was that comment for???

Jarod says he sat in silence but two of his classmates, who were furious over the comment, reported it to the 7th grade advisor.   

I learned about the incident, after picking him up from school:

Me:  "How was your day?"

Jarod:  "I had to have a meeting with my advisor about Jim."

Me:  What?!  What happened in gym?"

Jarod:  "No---Jim, my teacher."

Me:  "O.K. so what happened?"

And that's when he shared details of that particular incident.  BUT THERE'S MORE!  According to Jarod, Jim is always trying to talk "black" when he speaks to him (or what he thinks is black speech) but he speaks properly to the other kids in the class.  Obviously Jim has been watching too many reruns of  Good Times because he must believe all black families come from the Projects and we all speak broken English. 

Once I dropped Jarod off at basketball practice, I got on the phone and called his advisor for the 4-1-1.  She confirmed everything and agreed with my stand on the issue.  She said one of the young girls who came to her was extremely upset about the way Jim talked to Jarod.  She also said that student was among some who are currently reading Rolling Thunder:  Hear My Cry (Mildred Taylor) and have developed a heightened awareness and sensitivity to racial issues.  I say good for them and am very thankful they took up for my grandson because Jarod probably wouldn't have shared it.

Here's what I know about Jim:  He's an older, white male, who's been teaching at my grandson's school for 13-14 years.  Surely, he's seen quite a few changes at this private school during that time frame since blacks were probably not even going there when he first started.  Jim also gives me the impression he has never taught or had much interaction with black students.  When I met him, I tried not to view him as racist; instead I saw a older, conservative white male who wasn't personable and appeared to be unapproachable to me as a black woman.  He did, however, interact quite nicely with the white grandparents when we visited his class during Grandparents Day at the school.

As I explained to the advisor, she did not want me or my daughter to have to come up to the school to lead a session on diversity training because we certainly would!  She assured me it would be handled. We'll see...........................

Graduates of Bethune-Cookman Deserved More than Betsy DeVos

I, just like many blacks, was stunned to learn Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos was invited to give the commencement speech for the Spring 2017 graduating class at Bethune-Cookman. I wondered what President Edison Jackson was thinking when he extended the invitation.  I know he said, "If our students are robbed of the opportunity to experience and interact with views that may be different from their own, then they will be tremendously less equipped for the demands of democratic citizenship."  I don't know what that actually means in his head but, perhaps, he believes inviting her gives him an open door to the President (as the new "Uncle Tom" for his Millennial graduates)  and an opportunity to be a voice for ALL HBCUs.  Whatever his reasoning was I say it was DUMB!

Did Dr. Jackson forget when Mrs. DeVos referred to HBCU's as "real pioneers when it comes to school choice."  She said "They are living proof that when more options are provided to students, they are afforded greater access and greater equality."  Dr. Jackson is 74 years old.  Surely, he knows why HBCU's were created in the first place---because black students had NO OTHER CHOICE. He's too old NOT to remember.  And then when she announced she would be speaking at the University, she referred to it as an HCBU on her website--which was later corrected.

I, for one, applaud these young Millennials who protested her remarks at their graduation on Wednesday.  The key words here are "their graduation."  This was "their" day.  This was a day for "their" families and friends.  This was "their" time to celebrate the hard work (and probably some tears along the way). This was not about President Edison Jackson.

No doubt, the conservative viewpoint will applaud Jackson and call the students "liberals" and "thugs" and tell their viewers, "See I told you that's how they would behave!

I realize the students probably had no say in who would be their commencement speaker--just like I had no say when "Miss Lillian" Carter was our speaker.  She was a stand-in for her son, President Jimmy Carter, who had to cancel at the last minute.  The difference is I went to a predominately white University so if Jimmie Carter had been there, he would've been welcomed by black and white students (or at least the majority of them).  But to ask a woman like Betsy DeVos to come and speak to these young Millennials who are preparing to navigate their way through this racist, volatile country with a President who doesn't appear to give a damn about them is a slap in the face.

And then to have DeVos utter these words to them:  "We will not solve significant and real problems our country faces if we cannot bring ourselves to a mindset of Grace.  We must first listen, then speak with humility and genuinely hear the perspectives of those with whom we don't immediately or distinctively agree."  These words would've only made REAL SENSE if her boss had been in the audience and sitting front and center.  The problem with her words is that these young black millennials are being told to remain humble and to stay in their place---rather than go out into the world and be bold and daring, to take chances and know that the sky is not the limit.  Of course, she couldn't say those words because she knew in her heart of hearts they weren't true.  She also knows the employment rate for these black millennials will be higher than their counterparts.

Shame on Dr. Jackson for making such a poor choice and I do not believe Mary McLeod Bethune would approve!

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

My husband and I became part of a growing trend in America back in 2006. We were grandparents taking on the role of primary caregivers for our grandson.

My daughter got pregnant as a teenager but still had ambitions of going to college. After careful thought and prayer, we agreed to raise him in her absence. We were among nearly 6 million grandparents who have grandchildren living with them.

Here are more numbers from the Census Bureau about grandparent caregivers:

4-out-of-10 grandparents are responsible for the youngsters basic care.

5.8 million, the number of grandparents who live with one or more of their grandchildren under 18 years old.

4 percent, the percentage of people age 30 and older who live with grandchildren. The rate is 8 percent among blacks and Hispanics.

2.5 million, the number of grandparents responsible for most of the basic needs, such as clothing, food and shelter, of one or more grandchildren with which they live.

21 percent, the percentage of preschoolers who are cared for primarily by their grandparents while their mother is employed or in school.

So how can grandparents impact their grandchildren's early education?

Help give them a healthy start: Make sure your grandchildren start off every day with a healthy breakfast and a good night’s rest. Immunizations help children stay healthy and prevent many diseases that might keep them out of school.

Empower your grandchildren early: Talk to them regularly, beginning when they are infants. Read books together every day, and spend time singing, dancing, and playing together.

Help your grandchildren feel safe by providing a home with consistent rules and love. When these basic needs are met, children will be more ready to concentrate on reading, writing, and arithmetic when they get to school.

Limit TV Time: Pay attention to what your grandchildren watch on TV. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television for children under 2. For preschoolers, keep television watching to a minimum,and choose a few good-quality shows for children. If your grandchildren are watching TV, watch with them and talk about what they are watching

Talk positively about school: Let your grandchildren know that being old enough to go to school is exciting.
Take them to visit their new school before the first day. Talking positively can help children be enthusiastic about
school and learning.

Also, pick a daycare that emphasizes a school-type setting and ALWAYS find time to volunteer.

Celebrating Dr Seuss with Grandchildren

Dr. Seuss and I share something in common. We've both been around long enough to inspire a lot of children over the years.

I was always taught "reading is fundamental" and is tied to EVERYTHING you do in life. If you can't read, you can't effectively communicate. Not knowing how to read may result in having people cheat you out of your money. Poor reading skills may leave you jobless.

When my daughter, now 22, was learning how to talk, Dr. Seuss and I became her reader advocates. Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut--- all became favorites. Even though I had a full-time job, I always tried to find the time to go to my daughter's school and read to the class.

The same holds true today with my five-year-old grandson. I'm a rockin' reader grandma at his school. I want him to know how much I value reading and how much I support him in getting the best education he can---PLUS I absolutely adore his class. They all give me big hugs every time I visit.

Yes, Dr. Seuss and I are still hanging tough.

Whose to Blame When Children Fail?

This week a former principal in my community died from an apparent heart attack. Earl Pappy was 51. I met him once in 2008 when I brought actress Bern Nadette Stanis to his school to speak to the drama students. (pictured on the left of Ms. Stanis). My first and only impression of him was he was nice. But that's not what this post is about.

Mr. Pappy was forced to resign last year because of his school's continued low academic performance ranking. Of all of the high schools in the area, Hillside was dead last. The school had been on the steady decline for several years. Mr. Pappy was supposed to change all that when he moved from the same position in Richmond, VA. It didn't happen and parents complained LOUDLY.

Here's my question: If high school students can't read or perform academically on the high school level, is that the Principal's fault? If students came into the school with a behavior issue, is the principal responsible?

By the time students get to high school,they should have it pretty much together. I say try going back to grade school level--maybe an elementary teacher should've held the child back when she discovered he couldn't read, write or add. Or better yet, try going into some of the homes of these same parents who were doing all of the complaining. That's where you'll find many of the failures.

Parents want to blame teachers for their childrens shortcoming. Yes, I definitely think teachers should be held accountable, however, it's also up to parents to stay on top of things to make sure their children are getting what they need. If you wait to high school, that's way too late.

If a parent wants to blame one individual for their child's failures, maybe they should look in the mirror.

New School Year Brings New Unusual Changes

The summer is officially over for my 19-year-old daughter who will begin her sophomore year at North Carolina A&T University on Monday. It's been quite a three months for her. She held down two summer jobs but still managed to spend some much needed and QUALITY mother-son time with her soon-to-be-three-year-old. It took a load off of me, I must admit.

Today, we sent her packing to college ---as we tagged along. She's staying in the same dorm (co-ed) she stayed in last year--but there is a change. She will have three roommates instead of two. She didn't like her last year roomie, causing them to part company before the school year was over.

Another change is her Resident Assistant---also known as the R.A. This is the person who oversees a section of the dorm to make sure students are abiding by the rules. But here is my question: Is NC A&T abiding by the rules by allowing a young man to police these young women? But here's the catch. This young man is actually a boy-turned-girl so are there any rules for that?

My daughter felt it was necessary to inform me of this fact and added that everyone knew his/her story so it wasn't a big deal.

My, oh my, how college has changed! I guess the good thing is, parents won't have to worry about him chasing after their daughters. He'll probably just look to them for fashion tips.