Bringing Regularity to African American Children

President Obama says African American people having a stake in this country is normal, "regular."  Something we do not even talk about any more. Having a stake and taking advantage of the stake are not one in the same.

Dr. Emma Jones, Director of Maxine Mimms Academy - Seattle, says that being regular is all there really is.  When we are irregular we are suffering from disease.  I am privileged to regularly be in the presence of African Americans who are finding answers to the problems presented by African American children who are not regular, out of rhythm with their natural selves and out of sync with a forward moving society. Just as any child who has a critical ailment, African American children in the collective are best revived to their most healthy existence when the parent is involved in the cure and sustained care of the child. Parents for Student Success, a parent directed non profit in Seattle, has established an Academy for developing Parent Practitioners. These parents see the world of raising and getting the best education for their children through the world view of a parent. They are fully engaged partners with any and all who make decisions about their children. Without this level of engagement of parents of African American children, the children go lacking, some have actually died, from violence, suffer from extreme traumas, that are never healed, or they wander through life never getting to their best purpose or becoming contributors to the societal good.

Fortunately, the majority of African American parents, have a sort of genetic memory that despite exposure to what makes children not function to their fullest, can keep them well. Genetic memory is passed on through culture. There is no culture that is not steeped in survival and well being. Violence is not an African American culture, resisting oppression and seeking self sufficiency is very much a part of African American culture. Education is and has always been a major part of the African American culture. There is a legacy of 104 Historically established and sustained Colleges and Universities in the United States to support this. There are many family stories of learning in segregated schools being taught in church basements, even clandestine reading lessons during a time when southern states made it a crime to teach a slave to read. Fredrick Douglass, in his writings tells of hearing his master tell his wife that the reason for such a law was that it was not possible to enslave a person who is educated. He had been taught enough about reading to go on to continue to teach himself, and read every book in his master's library. He, freed himself, went north and was the first African American to receive a PhD from Harvard. The possible for greatness is inextricably linked to an education that frees the mind, thus the person. African American lead and guided universities throughout the southern and border states are clear examples of our ability to bring about equity and excellence for our African American children. Helping them become more regular. Students who were mediocre students in our school across the nation are accepted into these colleges and receive the rigor, and high expectations that has always been part of the African American view of education as a liberating tool. These children who were said to be failing or not teachable in schools created primarily for the well being of white children, do well when the education sees a value in them as contributors, not just consumers.

Failed children have for the past quarter century have been fodder for the economics of failed humanity. More money is placed in schools when the students are poor, not excelling and their families create new jobs for social service providers. These agencies for the parents, like the schools of the children are not administered to bring those served to full equity.  In fact the problem proposed to be solved is exacerbated by inept problem solving, administration, and implementation. The victim becomes the perpetrator. African American children are not learning, families are not feeding them, housing them, being engaged we need to put more money into the solution, and this is just too hard we need higher salaries.  The industry built around irregularity of black, brown and poor white children is a corporate levels. The former Community based organizations, are being swallowed up by mega organizations with corporate representation on the Boards of Director, and what were Directors from within communities are now replaced with Executive Directors, and the new practice is to give the title as that of corporate leaders; Chief Executive Director, and Chief Financial Officers. These are titles of huge industries.

Like the medical industry, there is little interest in getting patients well back to "regular" the drug industry finds its wealth in giving out pills that do not heal. They solve a problem, but does not solve "the" problem associated with many diseases, and irregularities of our bodies.

Back to the issue of African American children in Seattle, where I do the bulk of my work with parents, policy makers and educators, African American parents are becoming Practitioners and have called in specialists to bring about a healing for what plagues our children and their educational well being. Some of the procedures will appear to be radical to a more healthy observer, but as with what is life threatening, to not administer an extreme cure for an extreme life threatening illness might mean the death of the patient. An example is Saturday Math Academy and Early Morning Algebra. Parents asked Norman Alston a professional mathematician to teach their children. His methods are extreme, he teaches complex math to children as young as 6 years old, 8 year olds can identify a Unit Circle, which is calculus, and solve algebraic equations. They learn from this the elements of balance, and that algebra teaches equity.

African Americans do not discriminate or separate that these have been applied to us and our children. We were once separated based on our color and we know it is not natural. So when African Americans brought into being expanded math for our children it attracted others; The classes have Asian, white, hispanic, bilingual students and parents fully engaged with each other. We know that African American children are trend setters, what they think is cool, other children will follow. So it is in the best interest of all to create with African Americans trends of excellence, that comes from hard work and focused capacity building.

Africatown Education and Innovation Center is the recently established think tank and solution center for the education of African American children and the economic self sufficiency of their parents. Yes, African Americans like other families fall upon hard times. But when we are in charge of helping them out of these hard times and are funded to solve the problems, families do not have generational cycles of hardship. From the days following the emancipation of slaves, until the mid 1970's a century later, each generation of African Americans did better then the prior in the same or greater numbers than the general population.  Then, something happened and we have been sent on a path of failed policies, solutions, administration and implementations. Africatown, Parents for Student Success, Technology Access Foundation, Village Spirit, First Place, Fear No Number Math, Life Enrichment Institute, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, are all clear examples of what can occur when African Americans take their own lead. Each of these organized efforts work in sync with each other, and are growing to bring a healthier environment into being for our children. But the nature of the irregularity that our children and families are in requires capacity building to reverse the damage. So we work with whites and all people who can help us, there is no drawback in being help mates across all of the distinct populations.

I think that the regular President Obama speaks of is demonstrated in his campaigns and presidency. He is changing the image of America as a separatist nation to one where there is no majority or minority.  We need that lesson to come more quickly to Washington State in the education and well being of African American children, their families and all children who are not experiencing excellence. But to heal one and and leave very ill others living in the same environments, only leads to the infection of all, thus creating an epidemic.  This is being now reported by global media. The United States is now only mediocre in the education of our children.  Well what did we expect. You can not have the amount of failed education heaped that is heaped upon African Americans so firmly established that it has created spin off economies and think that all the children would not be likewise touched in a negative way.

Whites who have the primary control of policy making, the processes that lead to the passage of policies, and the management of funds meant to bring equity and excellence. Changing this will require radical moves and changes. Unfortunately, much of what occurs to create what is in place, is system based, not individually. So, we have people with the best intentions, themselves falling prey to the system in place to separate by race, class and national origin. So while some immigrant groups are absorbed within one generation into the USA society, other are forever referred to as refugees and immigrants, even after receiving citizenship. I grew up during the days of the "civil defense drills," the Russians were coming and they were are enemy. Yet, as immigrants and refugees, there was not one negative statement made against them. They are known to be much more violent and onerous in their gang activities in WA State but the system allows them the same respect that all whites get, their crimes are associated with the individual. African American crime is associated with the entire population and cast as our having a culture of violence.

New voices, added to new narratives can change the dynamics of what bring irregularity to African American children.  I ask all who got to the end of this to work with us who are Taking a Leap With African American Children. Jumping over obstacles, and being strategic in how we leverage our human and fiscal resources to get past what plagues our children, our families and our village. Much of the work will occur internally among ourselves, but the major work is external to what we have controlled for the past quarter century.  We must get back to schools and agencies being primarily centers of learning and capacity building. We watched them turn to what they are now, primarily economic centers. This does not detract for decent salaries, but accountability measures must be in place. Those who are not elevating African Americans should not be able to be funded year after year at the detriment of those the propose to be funded to educate and bring into self sufficiency.

Africatown Education and Innovation Center brought together a collaboration of African Americans and with little and no compensation in some areas, kept African Americans in daily high expectation environments. At the end of summer they out performed the children in every other summer program in Seattle. The Fashion Design class, kept students at design boards and sewing machines and resulting in a public fashion show, no less than any we see on television. The little preschoolers learned the languages of their peer, and were bilingual within two months. The parents were fully engaged and the teachers taught from love and determination. Those who devise, set policy and administer funds for the $237,000,000 Family and Eduction Levy showed little if any interest in these solutions and outcomes coming from within community and united the community. Where African Americans are funded they are rewarded for being in a silo.

So, we can and will bring about a more regulated life for African American children in Seattle and the nation. Our newly elected Mayor, Ed Murray has met with President Obama and other newly elected Mayors. He tells us that the issue of African Americans is a major part of the conversations he has had with these mayors. He has proclaimed an intent to make Seattle a model of ways a city can turn around downturns for African Americans. For this proclamation I applaud him, and commit to helping making this happen with support from the best of who we are aligned with our own action that will help him get us where we need to be.

Teaching Complex Math to Young Children

Take a look at this clip of the possible as demonstrated by Fear No Number Math and then read this blog entry.

Much of my time as a retired person is spent finding what works in getting African American childrne educated and excellent. I love applying influence, changing negative language and practices into ones that inspire and elevate.   I am much too young to be frail and too old to be foolish. I leverage this gift of time, and good health and well being to snatch away from those who do not have a kernel of interest in seeing African American children and their brown and poor peer groups educated for equity and excellence.

So I research, and I write and today this is what I researched and what inspires my writing.

What is sophisticated about Elementary Math?


This is a not so easy article to read unless you are a mathematician, curriculum specialist, educator, or someone who has not convinced themselves that learning the difficult is undesirable. I am going to digress as I sometimes do. When my husband was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, I was counseled by the wife of the late John Stanford. He was Seattle School Superintendent who had recently died of cancer. She told me I had to be the advocate, I had to learn difficult terminology, that I was to keep a journal and write down everything; the names of tests, the ingredients of the chemotherapy, the names of the many prescriptions.  She assured me that if the doctors could learn all of this so could I. It would keep me feeling in control.  It did and it did. And for us the outcome of my husbands illness was that the cancer went away and never came back.

But what I learned is that I could learn difficult things under difficult and stressful circumstances. African American children are intellectually ill, some are choking, others are comatose and on academic life support. When that happens you have to bring in a specialist, and parents have to learn difficult things. Failed education outcomes for African American children is an epidemic as dangerous and critical the public health as any flu or communicative disease. There are many specialists that are about the business of inoculating our children with complex solutions and parents are learning how to coach them through their therapies and how to discuss the situation with teachers, and most importantly how to keep them on good academic footing once they turn that corner and are able to stand up and be healthy.

Fear No Number Math is not like the snake oil that is being sold in the same abundance as any product on a late night infomercial.  And unfortunately, these gimmicks are being bought up with money that is go be used to elevate learning for African American children and other children who are now and for a very long time been underserved by public education.  I am in awe at the nonsensical solutions that abound for educating our children.  We need to do the difficult research and reading Professor Hung Hsi Wu is worth reading. Take your time, by the time you are through, you might be willing to help us get the children healed and up and working on a beneficial, and rigorous education pathway.

Another work that inspires greatness:

The book Radical Equations chronicles the work of Robert Moses the founder of the Algebra Project for African American brown and poor students.  This a review by Dr. Neal Kobitz, a UW Professor.  Early in his review he highlights this message by Moses:

"In today’s world, economic access and full citizenship depend crucially on math and science literacy. I believe that the absence of math literacy in urban and rural communities throughout this country is an issue as urgent as the lack of registered black voters in Mississippi was in 1961...[M]ath literacy—and algebra in particular—is the key to the future of disenfranchised communities. (p. 5)"


There are many elements of Mose's Algebra Project that is part of  Fear No Number Math which was created by Norman Alston a professional mathematician and gifted teacher.  Parents for Student Success has a close alignment in that we have helped to shape his thinking about the role that parents must play if his teaching is to be sustained.

Moses likewise saw parent and community involvement as important to his Algebra Project, and Kobitz highlights this;

"Moses comments that “the only ones who can really demand the kind of education they need and the kind of changes needed to get it are the students, their parents, and their community, which largely remains silent on issues like this” (p. 151). Thus, it is the job of a math literacy campaigner to organize these groups. And it is precisely in the South, where Moses and David Dennis had had the most experience tapping into the rich community structures, that the Algebra Project has had the most sustained impact."

We know this from 30 years of experience advocating for parents of children that those who overtook public education have catapulted to the bottom of the public education heap. A heap of expensive application of what does not work in the diverse society that the United States has become.

We figured out many things along the way to today. Yet, with all of what we know with all of our brilliance we act as if we do not know the answer to educating African American children. Well move over quacks, we are seeking and finding specialists who will do the radical surgeries and remove the disease of low self esteem, lack of purpose, and low expectations.

Family and Education Levy Funding Inequality.

This is a long one, but  then the trail to this level of arrogance demonstrated in these examples is long and consistent. Every week those who believe that we in South East Seattle and South King County are the colony of Downtown, North Seattle and East King County give me so much to write about and our young people to organize against.


This week I am both disgusted and inspired the inspiration comes from each day spending time with incredible people who are brilliant and unapologetic in their activism. They are those committed to keeping alive the flame of resistance to oppression.  I applaud Jessie Hagopian a Garfield H.S. teacher who said NO!!!.  There of course will be a price paid, but they will not kill him. I just watch the documentary on the Abolitionists, I went to see La Miserables those young people were killed, and I lived through the Civil Rights and Antiapartheid Movements our young people were murdered.
But, they never still the voices and commitment of all.  And we have new leadership in the White House and he tells us to organize where we are in our own communities. And that is where oppression will be stopped or at least diverted. My age and experience and continued activism makes me believe greed and inequality will always find a way to live among us. But likewise this same experience makes me know there will always arise a resistance to oppression.

I am using this blog to write of the ways that Mayor Mike McGinn and his Seattle Education Team is managing the Family and Education Levy Funds ($231, 500,00)  that Seattle property owners voted for. I know the goodness of the majority of the people in Seattle and I know they voted for to double the levy because they truly want African American children off the bottom of the Education meltdown. And they want the gap that is sinking the entire school district closed.  What I write about today, is not unique, it an insidious problem that has rendered South East Seattle and South King County "Colonies" of Downtown and North Seattle and East King County.

This is what they said:

• 2011 Levy took lessons from 2004 Levy by proposing integrated funding from early learning through elementary, middle and high school allowing for investments that are adjusted for the needs and characteristics of individual schools and their students. 

This is what they are doing


I own three properties in Seattle and thus have as much right as any to be incensed by what I seeing and hearing from too many people.  Seattle is in its dealings with brown, black and poor people. Especially, African Americans is not living up to what they promised the voters.

These funds are suppose to close the achievement gap. African American K-12 students are at the bottom of the achievement outcomes as reported by OSPI. Here is the report for  math outcomes for 4th Grade Black Students in Washington 60 % did not meet standard and 40% were well below standard. Don't take my word for it was easy to just go to the online data that OSPI supplies. This is just one grade but an important one. When African American children do not meet grade standard by 4th grade researchers tell us those who fund for Department of Corrections starts preparing for their arrival in 10 years and before. We can beat them at their game but it takes paying attention and not getting too much sleep.

SEATTLE REPORT CARD FOR BLACK STUDENTS - 4th grade

Math - Grade 4

Number Percent Meeting Standard 234 36.3% Level 4 (exceeds standard) 71 11.0% Level 3 (met standard) 159 24.7% Basic (met standard) 4 0.6% Not Meeting Standard 411 63.7% Level 2 (below standard) 117 18.1% Level 1 (well below standard) 290 45.0% No Score 4 0.6% Unexcused Absence, Refusal 1 0.2% Other* 3 0.5% Total 645 100% Meeting Standard excluding No Score

Outcomes for all Seattle 4th Graders is 33% below Standard


Please Take a look at these two short videos. A picture is worth a thousand words and we have thousands of feet of footage showing excellence in African American teacher and Teaching Assistants, African American children learning, and parents and community engaged.

It is important for you to see the excellence of the African American response to the above rate of failure after billions of dollars in the name of black, brown and poor children has been poured into bank accounts of those living outside of our reality.  African Americans have been kept on the perimeter of the education industry, school reform movement and management of education funding. Not pointing fingers, but we try really hard and have some excellent solutions. We have known but now we have proof that processes in place are used against us and there is no intent to give us our children's money that is appropriated for the elevation of their learning.

Fear No Number Math Trailer

Fear No Number Saturday Math Academy

Fear No Number Math conceived by an African American male base on the research of Dr. Robert Moses (Radical Equations) a proven method for elevating the math outcomes for African Americans and all thus all young children.

Mr. Alston received not one but three rejection letters; the original submission received a rejection letter that stated no experience, and insufficient data. Okay, so we appealed.  Another reject letter. And in case he thought that they did understand that No is No, they sent a reject letter for summer academic learning.  He is not the only one. In a recent meeting with SE Seattle Principals of schools with the highest numbers of low income students three likewise received reject letters. Hearing this and seeing what the collective impact of these rejections indicated, I decided we needed to do some research. At the end you will see where the outcome of my research and viewing a PBS documentary takes my thinking.

In nature there is always a Ying and Yang, and the rejection from Mayor McGinn got the attention of not one but two professional mathematicians, offers of support for fund raising, and we are going to have Elders in Residence call forth the children from the rejected and the accepted teachers to perform for the community what they have learned. We want our children performing math in the same way they are coached to perform sports and sing and dance know the channel of television shows, and other things they need to know to be well balanced.

I do not think that Pi Plus and Explorations in Math will be able to bring a team as well prepared to understand and solved complex algebraic problems. I bet they will not know how to explain or even know what the Unit Circle is. Our parents are being taught to be math coaches for their own children how else would you sustain and apply learning for  populations that are very transient. They rent, therefore they move from school to school. We have children whose uncles and grandfathers, and both parents who are divorced and not speaking to each other supporting their children in Fear No Number Math. This comes from intentionality that comes forth when others say you are not good enough. That is what I heard. We can not find a better mathematician able to teach young children to love math than Norman Alston. We brought him back from the Eastside where he was teaching the children of Microsoft, technology industry and professional sports families. He took a cut in pay to do this for children he thinks deserves excellence and a chance to compete.  And this is what the Mayor's process found lacking. Well the student always wins when the parents are in place and determined. And parents who never showed up at an organized parent meeting, sit with their children for two hours on Saturday Mornings and gets up an hour early to get their children for before school math.  A model told to us by Pres. Obama he says that when he was in elementary school his "single" mom would get him up early before she went to work to study and when he complained, she told him "this is no picnic for me either buddy."  Also when asked about poor families, he told the interviewer, a poor parent can turn off a television. It is this level of respect for poor parents we interject into Fear No Number Math.  

I always respect people's time so If this is too long please bookmark it and come back and finish reading to the end. The research and summary is important and revealing. We know that there is inequity, but these are two perfect programs one rejected and the other accepted to prove it.

I am trying hard to lead us right to what is  being done to our children money voted for black, brown and poor children and why they are failing.

The City of Seattle published the list of who did get funded in December 2012 for Family and Education Levy Funds. This organization located outside of African American community in Mulkiteo; Pi Tutors was approved.  Remember what you saw in the Fear No Number Math video with brown, black and poor parents and community engaged, involved and sitting right next to their children. Now see what this organization says about their experience with parents.

1. "What are the challenges and barriers these students face and how do you address them? A few challenges and barriers for low-income and at-risk students are: Lack of family support and engagement, inconsistencies and frequent transitions, unstable home life, limited access to basic resources, difficulty focusing in school due to outside stressors, unreliable transportation, low self-esteem, as well as lower test scores or grades in class. Pi Plus Tutors has experience assisting students academically, serving as a family advocate to provide support and resources, and providing parent/guardian involvement opportunities and training."  (excerpt from PI Plus Tutors)
   
   Now let's look at what the say about who they serve and connect with and yet they hire only white women. The organizations used to get a accepted to receive Seattle Funds (though they are in Mukilteo) is stating a history of partnering with organizations serving primarily non white, non privileged children with high numbers of African and African Americans. We know these organizations well.
   
   
   Pi Plus Tutors has a strong history of community involvement and partnerships. The company has partnered with several local community organizations with the intention of working together to improve the education and lives of the students involved. Some past partners have included: The Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, Rainier Community Center, Yesler Community Center, Associated Recreation Council, Children of the Valley, and several low-income housing communities across the state. 
   
   Now look what they say about their staff. Remember they say they have a history of working in minority communities. This is the same answer that Mitt Romney gave in his "binders of woman" answer during the debates. Except they have white women so I guess this answer means they will compile binders filled with minorities. 
   "Section Four: Women and Minority Inclusion
   
   1. It is likely that Pi Plus will have to hire additional employees to support this program? Pi Plus Tutors is committed to diversity and hiring candidates who come from a variety of backgrounds, whether cultural, race, creed or gender. Pi Plus always encourages diverse candidates to apply for a position with the organization. The city of Seattle is very diverse already, so finding diverse candidates is not a huge challenge. Some ways that the company can build and sustain a diverse candidate pool is to say on the application “diverse candidates encouraged to apply” or post a job opening on diversity-specific websites. Most of the company’s employees (both tutors and management) are women, due to a higher number of female educators." (excerpt from Pi Plus Tutors application)  
   
   This is an insult to the children and families who Seattle Voters agreed to have their properties taxed to shrink the gap. They say they already have a history in the communities with large numbers of black, brown and poor children and families. Well from what we have seen in outcomes whatever they are doing has not made a significant difference. They have not inspired families in ways that makes their methods sustainable, and they have used their public funding in the past to hire only white women. All public funds assume diverse hiring. If they did not hire during their "history of being in our community" and it is "not a huge challenge."  Then why did they not meet this not huge challenge?  Why would we trust them with our money or our children?
   
   (To be continued) 

WA's Emerged and Emerging African Americans

Marselas Owens (of Seattle)  and President Obama
Signing the Health Care Bill

Keeping informed and informing others is a key part of who I am and what serves me well. I like connecting people who are on the say path and enjoy seeing new things emerge from these new relationships.

As an Elder in our "Village" I get to meet, know and partner with incredible African Americans. Most are  much younger than I am.  They keep me wanting to get up get dressed and go see what they are accomplishing today. They keep me updated on their ideas, inspire me to come up with new and relevant ideas. I have learned from them the value of new technologies. Dr. Maxine Mimms taught me that this is the key to staying emotionally, and physically healthy and adding more and more years to my life. This is what African Americans have been doing for many centuries, getting up, accomplishing and sharing. She models this well as the Professor for Critical Community Conversations at the Life Enrichment Bookstore and Learning Center in Columbia City, Seattle the third Friday of each month. It is so refreshing to see the number of inspired African Americans of all ages gather around our Elder of Distinction and share with her and each other the many positive aspects of their lives and of being African American.

When here as a surrogate for President Barack Obama, Newark Mayor, Corey Booker gave this instruction: Move from sedentary agitation to unapologetic activism.  There are many emerged and emerging leaders among us in WA State, who are doing just that. They are not waiting for someone to pay them or give them a huge grant, or give them permission. They cover a myriad of skills, and areas needing unapologetic leadership to move our children and families from mediocrity to greatness. It is a formula that keeps African Americans alive and well in America.

Marcelas Owens My hero. He is one of the most familiar young faces associated with Pres. Obama. He stood next to Mr. President when he signed the Health Care bill. His mother,Tiffany, a dynamic advocate for health care, died at the age of 27, and lacked the kind of medical care this bill now guarantees to all. Marcelas,is a First Place alum and now at Madrona K-8 in Seattle was 11 years old, and chose to pick up where she left off.
Khadijah Toms, Danielle Jackson and Mia Franklin are fireball advocates for children and adults living with disabilities, their expertise comes from raising children with very challenging disabilities and I depend on them for their knowledge and activism. Getting more paid and support services for African American families is needed at every level, early services, school, and state Developmental Disabilities. They know the systems.

Cheryl Milton stepped up and into a vacuum that has elevated her life and knowledge and that of homeless children needing a teacher who loves and knows how to teach science and math. 

Norman Alston I can not say enough about him, his Fear No Number Math is making a difference and changing the culture of so many brown, black and poor children. He has grown into his brilliance.

Yalonda Masundire had a vision and no funds, but like all successful did not let that stop her. Go with your inspired self and the resources will find you. She brought to children in Rainier Beach an academic camp with certified teachers that reflected their cultures. 

Delbert Richardson His American Museum because of its content and message may never get the funding it needs. He educates about the sustained part of American history we know as slavery and Jim Crow. How can such a long period of our history get only one chapter in our history lesson. 

Life Enrichment Books and Learning Center Team - When the owner threatened to reclaim his property, this team of young folks stepped up to the challenge and held a fund raiser, and put together a strategic plan. While other independent and even corporate bookstores are closing its doors, our young folks decided to expand the bookstore into an African American learning center the only African American bookstore in Pacific Northwest.  Please get on the mailing list and stay informed. and this leads to another young person

Mayor Marilyn Strickland She is the Mayor of Tacoma and makes us all proud whether we live in Tacoma or not. She is guiding this city to a renewal that is making it a gem in Washington's crown. 

Rev. Paul Smoot up in Everett is ever present when it comes to being a voice for African American students. He runs a school where he is producing children who know they are scholars as young as three years old. 

Kamilah Abdul-Alim and Nicole Burns this 2nd and 3rd grade teaching duo are two educators to behold. Watching them teach is like watching a painter paint a lovely picture. They are just naturals and they take pride in each of their children. Their doors are always open to visitors and they helped me to formulate the Elders in Residence Project. Both have retired community members helping them assure that every child can read.  
Bernard Bennett and his brothers The number of black owned media is down to a number we can count using our fingers. With such a small African American population along the I-5 corridor it is a miracle that this family owned media a radio station and newspaper is still on everyday and we can count on news important to African Americans to be printed every week. We know Chris Bennett the Elder, but many do not know his sons have stepped up to keep this business going against all odds. 

Salah Mason When he was so much younger than he is today, I put him with a professor at the UW Business school could he make a businessman out of an artist. The answer after a small amount of time counseling him was "I do not think so."  It is not easy to teach business to African Americans in the ways that it is taught to white students. So I applaud him for his international business Kinfolk Design Studio, Bar, Restaurant, clothing and Bicycle Co.in Brooklyn and Tokyo Japan.
Roz Jenkins I have just this year gotten work more closely with Roz. She chairs the African American Education Roundtable and will not stop until education is equitable and excellent and the achievement gap is closed. She fights for our right to have a voice when decisions are made about our children. She will guide us through the education agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
Rita Green and Lina Brown It is refreshing to not have to worry about a problem because someone says "I got this." and means it. Well these two young women have Rainier Beach High School. And they are doing a great job of assuring that it does become a Baccalaureate High School and that African Americans are enrolled. Lina was recently honored at the White House for her volunteerism. 

Erica Newman She has been part of my support system that makes me able function as an Elder in our Village. She has been that for others also as she learns the ways of being a leader. She is willing to volunteer and do the work that is necessary for learning to lead and be heard. She is parenting a young child who will likewise grow to make us proud.
Nafisa Mussa She is the go to person in the Somalian Community. She came to America and grew into her purpose in this foreign place. She is everywhere, and is a great voice for both African born and African Americans. She is clear about the need for inclusion at every level of involvement of black people. 

Darryl Smith, he is our Deputy Mayor. He is a bit quiet but he has a big job and is doing it well. He listens. That is the best you can ask of any who is in politics, listen. And when a person in a leadership role listens to the many voices, it shows up in their accomplishments. 

Akua Kariamu a gifted and exceptional musician and teacher. She plays a violin like no other, and combined with her spoken word that comes from a soul so deep you can get lost in her. I told her that if I spoke a more natural language with the words and phrases that speak to brilliance I could describe her so much better. She smiled.
Sabrena Burr She is a parent and our African American voice for children and parents on the State PTSA Board. She is a legislative policy representative. Understanding education policy, the legislature and how their decisions impact our children's education is important. I partner with her at South Shore K-8 and she a key player in getting the Math Academy established. 

Dawn Bennett - We call her "Little Dawn" she is a dynamo as an organizer, a voice and advocate for the education of African American children. When she enters a room all know that Dawn has arrived. She showcases not only a we will prevail spirit but a head of some of the most beautiful locs in the region.

Dr.Quinton Morris  Is the Founder of the Young Eight String Octet, a professor and  Director of Chamber Music and Fine Arts at Seattle U. This year he performed a violin solo at Carnegie Hall, the ultimate for any musician. His is committed to introducing classical music to our children.

Keisha Scarlett This dynamo of a principal (South Shore K-8 in Seattle) is clearly on a trajectory to one day be Superintendent of one of Washington's School Districts. She is making not a difference but the difference that principals can make for children others say can not be brought to academic excellence. 4th and 5th graders doing Algebra early mornings before school even begins, yes! Math Academy on Saturdays Yes! Parents and community engaged, yes!

Council Member Victoria Woodards Besides being on Tacoma City Council she is dedicated  to reviving the Tacoma Urban League as its CEO. She came up through the ranks both in the military and and under the tutelage of Harold Moss another of our Washington Elders of Distinction. We spent time together on a panel for the AKA National Convention. 

Gary and Deborah Boune - they are transplants from Detroit and a welcome addition as small business owners. They own B2Fine Art Gallery in Tacoma. African Americans they teach that we must learn to purchase fine art as an investment and for the pleasure of owning nice art pieces for their homes.
Erin Jones Now if you have not met this woman, you have missed a treat. She recently left the Supt. of Public Instruction Office where she was Deputy Superintendent, and is now the Director of Diversity and Achievement at Federal Way Schools. I always smile when I think of Erin, her energy and passion for education is contagious. 

Dian Ferguson  I love Dian, smart, organized, focused and one of the best people to know when you want to get something done. She is a strategic advisor to the FAME Community Center.  She is also guiding the CAYA team back into full blown business. Last year she ran for City Council and kept in the debate issues important to African Americans and others like us who are too often overlooked or taken for granted. 

CAYA Team (Joe Stanton, JJ Wilkerson and Michael Ellis) they are the team breathing new life into CAYA. We do not have an organization in Seattle that has in its mission statement that they exist for African American youth. Our children are always sharing mission statement with others or linked in as at risk. Michael Preston, directed CAYA for years as a place known for producing African American scholars and winners.
Dr. Tamara Lewis I just met her but she is surely worthy of being on this list. She is a Naturpathic Physician, a Bastyr U. graduate. She practiced in NYC before returning to Seattle to set up practice. She has recently published a children's book HERBS ABC's it will be available on Amazon.com and Bastyr Book Store. Another must for our children and support for our sister. 

This is not an exhaustive list and I could have doubled it. There is so much great leadership among African Americans along the I-5 Corridor who are brilliant and creative and give so much compensated and uncompensated,  to make life in the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area one of the best regions in the nation who are not on this list. Let me know and I will surely make sure you are on the next one. 

I will be writing soon about the upcoming legislative session and encouraging every African American young and old to make it point to email, or testify or call Olympia to let them know that Yes, we are coming to collect on our votes. 

As always I want to hear about what you are doing. Leave a comment or email me. 

November is National Epilepsy Month

Aaje at 13 years old

For Aaje and Qimmah

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month and I dedicate this blog entry to my goddaughter Qimmah and her daughter Aaje.  Aaje is 15 years old and lives with epilepsy in Seattle WA.

President Barack Obama's chief campaign strategist, David Axelrod is a parent who knows what epilepsy does to the life and family of a child with epilepsy. His wife, Susan,  Chairs  Citizens United for Research into the Causes and Cure for Epilepsy CURE. They asked for personal stories. I read many of those written by parents each with both similar and unique experiences. I thought, parents of children living with with epilepsy are extremely modest in the ways epilepsy impacts a family. So I am writing from my observations as Auntie Dawn, a member of Aaje and her mother Qimmah's support team.

Becoming Auntie Dawn
Being Aaje's "Auntie Dawn" is  complicated but brings with it gifts. It is a relationship like no other it goes beyond usual relationships. I am godmother to Qimmah, which makes me grandgodmom to her children. My best friend Beverly, died of breast cancer in 2004 and a long time pact was that in such an eventuality, we would step in as surrogate mothers. She left me with instructions for each of her children and for Qimmah it was that I must assure she always has the support she needs to take care of Aaje who besides epilepsy, she has Autism and underdeveloped cognition. Aaje will need the daily care of her mother for her entire life.

Becoming Aaje
Aaje was a normal birth her first three years of checkups placed her above average on the growth charts  including language and cognitions. Two weeks after she blew out her three birthday candles, she suffered her first cluster of seizures, they were often and violent. That was 12 years and too many seizure episodes, medications, scans, MRIs, neurological evaluations, assessments, education planning conferences, therapies, hospital stays and tantrums to count. Entering the teenage years have added piled on her the many issues associated with puberty. She struggles with these changes that she does not understand. After having moved with her family to another state, her mother overwhelmed by her needs returned home to Seattle. She is learning to be with her extended family, she can be as rude and non compliant but within the realm of her damaged neurological functioning is a bright and loving child.

Being Mom
Aaje's mom is an incredible and knowlegeable caregiver, in ways that go beyond just being a caring mom. She is an expert on caring for a child with special needs. A child with epilepsy that is complicated by Autism and compromised cognitive skills.  As her sole parent, she is the expert. The professional experts do not know what causes epilepsy nor what can cure it and they are just coming into higher knowledge of Autism.  How epilepsy affects her development is not known.  Each person living with epilepsy has their unique story and parents know the frustrations associated with epilepsy.  There is the never knowing when the next seizure will occur, or how long it will last.  What they do know is the cost of the hundreds of medical consultations, the prescriptions that did not work or did work for awhile and now there are increasing break throughs. Qimmah knows well the fear of those who do not understand epilepsy, she knows that she can count on half a hand the people who she can leave Aaje with. She knows the questions and suspicion when arriving in the  emergency room a child bloodied and bruised from a fall during a seizure when you were busy taking care of her siblings.

I watch with admiration this young mother who presents like a student of neurology, pharmacology, education and psychology? She is an expert in what works and what does not work in our medical care and education systems. She knows what happens when professionals do not hear her, or discount her observations.  How does this  young and now single mom take care of her own natural need for friendships, a social life and career?  Well like most parents, not very well.  When there is a child with a disabling disease in a family, breaks in relationships are  extremely high. So I admire Qimmah as she manages the education of her 8 year old son who is very bright and cares for her 1 year old son who is now walking and into everything. Though she has applied for every service that should be available to her family, they are not readily forthcoming.

Aaje and Qimmah

Becoming Poor
For Aaje's mom there is no compensated and trained respite care available due to government budget cuts and shortfalls.  So she had to give up an enjoyed and lucrative career. When other young people are going to social events, she is sitting in hospital rooms and doctor offices or merely caring for daughter who is totally dependent on her. She and her family had to learn to be poor.  Which means she had to learn the systems associated with being poor. In friendships there is an expected give and take, when so much of who you are is going to a child who needs your constant attention there really is not much to contribute to close relationships.  Time away from the job for unscheduled seizure activity does not coincide well with a workplace project timeline.

Everything is Pre-Existing
Qimmah manages Aaje's multiple appointments associated with the first diagnosis of Epilepsy when she was 3 years old. She was traumatized as she watched  her bright and active child began to show signs of cognitive delays. The diagnosis for Autism the Special Education designation and Individual Education Plans(IEP) and the expectation that it be managed by her, the parent.  Though all of this is extremely complex and difficult,  mom is a proficient and wonderful Chief Advocate and Manager for Aaje's epilepsy and the complexity of her multiple diagnosis. I consider what it was like  being a mother with a husband to teenagers.  Add epilepsy and not knowing when not only a behavioral tantrum is on the horizon but a cluster of seizures just might occur when least expected and they are always least expected. The already difficult teen years for Aaje is exacerbated by increased seizures and behavioral episodes associated with her Autism and marginally her menstrual cycle.  She and all who have epilepsy diagnosis are perfect for knowing the need for Obamacare, everything about Aaje's current medical history is "pre-existing." And mom, despite her college education and having a marketable skill, is poor and might be poor for a very long time.

Families of children with epilepsy or any or multiple special needs need human support systems. They need government systems that do not add to already overwhelmed lives. Siblings need attention and to be cared for. When someone needs to be with Aaje when she is hospitalized. Going with mom to the IEP conferences means she does not have to be alone with a team made up of several education, health and legal professionals. It is someone to hand her a tissue. And as her surrogate mom, me there is is the occasional saying to her what she already knows. "You can do this. You have to do this. Who else will do this better for your daughter?" An then being a shoulder to cry on.

Aaje and Auntie Dawn

I wish I could bring this story to some conclusive end but without a cure for epilepsy there is no end. There will always be conscious and unconscious listening for the "thud."  The counting the seconds, because if the seconds goes into minutes then the next steps of the response goes into play. There is the not knowing if this is one seizure event or the beginning of a cluster of seizures. Epilepsy robs Aaje and her mom and siblings of knowing what a day or week will bring. She will grow beyond her teen years, but epilepsy, her need for care and a dependable support team will be with her for life.

Those who can please make a donation to CURE. And then decide to be on a support team for an adult or child living with epilepsy or any special need. For me, of all of my titles, being "Auntie Dawn" is very satisfying.

There is Plenty to Say for Expectation

I tutor a 2nd grade boy in the home of his Somalian family of 5 children.  They are Muslims and though I know many Somalian parents and Muslims,  I had never been in their home. I  understand the value of visiting people where they live and allowing them to visit you at your home. It is the best way to form cross cultural understanding, respect and relationships. Culture is important, it supersedes race in human experience. 

Being in their home has helped me be a better tutor to their son. To learn their expectations for him.  During one of the tutoring sessions, their daughters and two other young girls were studying and reciting Quran in Arabic. Arabic is a difficult language, and not the primary language of Somalians, nor the language of their schooling.  It was a privilege to observe 5 girls between the ages 7 - 13 under the instruction of a young woman no older than 20 years. Any who understands how children learn, could observe in the parent and the young teacher that these girls would learn their Arabic and Quran lessons. There was no talk of can't or “special education” or learning disabilities.   

I immediately transferred this expectation to the young son, who has an IEP and learning challenges. I have spent time in Kenyan schools and clearly understand the ability for poor children and all children to learn well beyond what our children learn in the USA.  I know his parents, culturally,  do not and can not accept that their son will not learn to be an excellent reader of English.  It will just take more time on task and patience. 

Knowing this me and my young student are focused on this expectation. he reads, he write, he questions, I challenge him.  When pencil and paper and book learning is done, he gets to practice on the IPad, a great motivator.  The family is not asking me to teach him Arabic, I do not know how to read or speak Arabic but I do know English and if that young woman in the next room can teach 5 girls how to speak and read Arabic, I surely can teach their brother how to read and write English with a high proficiency and I will. 

I will comment on our progress as it occurs. 

The Status Quo hurts Poor, Black and Brown Students

In Support of I-1240 - Public Charter Schools

Eliminating One Status Quo
I put my name and the trust many have in me behind public charter schools. I have supported alternatives to traditional education for many years. After all my B.A. Degree is from Evergreen State College, my Masters in Education was obtained at Antioch University and my Ph.D was honorarily conferred in Nairobi Kenya by the Institute for Cultural Reconnection. All are non traditional but excellent higher education choices.

I have learned many things along the way to being an Elder. (Elders are not just old, they are also learned and wise in the ways that the people need them to be. They care about the entire village, and when entering a place they traditionally ask "How are the children."  Our poor, black and brown children are not as well educationally as they should and could be. 

After 25 years of paying close attention to public education, doing research on parent and community involvement, and raising three children in Seattle, I know that the status quo has not allow African American, Hispanic, Native American, immigrant, and poor children to attain an eduction that brings equity.

Policy makers do not listen to solutions that come from within the communities of these children, they do not listen to teachers, parents education specialists. This is a reality that makes public charters attractive as a choice.  

The Other Status Quo
If I-1240 is passes public funds will follow students whose parents enroll them into a public charter school. And we know there will be many who will be immediately interested in our children. It is called follow the money. 

In about 1991, just before launching my first campaign to become a WA State Representative, a blue ribbon panel was selected to establish school reform. This Blue Ribbon Panel was comprised of those who represented corporate interests. Kerry Killinger, the CEO of the now failed Washington Mutual Bank was the Chair.

The Governor, sent a message to parents gathered from all over the region that parents would not be placed on the commission and would be polled later. Since that time more than 20 years ago, much has occurred. Most significantly, there has been a substantial growth in private school enrollment and in the achievement gap between privileged and low income school age children. And this gap has created an new economy we call the "failure industry."  The many well paying jobs allows many to earn the tuition that keeps their children out of public schools or pay for academic enhancements.

This is a status quo that voting in public charters will correct, in fact if not monitored it will only grow and charters will be just another out for those who are most capable of competing for limited but good choices for their children. 

Gov. Gregoire Again Misses Opportunity to be Diverse

Governor Chris Gregoire throughout her life has had a problem including African Americans in her rise to lead the State of WA. Even as she prepares to leave the Governor's office she has not done much to improve this problem with African Americans and other non white Washingtonians. Most recently she had the task of appointing three members to the Education Funding Task Force called for by the Legislators. Gov. Gregoire was to pick three members.  The make of the legislature leaves few people of color to choose from due to the small number of non whites currently elected to this body of policy makers. There are several policy advisories that call upon legislators to participate and the few minorities can not serve on all of them. But this is where the Governor has opportunity to make appointments that represent more fully the population and talent within the State of WA. Again, this time she failed. Just a year ago, In the August, 28 2011Seattle Times they reported on her lack of diversity among those hired to advise her.  And,  exactly 7 years prior on August 28, 2004 the same media source reported during her first campaign about her anger when it was revealed she was in 1966,  President of a UW that banned non white and non christian women to join. This did not change during her Presidency.  That is beyond us and her, but her selection of those close to her or selected to advise her as Governor is not.

This is a message I sent to her today after seeing that again she overlooked an opportunity in making her appointments to the Education Funding Task Force. I voted for her in 2008 assuming that time and experience allows growth and wisdom.


August 13, 2012  

Dear Gov. Gregoire,

I was thinking of letting this pass but it is such a clear example of your missing opportunities to be inclusive of our entire state population who elected you.  Being African American, I know that we have been slighted often during your time as our state leader.

Your Education Funding Task Force is without representation from our community. The solutions made by others to pull our children from the bottom of the education heap have failed miserably. Choosing solutions from those who are closest to you without expectation of credible outcomes for our students is a pitiful effort at the least.

The Task Force required State Legislators, as for African Americans and other groups you had no control in that Rep. Eric  Pettigrew being the only African American State Representative can not spread himself across every state problem. So this is where you could have filled the gap but you used your appointing authority to chose three whites. Jeff Vincent, Mary Lindquist and Susan Enfield.  There are within our state African Americans with recent school leadership experience in James Dupree living in Kent WA. And as to financial background there is Mary Pugh of Mary Pugh Capital which like Jeff Vincent manages multiple billions of dollars in assets, and there are many African American and non white teachers in leadership roles. This was your call to make. And as reported by the Seattle Times August 28, 2011 edition you continue to turn a blind eye to opportunity for diversity.  This is an example even after having it pointed out to the public in this article.

I am sharing this with the the two contenders vying to replace you with the hopes that they can promise a more diverse leadership for Washington State. In Seattle non white students are the majority of our school students. I am sure the significance of non white students reigns in other school districts in this state.

As the top Democrat in our state, you have not done a good job of leading our state toward a more diverse and thus creative place to live. Also under you leadership we have have dropped off of the list of good states to live in despite our leadership in many industries. Inclusion in the end results is always the best practice.  

Signed,

Dawn Mason
Former WA State Representative

The Mary Pugh  mentioned in this letter to her is African American with a financial business as successful as that of Jeff Vincent.   James Dupree is retired and lives in WA State, despite a less than supportive Monroe School Board this is what community and professionals who worked with him and lived in community said about him,  "...solid financial management, improved test scores and more certified teachers in the classroom mean Dupree has earned a chance to continue to continue the work he began four  years ago when he became superintendent."

I am not saying these are the ones that she should have chosen I am just using them to make the point that when looking for the kind of experience that guides fiscal and social policy there is a large pool of competence within the diverse make up of Washington State.

It would be disappointing to me and others if Gov. Gregoire sees my concerns and comments as anything but those of a concerned resident of WA. I have served as a State Representative from the most diverse district in WA, so giving voice to a diverse constituency is always foremost in my thinking and being.  And a leopard does not change its spots. It appears that Gov. Gregoire has not changed hers and surely I have not changed mine.  I love living and working with people that look, think and live differently, yet want the same thing as I and that is opportunity and equity.

Parents of Color Need Information about Charter Schools

Parents of students at the Martin Luther King Saturday School in Moses Lake, WA. It is an education and culture enrichment program, founded by Maryamu and Leon Givens (former First Place teacher and counselor) demonstrate the ability of African American parents and community to be involved in their children's academic and cultural enrichment. 

Getting information to parents and communities of color for Initiative 1240 which when passed will enable the creation of 40 public charter schools in Washington state. Public charter schools are created as public schools open to all children and focuses on  teaching practices that equalizes academic success for children who have lingered at the bottom rungs of academic outcomes. 

What will it take to bring the supporters of charter schools together with African, Asian and Latino Americans? How will they learn all of the elements of a public charter education for their children? It will require intent and purpose on the part of those who believe we should want them. I have been speaking to this for many years and know that voters would vote for public charter schools as a choice, if those who craft the initiatives and legislation include them in the discussions. This can not be done through talking to a few people in any community, black,  brown, white or poor.  There are many questions about public charters that need and deserve to be answered. Our communities need to know the elements of what makes a public school a charter school. They need to know why it is a choice that needs to exist for parents, teachers and students. 

If parents and communities are engaged with getting this initiative from the people I1240 on the ballot and passed, they will be ready to engage in getting a public charter school in their community.  I know of several teachers who are ready to teach, parents ready to enroll their children, children ready have a different education experience, and communities ready to support public charters. Every neighborhood, will not have a public charter school only 40 over the course of 5 years will be created. 

Getting parents and communities engaged during the campaign to pass this initiative will strengthen the movement and bring along with us, the parents of the children who public charter schools were really created to serve. There is something right about changing the status quo of public education, and it is time for this right thing to move forward. It is not the answer to the our entire public education system but it is a choice. When other choices are created that bring equity and excellence to all children and elevate African American children I will likewise work to make it a reality.

Robin Lake and Betheny Gross at the Center for Recreating Public Education at the University of Washington,   edit a report on Charter Schools,  Hopes, Fears, and Reality they support my concerns and those who live, learn and teach in communities with high enrollment of poor, brown, and black students. in Chapter 7, Paul Teske authors Creating Savvy choosers: Informing Families on School Choice. Even with all of the best intentions the lack of informed parents and community detracts;

"...however, none of these advantages can play out if parents do not exercise choice or if they make their decisions based on limited or poor information. Unfortunately, low-income and language-minority families tend to fall behind affluent families in their knowledge of and access to school choices. Low-income families especially face more of a burden when choice systems do not provide free transportation to schools."

Chapter 7, continues with the concern of lack of access to information; 

"Even when low-income parents are aware of choice, some of the parents may lack the political efficacy to exercise their options. these parents may be concerned that they will not be able to effectively navigate the bureaucratic system, or they may be concerned that the system is rigged against them. these concerns are magnified for families with questionable immigration status."

A Day focused on Education

Yesterday, Tuesday June 19 was a great day. Education of African American children as well as brown and poor children reigned.

Reporting Back to Community.  All who know me or read my blog and other writings know that I believe that those who use public funds, or represent a community on any issue, owe it to us to prepare and deliver in some way a report to community. Two Rainier Beach Students and their teacher Ms. Wong were our presenters at Rotary this week. We meet every Tuesday morning at 7:30 - 8:30 and hear from a variety of people who are doing something important to Rainier Valley.  The students thanked us for our support and reported on their trip to the Elwa River in the Olympic Peninsula. Two hydroelectric dams are being removed.  I found it quite refreshing that students not only come to us for funding but understand the need to report back on their learning. 

Another Seattle Public Teacher joined us as a visitor and the topic of Public Charter Schools Initiative 1240 came up in our discussion. The issue of public charters has been a topic several times. It looks as if Initiative 1240 as written just might get on the ballot November 6, and pass this time. It is important that African American parents and community understand all elements of what a public charter school is and how it can enhance or diminish the education of their children.  My personal position is that if black, brown and parents and their communities are not informed and included beyond the token few in the conversations there is a danger that if and when they come into being, others continue to maintain control of our children's education. Those who have information should share it widely and deeply.  

Later in the evening Rep. Eric Pettigrew responded to an invitation to meet with a parent who has been traumatized by the lack of services and responses for services needed for her son who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome, extreme Autism, Behavioral disabilities and is non verbal. Any clear thinking person would think that this child and mother is being supported by our state and other funded systems and services. Our systems are complex and too often do not get to those who need them most. This mother is Ethiopian American and her son African American as he was born right here in Swedish Hospital.  She has done everything any would expect her to do. Her story is sad but more usual than any who is not engaged with our parents would think.  She is not unintelligent, she owns her own successful business and her other child entered University of Oregon at age 16.
In advocating for families of the most difficult students, I have learned many things. One thing I know is that privilege is what makes the difference. Privilege comes in many forms sometimes it is money, sometimes it is education, and sometimes is relationships.  Just wanting a good education for your child is not a guarantee that the child will be educated. She had the resources to get her daughter into private schools, but it take great wealth to care for an extremely disabled child outside of our public education, health and social service systems.

I visited Community Center for Education Results but this requires its own Dawn Seattle the Retired One Blog entry. I have to think about the conversation I had and who I had it with.