Can I instill too much black pride?

Can I go too far in instilling black pride in my young black man? I knew he was just having some fun when at the end of school last year, he enlisted two of his friends to join him in the black power salute ala Tommy Smith at the 1968 Olympics as they lowered the school flag for the summer. But at a recent campfire, with an older African American boy present, I heard Jacob indicate that only black people could do something - not sure what the something was. Some of my early writings which can be found here discuss how we have attempted through various pathways to inject a sense of pride in being black for both of our children. Just wondering if I went too far with Jacob, though I am delighted that he is very comfortable being a young black man. I'm sure I didn't - it is interesting to see how those roots we planted 6,7,8 years ago are shooting into a strong sapling.

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What's Cooking?

Andria and I stumbled on to What's Cooking, a multi-cultural Thanksgiving Movie made in 2000 which stars among many Dennis Haysbert (I couldn't help but think of buying Allstate Insurance every time he spoke). Among the many things that struck me was the insistence of an African American Grandma on including Mac and Cheese in the holiday menu because it was traditional for their family. I realize whatever our menu for our children is will be their tradition, so I'm thinking of adding Mac and Cheese which wasn't traditional for Andria and I but might be a nice addition to our multicultural family Thanksgiving Dinner.

East Lansing parents of African American children

Dear Parents of African American children,

I hope that the school year is off to a good start for you and your children.  The Achievement Gap Project is now in its third year.  While data collection is still underway, the school district has moved forward with efforts to move from "the problem space" to "the solution space."  In that vein, one of the recommendations of the 18-month project report was for the district to develop a Task Force focused on maximizing the achievement potential of African American students and low-income students in the district.  In doing so, the achievement potential of all students will be maximized.  The Task Force is underway and working diligently.  There is a link on the District website for the Achievement Gap Task Force.  Please check it out!

My work as a consultant to the district continues as I assist with Task Force initiatives and continue collecting data for the district.  It is very important that student voices are captured and integrated into any initiatives related to the achievement gap.  Last spring, a survey was administered to all students at the high school about their schooling experiences.  This data is still being analyzed (there are approximately 800 surveys), but I suspect that results will illuminate some interesting themes about how students perceive their schooling experiences in the district and at the high school.  I plan to administer a similar survey in January to students at the middle school and possibly at Glencairn and Whitehills.

While I have given you a brief update on what's going on right now, I'd like to solicit your help with allowing your children to participate in student focus groups this year.  For many of you, I already have consent forms for your children to participate in focus groups.  If you need a consent form for your child, or you know a parent who does, please have them to contact me ASAP at dcarter@msu.edu.  It is very important that I interview African American students across achievement levels (low, average, high) to provide a robust perspective of the district).  I will be conducting initial student focus groups for this school year on the following dates.  Please email Carleen Cary at carleen.carey@gmail.com to sign your child(ren) up for one of the focus groups.  Please note the age groups for each date below.  All focus groups are being held on the Timberlane Campus (the district office) in Conference Room A.

Thursday, October 28th (grades 7-12)Thursday, November 11th (grades 7-12)Thursday, November 18th (grades 4-6)

-- Dorinda J. Carter Andrews, Ed.D.Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Teacher Education358 Erickson HallEast Lansing, MI 48824(517) 432-2070 (office)(517) 432-5092 (fax)

Why don't I look like you - Book Signing in Toledo

Time Saturday, November 6 · 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Location My Brother's Place Restuarant316 Adams St,

2nd Floor of Trinity Episcopal Church, Toledo,OH

Created By Kevin Hofmann

http://www.kevinhofmann.com/

More Info Three Adoptees/Authors(Rhonda Roorda, Ola Zuri, & Kevin Hofmann)

discuss their experiences with adoption, followed by a dessert reception, and book signing. 

Cost:$10.00 to benefit Adopt America NetworkFor Reservations,

contact Adopt America Network @ 1-800-246-1731

"I love my hair" and "I whip my hair back and forth"

Some great hair videos have surfaced recently.


















My six year old daughter's favorite is "I Love My Hair."

Would you like more crackers?

In celebration of my son's birthday, I'll share a slice of his humor. The other day we were at a restaurant and the waiter asked if we wanted more crackers. I said no, but, after he left, Jacob puts his arms around Andria and I and says, "I have all the Crackers I need."

There is certainly a debate in the African American community about the use of this word

Jacob and I think this young man is pretty remarkable despite that some people may argue that owning a word diffuses it original meaning.  What do you think?