I read an article in the Sunday Tribune. Spelman held an event for middles school girls. When asked who they picked for a role model and inspirational figure, they said Michelle Obama. The article says Mrs. Obama is shattering stereotypes. The girls made comments such as: "She looks like my mom." and "She has real hair." I am glad that our girls have a woman that is such and important position to look up to!

AfroAmericanMaleCollegeDropouts

I read an article in the Sunday Tribune that discussed the financial struggles of the Historical Black Colleges. It also stated that the dropout rate of African American males has increased. The article stated that the Black Colleges don't have, accept, or offer the scholarships that the "white' universities or colleges have. Therefore, because they can not afford to attend, African American males are dropping out. What can be done? This information upsets me dearly. As much as black men are dogged and stereotyped black women do NEED them to not become discouraged and press on. They are needed in our communities. We do NEED them to help create AND raise our children which ARE our future. Some of you corporate moguls, African Americans specifically, donate some of those funds. An investment in the education of our brothers is priceless and the turnover is well worth it.

Isitme?

Is it me or does anybody else notice the difference between the education the city kids receive versus the education that the suburban kids receive? I can imagine that part of the reason my be that educators in urban areas don't get compensated as well as educators in suburban areas. I have a child that is in elementary school and I participate in her education more than some parents I know. I thank God for her teachers. I have visited other classrooms in her school and I know I would be BORED if I were the student. In contrast, my cousin is an educator in a suburban area. Her salary is $95,000 a year. The children have some of the same problems as the children in the city but the school system goes beyond their call of duty. I guess you have to love what you do if you're going to do it in spite of the salary. Its cliche but, the children are our future. We all need to survive, but why try to do a job that is responsible for molding and shaping a little person just for the sake of working!

wanted and needed: mentors

I am currently working on a persuasive speech for one of my classes. It was not difficult to come up with a topic. I definately want to persuade my class to become mentors. As I researched mentoring, I discovered that the results of mentoring an at-risk youth is priceless!! We all know that our city, CMD, has plenty of at-risk youth. One of the most astonishing pieces of information that I found out was that 3 million young people in America identified as needing mentors and. I say adults and children alike, high, low, or moderate risk, all could benefit from a mentor. But the youth are our future. I challage anyone to give a youngin something you may or may not of had.