Only 3 out of every 100 Black males who enter kindergarten will graduate from college in the state of South Carolina. The same holds true for most states throughout the United States.For 25 years I have written books on this subject (www.rspublishing.com), worked with schools, churches, and community organizations, and, together with my wife, sent one son to college and currently preparing another son (sixth grader) for college. As parents of two Black boys, my wife and I must know the issues and obstacles that will confront them as they enter into public education if we are to ensure that they are properly educated as they exit a public high school. So too, must you, if you are a concerned parent, teacher, or mentor of a Black male.
Thus, the reason for this blog.
I presented this calculation to parents at Middle School in South Carolina. Throughout the school day, I interacted with sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students, all of whom had read my book, Follow Your Dreams: Lessons That I Learned in School. During my interactions with students I discussed issues raised in the book and asked students, “Raise your hand if you are planning on going to college.” Interestingly, nearly every student in each student session acknowledged that he or she was planning on going to college. Equally interesting, most students acknowledged that they had not qualified for the school’s honor roll, frequently were tardy for class or absent from school, fell asleep in class, missed assignments, frequently failed tests and quizzes, and routinely failed to pay attention in class.
Students were good-natured and openly honest in acknowledging that their daily actions were totally inconsistent with their future aspirations. Hence, a huge problem that we cannot avoid in graduating Black students from high school, getting them into college, and ultimately getting them to graduate from college is making early connections between the daily drudgery of school and their long-term aspirations. Many students simply do not make the connection between aspirations of becoming a doctor and the importance of math and science in elementary through middle school. Boys, in particular, do not make the connection between dreams of pursuing careers as professional athletes and achieving the grades and SAT/ACT scores needed to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse, a prerequisite to scholarship eligibility and competing as a college student-athlete.
I explained to both parents and students that of 100 Black males entering a South Carolina kindergarten, only 40 are expected to graduate from high school (40%). [Public Education and Black Male Students: The 2006 State Report Card, The Schott Foundation, p. 2.]
Of the 40 Black males who graduate from high school, only 9 (23%) are projected to attend college. [Public High School Graduation and College-Readiness Rates, Manhattan Institute, 1991-2002, p. 2.]
Of the 9 who attend college, only 3 are projected to graduate from college (32.4%). [One Step from the Finish Line: Higher College Graduation Rates are Within Our Reach, Education Trust, January, 2005, p. 5.]
The reality of far too many Black males is that we, as parents, teachers, and mentors are disconnected from the many issues, obstacles, and negative influences hindering their daily success in schools and classrooms. In essence, we are sending them to school without plans and hoping for the best. Subsequently, they are more likely to be incarcerated than graduate from college; more likely to play high school football than to take honors or AP classes; and more likely to be at the bottom of the achievement gap in their state and local school district.
The attitudes and behaviors of these middler schoolers were tolerated, if not shaped, by low expectations of parents, teachers, and mentors long before they entered the sixth grade.
If you are a parent, teacher, or mentor of Black boys, you must become familiar with the unique issues and obstacles confronting them in your state and local school system. Then, you must develop an action plan to guide their journey from preschool through college. We must create future generations of Black men who are educated, do not have criminal records, and prepared to fully participate in shaping national and local legislative policy.
14 comments:
I really like what you have posted. Is elementary school too early to be talking to my son about college?
As your child enters elementary school you should already be thinking about the middle and high school that your child will enter and how each of these schools will impact your college choices. You should research the middle school that you believe your child will enter and find out if there are prerequisite elementary school grades or test scores that will qualify your child for certain middle school classes or programs. You should also be thinking about the summer camps that you will enroll your child in during each year of elementary school (e.g., music, academics, dance, theater, etc.).
Keep in mind that how well your child does in elementary school may have a great deal of impact on his or her middle school and high school options depending on where you live and whether or not your child is attending public or private school.
I love your blog and am really interested in what you're presenting here. I just finished my first year teaching middle school English in an inner city school in Alabama and am absolutely overwhelmed by the need I've seen in the lives of black boys.
As a young white female, I am seeking resources to help me better understand my boys' lives and struggles. I have several single male friends who have the time, interest, and resources to invest in these young men's lives, so I've paired a few of them up with two of my students for long term mentoring.
I am looking for resources both for myself and for these mentors that can help us better understand the issues these boys face. Could you recommend any resources? Books, articles, anything!! Your help would be so much appreciated!!
Where do a single black man who's trying to raise his children get's support. He's frustated and he needs to talk to other single men. can you help.
I need to meet you Mr. Wynn. I am currently in the process of completing my dissertation on apathy in schools and everything you have written is evident to me. I have been teaching in the Atlanta area for about 18 years and there seem to be such a deficiency in our young black students when it comes to being succesful in the classroom. I too am a Black male who feels that I am in the place I am in for a purpose, but its hard!!
National FORUM of Applied Educational Research Journal
21 (3) 2008
An Exploratory Phenomenological Study of African American Male Pre-Service Teachers at a Historical Black University in the Mid-South
Lucian Yates, III, Dean
Barry A. Pelphrey, Associate Dean
Patricia A. Smith, Assistant Professor
The Whitlowe R. Green College of Education
Prairie View A&M University
Member of the Texas A&M University System
Prairie View, Texas
________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
This exploratory phenomenological study was conducted to ascertain which factors caused African American male pre-service teachers to persist at a HBCU in the Mid-South. The work is grounded in the conceptual framework called resiliency. Resiliency asks the question, “How do children, adolescents, and young people “make it” when they are exposed to or face major stress and adversity? The results of this study point to what are commonly called “protective factors” that exist in the lives of these young men. They are: (1) families/communities, (2) the individual, and (3) the school. To see entire article, go to: www.nationalforum.com
________________________________________________________________________
Concluding Remarks
This study underscored the notion that despite the abject conditions that many African American males face in the country and despite the current conditions and dearth of African American male teachers in America’s schools, colleges or schools of education can create programs and conditions that will improve the number of African American males in the teaching profession. This article showcases the work done by a program called Protégés and Provocateurs at a small HBCU in the mid-south. Replication of this model and further research is suggested to triangulate and institutionalize these results.
Formatted by Dr. Mary Alice Kritsonis, National Research and Manuscript Preparation Editor, National FORUM Journals, Houston, Texas. www.nationalforum.com
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis Inducted into the William H. Parker Leadership Academy Hall of Honor (HBCU)
Remarks by Angela Stevens McNeil
July 26th 2008
Good Morning. My name is Angela Stevens McNeil and I have the privilege of introducing the next Hall of Honor Inductee, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis. Dr. Kritsonis was chosen because of his dedication to the educational advancement of Prairie View A&M University students. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1969 from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. In 1971, he earned his Master’s in Education from Seattle Pacific University. In 1976, he earned his PhD from the University of Iowa.
Dr. Kritsonis has served and blessed the field of education as a teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, director of student teaching and field experiences, invited guest professor, author, consultant, editor-in-chief, and publisher. He has also earned tenure as a professor at the highest academic rank at two major universities.
In 2005, Dr. Kritsonis was an Invited Visiting Lecturer at the Oxford Round Table at Oriel College in the University of Oxford, Oxford, England. His lecture was entitled the Ways of Knowing through the Realms of Meaning.
In 2004, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis was recognized as the Central Washington University Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus for the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Dr. William Kritsonis is a well respected author of more than 500 articles in professional journals and several books. In 1983, Dr. Kritsonis founded the NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS. These publications represent a group of highly respected scholarly academic periodicals. In 2004, he established the DOCTORAL FORUM – National Journal for Publishing and Mentoring Doctoral Student Research. The DOCTORAL FORUM is the only refereed journal in America committed to publishing doctoral students while they are enrolled in course work in their doctoral programs. Over 300 articles have been published by doctorate and master’s degree students and most are indexed in ERIC.
Currently, Dr. Kritsonis is a Professor in the PhD Program in Educational Leadership here at Prairie View A&M University.
Dr. William Kritsonis has dedicated himself to the advancement of educational leadership and to the education of students at all levels. It is my honor to bring him to the stage at this time as a William H. Parker Leadership Academy Hall of Honor Inductee.
I am the publisher of The Vision Newspaper a local self-help minority newsprint for African-American males who are at risk of jail, prison and death.
I have a booklet called the The Black Male Survival Guide that I pass out to minority at risk youth within my community.
We all have to work together in order to save our young Black males from society and themselves.
I would like to print some of your articles if possible. My blogspot is http://theblackmalesurvivalguide.blogspot.com/
Enoch Hagans
The concept here is to elucidate and inspire us to break this cycle. Yet, the reality on the ground is that we are witnessing a tactical war of attrition that cannot be won from within the system of oppression. This happy talk about statistical means and modes is old hat to White America and their "Bell Curve tricks." We can galvanize the nation with protests and fund raising as we have in the past. But no one has tried to pack up and leave here since Garvey did it in 1914. He got 5 years in prison on a trumped up charge, and then he was deported or exiled. Because he was a dangerous Black man. Now we have a different scenario because the Whites are fond of their new Hispanic slaves. They will let us go now because, "they really don't need us to tote water and chop their wood anymore."
The Million Man March failed, the Black Muslims failed, Civil Rights failed etc, etc, because none of them fled America when they had the chance. Malcolm X had a chance to stay in Africa, but he choose to return to New York where he was killed. Why? What is so relevant about being here? If we are never going to be allowed to live here in peace why not go somewhere else?
Leave White America and find equality abroad where it has existed all the time. Hey, listen don't take my word for it. Ask any Black musician or poet who has lived in Europe of all places. They will tell you tales of acceptance and love coming at them from European women, in particular, that is still mind boggling when compared to the acrimony exhibited by American White women.
Now the quintessential distinction is that American White women will say they love rich American Black men. Then some will still point to OJ. But the point is that there is a greater barrier here to acceptance than in European society. Just know that it is real.
We must leave America once and for all. But, not as refugees, with the means to give Black males a real chance to succeed, not false hopes. We must lease or buy land in countries which permit it such as Brazil. For all the bigotry in Brazil it is possible to buy land there as long as you obey their legal system. Once you own land you can build infrastructure. The deck is stacked against you here so wise up, pack up, and get out of here. There used to be a saying that we don't want to be an "uncle Tom." That is applicable here. Let the "uncle Tom's stay here crying about why they can't make it.
We have been here since 1619, 389 years is long enough for us to realize that White people are not going to allow equality to happen. Malcolm X, King, the Kennedy's and Garvey stand in mute testimony to the will of White people.
Can we afford to waste another 389 years trying to kiss their assess and begging them to help us become their equals? You who say yes are not my people, those of you with the vision to say no stand up and be counted.
We cannot end the racial discrimination, and hatred which has spawned and cultivates the destructive environmental nightmare that is the Neolithic European Western power block. We may call it what we wish but, it doesn't foster positivism for it's non-White males because it does not wish for them to become desirable to White females. The system has stated categorically that it does not want to become another Mexico---with Indians and Europeans breeding to create miscegenations---.
Therefore, the only realistic way to enhance the educational potential of Black males in America is to assist them in escaping from America. Now, there is nothing for them here except oblivion, death, and incarceration. So let us take them under the auspices of grants to China, for example. 3 out of 100 is enough. Enough is enough. The Black vote is anecdotal and so is everything else. The only dignity left to Black America is to protest this sub-human treatment by leaving . Perhaps what happened in Liberia should serve as a wake up call. We do not want to leave here and become pariahs in Africa. Africa is a shadowy reflection of colonial European mindsets.
We need land, where ever land may be brought and developed in peace outside of the racist states of America. We need to make everything for ourselves. In fact, we ought to look at countries which are deemed outside of the loop. But, they cannot be named here because of "Big Brother." Use your imagination.
The exposure to traveling and living abroad normally is conducive to the learning process. Furthermore, the acquisition of foreign languages helps the thinking and reflection areas of the brain.
If you have anything to say.
You can say it at 72553@live.com just keep the bad language out of the discourse because if I see one bad word I delete your stuff instantly. Oh...keep your name off the internet...use a pseudonym you will last longer.
The concept here is to elucidate and inspire us to break this cycle. Yet, the reality on the ground is that we are witnessing a tactical war of attrition that cannot be won from within the system of oppression. This happy talk about statistical means and modes is old hat to White America and their "Bell Curve tricks." Leave White America and find equality abroad where it has existed all the time. Hey, listen don't take my word for it. Ask any Black musician or poet who has lived in Europe of all places. They will tell you tales of acceptance and love coming at them from European women, in particular, that is still mind boggling when compared to the acrimony exhibited by American White women. Now the quintessential distinction is that American White women will say they love rich American Black men. Then some will still point to OJ. But the point is that there is a greater barrier here to acceptance than in European society. Just know that it is real.
We must leave America once and for all. But, not as refugees, with the means to give Black males a real chance to succeed, not false hopes. We must lease or buy land in countries which permit it such as Brazil. For all the bigotry in Brazil it is possible to buy land there as long as you obey their legal system. Once you own land you can build infrastructure. The deck is stacked against you here so wise up, pack up, and get out of here. There used to be a saying that we don't want to be an "uncle Tom." That is applicable here. Let the "uncle Tom's stay here crying about why they can't make it. We have been here since 1619, 389 years is long enough for us to realize that White people are not going to allow equality to happen. Malcolm X, King, the Kennedy's and Garvey stand in mute testimony to the will of White people.
Can we afford to waste another 389 years trying to kiss their assess and begging them to help us become their equals? You who say yes are not my people, those of you with the vision to say no stand up and be counted.
We cannot end the racial discrimination, and hatred which has spawned and cultivates the destructive environmental nightmare that is the Neolithic European Western power block. We may call it what we wish but, it doesn't foster positivism for it's non-White males because it does not wish for them to become desirable to White females. The system has stated categorically that it does not want to become another Mexico---with Indians and Europeans breeding to create miscegenations---.
Therefore, the only realistic way to enhance the educational potential of Black males in America is to assist them in escaping from America. Now, there is nothing for them here except oblivion, death, and incarceration. So let us take them under the auspices of grants to China, for example. 3 out of 100 is enough. Enough is enough. The Black vote is anecdotal and so is everything else. The only dignity left to Black America is to protest this sub-human treatment by leaving . Perhaps what happened in Liberia should serve as a wake up call. We do not want to leave here and become pariahs in Africa. Africa is a shadowy reflection of colonial European mindsets.
We need land, where ever land may be brought and developed in peace outside of the racist states of America. We need to make everything for ourselves. In fact, we ought to look at countries which are deemed outside of the loop. But, they cannot be named here because of "Big Brother." Use your imagination.
The exposure to traveling and living abroad normally is conducive to the learning process. Furthermore, the acquisition of foreign languages helps the thinking and reflection areas of the brain.
If you have anything to say.
You can say it at 72553@live.com just keep the bad language out of the discourse because if I see one bad word I delete your stuff instantly. Oh...keep your name off the internet...use a pseudonym you will last longer.
The concept here is to elucidate and inspire us to break this cycle. Yet, the reality on the ground is that we are witnessing a tactical war of attrition that cannot be won from within the system of oppression. This happy talk about statistical means and modes is old hat to White America and their "Bell Curve tricks." Leave White America and find equality abroad where it has existed all the time. Hey, listen don't take my word for it. Ask any Black musician or poet who has lived in Europe of all places. They will tell you tales of acceptance and love coming at them from European women, in particular, that is still mind boggling when compared to the acrimony exhibited by American White women. Now the quintessential distinction is that American White women will say they love rich American Black men. Then some will still point to OJ. But the point is that there is a greater barrier here to acceptance than in European society. Just know that it is real.
We must leave America once and for all. But, not as refugees, with the means to give Black males a real chance to succeed, not false hopes. We must lease or buy land in countries which permit it such as Brazil. For all the bigotry in Brazil it is possible to buy land there as long as you obey their legal system. Once you own land you can build infrastructure. The deck is stacked against you here so wise up, pack up, and get out of here. There used to be a saying that we don't want to be an "uncle Tom." That is applicable here. Let the "uncle Tom's stay here crying about why they can't make it. We have been here since 1619, 389 years is long enough for us to realize that White people are not going to allow equality to happen. Malcolm X, King, the Kennedy's and Garvey stand in mute testimony to the will of White people.
Can we afford to waste another 389 years trying to kiss their assess and begging them to help us become their equals? You who say yes are not my people, those of you with the vision to say no stand up and be counted.
We cannot end the racial discrimination, and hatred which has spawned and cultivates the destructive environmental nightmare that is the Neolithic European Western power block. We may call it what we wish but, it doesn't foster positivism for it's non-White males because it does not wish for them to become desirable to White females. The system has stated categorically that it does not want to become another Mexico---with Indians and Europeans breeding to create miscegenations---.
Therefore, the only realistic way to enhance the educational potential of Black males in America is to assist them in escaping from America. Now, there is nothing for them here except oblivion, death, and incarceration. So let us take them under the auspices of grants to China, for example. 3 out of 100 is enough. Enough is enough. The Black vote is anecdotal and so is everything else. The only dignity left to Black America is to protest this sub-human treatment by leaving . Perhaps what happened in Liberia should serve as a wake up call. We do not want to leave here and become pariahs in Africa. Africa is a shadowy reflection of colonial European mindsets.
We need land, where ever land may be brought and developed in peace outside of the racist states of America. We need to make everything for ourselves. In fact, we ought to look at countries which are deemed outside of the loop. But, they cannot be named here because of "Big Brother." Use your imagination.
The exposure to traveling and living abroad normally is conducive to the learning process. Furthermore, the acquisition of foreign languages helps the thinking and reflection areas of the brain.
If you have anything to say.
You can say it at 72553@live.com just keep the bad language out of the discourse because if I see one bad word I delete your stuff instantly. Oh...keep your name off the internet...use a pseudonym you will last longer.
Interesting, I am parenting a 13 year old boy, am I am having major issues. I have tried everything to steer him in the right direction. Since he likes sports so much I am going to see what simlarities I can come up with to encourage him to go to college.
nikole.riley@my-gration.com
I am raising a teenager boy. He has no motivation. He comes from a good home but I grew up in ENY Brooklyn and did not know how to motivate him like I did myself. I graduated w. honors from GWU and am pursuing a double masters. His father (Ghetto man) was not in his life and my husband (Army Pilot) raised him from 10 yrs old. What a mess. He is a good kid, like many are, but is struggling. I blame myself for not getting him the support and help he needed early on as I worked full-time and went to school at night. How can I help him at this point. He is 16 in the 9th grade. Held back twice. Ive tried counseling and tutoring. I guess he just needs more counseling and tutoring and prayers.
Our boys face so many obstacles in the educational system, so much has been written about it, but very little is being done across the board. Parents & Caregivers need to be educated about the obstacles set for African American boys in the educational system and then position themselves to become activist. Your conclusion was dead on, we need to make sure black boys & teens are reading and performing on grade level and also taking our local school systems to task to make sure they are teaching relevant curriculum and also are trained to teach and deal with African American Boys. I would love to see this effort on a national level where parents stood up and said enough is enough. Thanks for your article
LC Jarvis
Raising Our African American Sons
www.lovingoursons.com
Post a Comment