http://www.nbcdi.org
In spite of the challenges facing us, as a community and as a country, we are
hopeful. We know that things have, can and will change, not because wishing
will make it so, but because of the commitment and hard work undertaken
every day by those who care for, educate, support, lead, love and nurture
our children and their families. As Elizabeth Alexander read from her poem
written on the occasion of the Inauguration of the first Black President of
the United States of America,
“In today’s sharp sparkle, this winter air,
any thing can be made, any sentence begun.
On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp,
praise song for walking forward in that light.”
We celebrate and cherish our children. They are not risks, but rewards. We
believe that the true state of the Black child lies in their natural curiosity,
excitement and genius, and we believe that they will indeed walk forward
in the light.
Felicia DeHaney, Ph.D.
President and CEO
One of the Resources I found on the website was a publication entitled Being Black is not a Risk Factor. The about statement was made by the President and CEO. Her forward was enlightening and really hit home to me. Being an African American women, and mother I must take into account that yes my child is black but that does not just define her as a person or maybe how the world or society may see her. I must raise her to be the best person she can be.
Some may look at this publication as playing the race card. This not a race card play but I true look into reality and how some see us as Black people and what we can do to make a difference and change how some view us.
I would recommend this publication to anyone looking to understand and finds ways to help the not just the black community but all communities. To just pull out one article or reading would not due this justice. This publication hits on some many different topics around education and the black child.
There is an article that I found to be very interesting on was called, When Standardized Test Miss The Mark A Personal Essay, by Ivory A Toldson PH.D.
Behind every statistic, there is a human spirit—a spirit
that is as fragile as it is resilient. In the U.S., Black and Hispanic students
carry the burden of scoring lower on essentially every known measure of
achievement or aptitude than Whites and Asians. These tests often serve as
gatekeepers to specialized schools, gifted classes and elite colleges—or, at
the opposite end of the spectrum, as determinants of special education, grade
repetition and emotional-support classes( Toldson, 2013). Focusing on this statement I think back on when I took these test and wonder how educated was I on the importance of these test and were they really important too me. I personally did not do well on any standardize test but I currently have my Bachelors, working on my Masters and own my own business. So is putting so much emphasis on these test really what makes our children, black or white.
I encourage everyone to download or order a hard copy of this publication you will not regret. Every article had true meaning. I felt after I read the entire publication that my insight on education, the black community and our youth has grown so much.
Toldson, Ph.D., Ivory A. . "When Standardized Tests Miss the Mark: A Personal Ess ay." Being Black is Not a Risk Factor Sep. 2013: 42-45. http://www.nbcdi.org. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.
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