DAMON CARR

Congratulations are in order for this year’s high school graduating class. Graduation from high school is a milestone in everyone’s life. This completes your general education from kindergarten in grade school to senior in high school. All of us who finished High School can recall the joy we experienced walking across the stage to receive our diploma. We remember the genuine friendships we developed and the teachers who taught and encouraged us. 

(BlackNews.com)--Wendy's, the third largest fastfood restaurant chain in the world, is being heavily criticized for the way they administer their scholarship program.

In a June 6 photo, a young man wears saggy pants on the Wildwood, N.J. boardwalk.  (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)
 
by Wayne Parry

WILDWOOD, N.J. (AP) — Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr. thinks he's found a way to put one of this Jersey shore resort town's problems behind it. Wildwood is ready to ban overly saggy pants, no ifs, ands or butts.

I KNOW THE ANSWER—Students raise their hands in response to speaker’s questions. (Photo by Nikki Denton)

The numbers are staggering and the reality is sobering. African-American males across the board still score below their counterparts in other racial and ethnic groups when it comes to graduation rates, literacy rates and college preparedness.  And many African-American men, in turn, are locked out of employment and are filling up the nation’s prisons in disproportionate numbers. But, when it comes to young, African-American boys, behind every statistic is a story.

The Mother to Son Program, of Small Seeds Development Inc., emphasizes a connection between early learning and the dropout rate.  Sometimes data does not tell the whole story, however Black males must step up and engaged to produce different academic and social outcomes. Many mothers bring their sons to MTSP because they do not want them to be turned off to education or get caught up in something they will regret later.  

Through the MTSP responsible men—not the mean streets—educate and affirm Black male youth. One weekend in April, 13 MTSP boys who demonstrate academic achievement (3.2 or above GPA), strong character, and leadership skills, traveled to State College, Pa., to visit the Penn State University campus. This was not a social field trip but one that introduced boys ages 12 to 15 to African-American men from four different cities who are excelling and come from similar backgrounds. The experience exposed the youth to a different environment and members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., who provided a grand tour including the Paul Robeson Cultural Center. They participated in workshops and an up-front conversation about the importance of education, leadership and personal development. Penn State juniors and seniors studying electrical engineering, business, information technology and animal science engaged the MTSP boys in discussions regarding academics and character development. Each youth had to write a one-page report about what they gained from the trip. One youth commented that he did not expect to see the many different cultures. Another said he learned about responsibility on the college level, and yet another youth commented that the trip confirmed that he has much more to do.

The boys were inspired by those they encountered on the trip. They witnessed how hard work, diligence and application can lead to success. They were also inspired by the life of Paul Robeson and Penn State alum astronaut Guion Bluford. This was a confidence builder and a chance for the boys to dream higher.
One 1967 Penn State School of Engineering alumni said he was impressed with the boys’ poise and communication skills. MTSP boys are not allowed to make excuses even if they are facing difficult barriers. Each MTSP journey and session is designed to build a supportive environment and foster positive outcomes.

Unfortunately, some of the brightest Black boys are dropping out to pursue a career in rhyme or crime. Many don’t have much hope for a future, but when given the right tools and guidance, who says single parent boys—or any boys—can’t excel?

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