African Americans; Technology and Social Media

African Americans; Technology and Social Media
by Sean Jackson (FAMU) and William Jackson, M.Ed.
(Edward Waters College)

The holiday season shows the passion African Americans
have for technology. Cyber Monday was an economic
boom for companies offering online discounts and
provide devices that traditional stores did not have
in stock.

According to CNN Cyber Monday was the highest grossing
online shopping day in U.S. history, spending reached
$1.25 billion. An increase over 20% from 2010 and expected
to grow even further with the availability of secured online
security, Apps that allow for shopping directed at a person’s
interests and retailers marketing based on culture, race,
gender and age.

African Americans projected economic contribution was
as high as 30% in online buying and the understanding
that Black buying power is expected to reach $1.1 trillion
by 2015, according to State of the African-American
Consumer Report.

The evidence of the Digital Divide for African Americans
is further declining with Smart Phones and Tablets leading
the way for providing unprecedented access to online
content. Apps (small computer applications) have grown
tremendously offering additional connectivity using
Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 protocols (tools). Even though
traditional media does not admit it, African Americas
are still the highest purchasers of Smart Phones.

The question(s) where/when/will and how Blacks will
benefit?
Blacks are consumers of these resources, but to build
wealth Blacks need to start being developers of digital
tools. Once again Blacks are taking capital or monies
out of their communities and putting it someplace else.

According to Nielson reports

http://www.nielsen.com/africanamerican
a. African-Americans use more than double the amount
of mobile phone voice minutes compared to Whites
b. African-Americans send/receive on average 907 text
messages
c. 33% of all African-Americans own a Smart Phone

These statistics are growing as tweens and teens
receive phones this holiday season and mobile phone
providers are offering specials and low rates for
multi-phone purchases and specials on data bundles.

Technology has opened up the capability for virtual
traveling, ecommerce, political and religious exchanges
and socializing on a global scale, literally.
No longer are African Americans restricted or confined
from digital access and there is a growing digital
social media presence besides Facebook.
African Americans have a presence on Facebook,
Google +, Nings, Youtube, Blog Talk Radio and Tweeting
While Black has grown. Entrepreneurialism
such as Tiffany Duhart’s eblast
Nokturnalescape
and Facebook presence
Facebook.com/nokturnalescape have seen great growth because of the information provided on
community events.

Social media sites for Blacks:
BlackBloggersConnect.com, SeeingGrowth.com,
BlackFathers.org, BlackBloggersNetwork.com,
BloggingWhileBrown.com and DelawareBlack.com
have grown for Black Bloggers.

Caution with Employment
Caution still should be used potential and current
employers are viewing social networking activities
and content. African Americans should be aware that
their content and information may be scrutinized
by employers and potential employers
before they are interviewed for jobs and entrance into
higher education.

Content is creating a f irst impression and first impressions
are always powerful; African Americans should use this
knowledge to be empowered about what their social
presence is saying about them. Social content can be
used as a resume to highlight knowledge of and proficiency
with technology, the level of professionalism you display
with technology and networking connectivity to the business
world. Networking in sites such as LinkedIn can display
your association with businesses this can be beneficial
by opening doors and create collaborations.

Influence of African Americans
African Americans make technology fun and exciting,
just look at Facebook and Twitter entries. Tiffany Duhart

BlinkVirtualBuzz tweeted
(Why Do Blacks Make Technology Popular?) take a look
for yourself

Black Technology.
The use and sometimes misuse of technology is representative
of ingenuity and creativity. An African American developed
the concept of cell phones.

Online information suggests that Jesse Eugene Russell,
an African-American inventor helped create the technology
of cell phones. Mr. Russell trained as an electrical engineer
at Tennessee State University, recognized globally as
a thought-leader, technology expert and innovator of
wireless communications. An American legend, in 1995
Russell was inducted into the National Academy
of Engineering for “pioneering work in digital cellular
communications technology.” This is information youth
need to know to continue to inspire their
influence in STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics.

Data and Statistics
Nielsen data shows that during July 2011 23.9 million
active African-American Internet users and African-Americans
are 30% likely to access online content.
I can attest to this fact watching my fiancée Cheryl visit
JCPenney, Shoefab, and other fashion sites getting the
best of ecommerce and establishing a catering
business with her sister Sister2Sister Catering

Sister2sister Catering.

Since their web presence their business
has grown by 20% and receiving catering orders throughout
Jacksonville, Florida.

Parenting
As parents my fiancée and I our sons respectively find
great deals online through Ebay, Amazon, Best Buys and
other sites looking for electronics and clothes.
My daughter is a true 21st century teen at 15 yrs,
connected to her friends and family through Facebook and
using Apps to video chat and enjoy music. On a serious
note as a divorced father I keep in contact with my children,
being their Friend on Facebook, through Twitter, Texting
and Skypeing. Divorced or parentsin the military or who
travel for business find the Internet valuable for communication.

Digital Age of the 21st Century
The age of digital information is an age of moving information
with the “Speed of Thought” Bill Gates; Business @ the
Speed of Thought and George Andersen; Wikipedia:
A WikiFocus Book , both books should be read or at least
get the DVD used to learn about the evolution and application
of digital content for business and education.
In the book “Business At The Speed of Thought” (Bill Gates);
Gates discusses that the life blood of business and networking
is information. As an instructor at Edward Waters College
(Educational Technology) I try to instill in my students the
use of technology allows people to grow and expand into
learning opportunities, new careers and educational
growth. Social networks, IT (information technology),
content creation, SoLoMo (Social Local Mobile) digital
access and Blogging creates business and social resources
where virtual partnerships develop; potentially enhancing
communication, collaboration and commerce.

Closing
A quote by William Clinton addresses the connection
of education and economics, “In today's knowledge-based
economy, what you earn depends on what you learn.
Jobs in the information technology sector, for example,
pay 85 percent more than the private sector average”.

Still A Need for HBCU's Part 1

Still a Need for HBCU’s Part 1

“If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand
that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong
enough to get out of the ghetto.” Carter G. Woodson

Having graduated from an HBCU (South Carolina State University)
and now working at Edward Waters College, the oldest HBCU in
Florida, I learned from past and current experience there still is a
need for these culturally diverse educational institutions. My son
(honor student) attends Florida A&M University, my fiancée’s
sons are graduates of SCSU and Florida A&M, respectively
both honors students.
HBCU’s are under attack it seems by the federal government,
state governments and none Black institutions that see Black
students only as financial aid receipts not as potential scholars
and graduates.

The need for Historically Black Colleges and Universities can
be heard in media circles like the Tom Joyner Morning Show,
blackamericaweb.com, hbcusonline.com/, hbcuconnect.com/
and uncf.org/aboutus/hbcus.asp that consistently promote the
benefits and societal contributions of HBCU’s. The need for
HBCU’s is evident in the understanding that students that lack
exposure to advanced technology and technical instruction still
need traditional methods of hands on learning and instructor led
discussion and dialogue; this is still available at HBCU’s.

Higher education institutions embracing technology lead the
way for digital learning environments (DLE) and online
platforms that demand technical skills. The unfortunate reality
is not every student graduating from high school has sufficient
technology knowledge to be successful in a high tech classroom
of the21st century. The cost of technology implementation and
supporting infrastructure along with obtaining and keeping teachers
that use and can teach with technology are not always available.

Those that have technical skills move to high paid jobs or seek benefits
from non Black institutions that may pay more, but do not support
students lacking technology skills.
Many high schools do not have the resources to provide advanced
technology instruction especially in many urban environments. The
access to hardware and a sufficient ratio of computers to students,
again students in particularly urban schools may have sporadic use
of computers for academic and research work.

Minority students more than their white counter parts embrace
mobile technology that is acquired through cell and smart phones.
This type of access is not the same as with standard desktop or laptop
use and guided by an instructional model that is created for urban
students to be successful. Mobile technology is the way most youth
communicate so instruction should be molded to meet this need.

When transitioning from high school to higher education HBCU’s
serve a purpose in providing a needed traditional approach to
providing educational services that many students still need. Even
non Black students from urban areas benefit from attendance. Data
shows that non Black students are accepted at HBCU’s from urban
high schools have. They have lower opportunities for entrance in
traditional white universities so enroll and graduate from HBCU’s
where they are embraced as “family”. This is seen as a revere
cultural discrimination as more white students seek entrance into
HBCU’s.

Critics of HBCU’s (mostly non Black) educational institutions
claim HBCU’s have “no legitimate purpose” (Ebony.com 2011),
dispelling these potentially racial statements, data shows 25% and
higher of Bachelor’s degrees of Blacks come from HBCU’s and a
large number of advanced degrees are earned.

Instructors at HBCU’s encourage students to seek advanced degrees
because they understand the challenges Blacks face even with earning
a Bachelor’s degree. HBCU’s although have lower entrance standards
this can be justified because young adults and adults are given
opportunities to earn their degrees and provided support in a nurturing
and culturally/ethnically familiar environment. My experience as an
instructor at EWC an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida is that students
are unique because of their age and maturity. Many already have
families, jobs and other responsibilities; yes there are the “traditional”
freshmen, first generation students, challenged students, those looking
for a “second chance” in society.

Many HBCU’s were founded after slavery and based on doctrines of
religious expression and spiritual empowerment. Education for Blacks
began in the Bible, reading, literacy and comprehension was started
even before federal and state mandates for instruction in public schools.
Second chances were understood by Blacks when slavery was abolished
and learning opportunities where welcomed even those that were elderly
wanted the opportunity to learn.

In biblical scriptures from Jesus to Mohammed second chances are
granted, how can educational institutions deny those that make mistakes
in their youth continue to plague them into adulthood. HBCU’s see the
potential to grow, the ability of students to mature and the possibility
to be productive in society if only people are given a second chance.

A quote that has Islamic origins, “Whoever will not endure the
affliction of being taught, will stay forever in the debasement of ignorance.”

Need for HBCU’s Part 2

Part 2
“Philosophers have long
conceded, however, that
every man has two educators:
'that which is given to
him, and the other that
which he gives himself.




Of the two kinds the latter is by far the more
desirable. Indeed all that is most worthy in man
he must work out and conquer for himself. It is
that which constitutes our real and best nourishment.
What we are merely taught seldom nourishes the mind
like that which we teach ourselves.” Carter G. Woodson,
The Mis-education of the Negro

HBCU’s provide a chance to improve a life and look
past mistakes, what sometimes society tries to throw
away, an opportunity to grow and change for the better.
Stated by Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Ph.D.,
“People often think of HBCU’s as places that find
services for needy students. This is just one
argument made to justify HBCU’s existence. HBCU’s
do things that majority of college don’t do,
that they are more sensitive to certain things.”

Too many people especially in higher education
forget their mistakes of youth, that maybe from
social challenges and even incarcerations they
were given a second chance. Higher education is
the right for all citizens no matter their color,
culture or creed. HBCU’s recognize this that is
why some students are allowed to enroll to get
their lives back on track. Unique to HBCU’s
instructors see that when a person enrolls they
already may have financial, social or family
challenges; their desire to succeed is stronger
because there is a need to be in school and the
rewards of education are apparent. Addressing the
unique situations of students, Johnny Anderson a
Southern graduate states that HBCU students,
“they’re single parents, teen parents, folks
working two and three jobs to get ahead, and
dealing with a whole range of issues related
to their individualistic circumstances.”

Even in my classes at EWC I have single parents,
students working through medical conditions and
those that are working to mature into the person
they need to be to move forward in life.

“If you can control a man's thinking you do not
have to worry about his action. When you determine
what a man shall think you do not have to concern
yourself about what he will do. If you make a man
feel that he is inferior, you do not have to
compel him to accept an inferior status, for he
will seek it himself. If you make a man think that
he is justly an outcast, you do not have to order
him to the back door. He will go without being told;
and if there is no back door, his very nature will
demand one” Carter G. Woodson, The Mis-Education
of the Negro.

The growth of HBCU’s can be seen in data, in 2000
HBCU students were at 276,000, in 2009 the numbers
were 323,000. Success continues to be shown in other
studies, Inside Higher Education has shown that
HBCU’s enroll 18 percent of African Americans in
higher education and graduate 30 percent of those
who persist to graduation. They graduate 40 percent
of African Americans who obtain degrees in the STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
fields, 50 percent of those who go on to become
professors and 60 percent of those who major in engineering.

The surprising effectiveness of HBCU’s is that HBCUs
are as effective in graduating African-American student’s
equivalent to white institutions (Inside Higher Ed 2009).
HBCU’S continue to take a risk on students, giving them
a chance when non Black institutions may not consider
the potential within Black, Hispanic,Latino, Mexican,
Haitian and South American students. Even the President
of Spelman Beverly Daniel Tatum, Ph.D. comments on the
benefits of HBCU’s and the help they provide students,
“what I don’t like is the continued question of why
HBCU’s are still needed.” Just from the examples stated
they are needed now and in the future. Students find
themselves more challenged than ever before so HBCU’s
provide an opportunity for higher education. Even in
a recent speech about HBCU’s President Obama has
claimed that HBCU’s are important to restore the U.S.
to its higher ranking as a higher education power house.

Graduates like Darryl “Topshelf” McClenton (FAMU 2010)
are future leaders being positive role models for others
that strive for a college education and attending HBCU’s.
His story is here:
Darryl McClenton Story

Moving into the 21st century for HBCU’s implementing
advanced technology maybe a challenge, but HBCU’S face
challenges and still turn out capable and confident
graduates. If not for the support I received attending
an HBCU (SCSU) I would possibly not have graduated. As an
instructor at Edward Waters College (Jacksonville, Florida)
I find that there is a strong desire to obtain an education
by the students that attend and at Florida A&M University
where my son attends. The challenges that the students face
are basically life itself. If Blacks are going to compete
and contribute to society they must make education a
priority for themselves and their children.

Education does not always open the doors we think is should,
change the minds and perceptions of Blacks by some in society,
but it empowers the spirit and the mind to press on to
overcome challenges. Maya Angelo wrote in “Still I Rise”,
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream
and the hope of the slave”; holds true, not to let the
challenges of life and the low expectations of people stop
you from growing into a better person.

HBCU teachers, teach from the heart and their experiences
not from the microchip or for political gains. HBCU’s are
important because they recognize the human element of
learning and the growth and potential of their students.
Malcolm X’s statement about education can still can be
applied even in the 21st century,” “Education is our
passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the
people who prepare for it today.” HBCU’s prepare future
scholars that will influence the world in many career
fields.

Our country still benefits from the education that
HBCU’S provide, countries outside of the U.S. are
seeing this as well and sending their students to
attend and experience the HBCU tradition of family
bonding and cultural strengthening.

Still a Need for HBCU’s in the 21st Century

Still a Need for HBCU’s in the 21st Century Part 1

“If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed
by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he
will never become strong enough to get out of
the ghetto.” Carter G. Woodson

Having graduated from an HBCU (South Carolina State
University) and now working at Edward Waters College,
the oldest HBCU in Florida, I learned from past and
current experience there still is a need for these
culturally diverse educational institutions.

HBCU’s are under attack it seems by the federal
government, state governments and none Black
institutions that see Black students only as
financial aid receipts not as potential scholars
and graduates.

The need for Historically Black Colleges and
Universities can be heard in media circles like
the Tom Joyner Morning Show,blackamericaweb.com,
hbcusonline.com/, hbcuconnect.com/ and
uncf.org/aboutus/hbcus.asp that consistently
promote the benefits and societal contributions
of HBCU’s. The need for HBCU’s is evident in
the understanding that students that lack
exposure to advanced technology and technical
instruction still need traditional methods of
hands on learning and instructor led
discussion and dialogue; this is still available
at HBCU’s.

Higher education institutions embracing technology
lead the way for digital learning environments
(DLE) and online platforms that demand technical
skills. The unfortunate reality is not every
student graduating from high school has sufficient
technology knowledge to be successful in a high
tech classroom of the21st century. The cost of
technology implementation and supporting infra-
structure along with obtaining and keeping teachers
that use and can teach with technology are not
always available.

Those that have technical skills move to high
paid jobs or seek benefits from non Black insti-
tutions that may pay more, but do not support
students lacking technology skills.

Many high schools do not have the resources
to provide advanced technology instruction
especially in many urban environments. The
access to hardware and a sufficient ratio of
computers to students, again students in
particularly urban schools may have sporadic
use of computers for academic and research work.

Minority students more than their white counter
parts embrace mobile technology that is acquired
through cell and smart phones. This type of
access is not the same as with standard desktop
or laptop use and guided by an instructional
model that is created for urban students to
be successful. Mobile technology is the way most
youth communicate so instruction should be molded
to meet this need.

When transitioning from high school to higher
education HBCU’s serve a purpose in providing a
needed traditional approach to providing
educational services that many students still
need. Even non Black students from urban areas
benefit from attendance. Data shows that non
Black students are accepted at HBCU’s from urban
high schools have. They have lower opportunities
for entrance in traditional white universities
so enroll and graduate from HBCU’s where they
are embraced as “family”. This is seen as a
revere cultural discrimination as more white
students seek entrance into HBCU’s.

Critics of HBCU’s (mostly non Black) educational
institutions claim HBCU’s have “no legitimate
purpose” (Ebony.com 2011), dispelling these
potentially racial statements, data shows 25%
and higher of Bachelor’s degrees of Blacks
come from HBCU’s and a large number of
advanced degrees are earned.

Instructors at HBCU’s encourage students to
seek advanced degrees because they understand
the challenges Blacks face even with earning
a Bachelor’s degree. HBCU’s although have
lower entrance standards this can be
justified because young adults and adults
are given opportunities to earn their degrees
and provided support in a nurturing
and culturally/ethnically familiar environment.

My experience as an instructor at EWC an HBCU
in Jacksonville, Florida is that students
are unique because of their age and maturity.
Many already have families, jobs and other
responsibilities; yes there are the “traditional”
freshmen, first generation students, challenged
students, those looking for a “second chance”
in society.

Many HBCU’s were founded after slavery and
based on doctrines of religious expression
and spiritual empowerment. Education for Blacks
began in the Bible, reading, literacy and
comprehension was started even before federal
and state mandates for instruction in public
schools.

Second chances were understood by Blacks when
slavery was abolished and learning opportunities
where welcomed even those that were elderly wanted
the oppourtunity to learn.

In biblical scriptures from Jesus to Mohammed
second chances are granted, how can educational
institutions deny those that make mistakes
in their youth continue to plague them into adulthood.
HBCU’s see the potential to grow, the ability of
students to mature and the possibility to be
productive in society if only people are given
a second chance.

A quote that has Islamic origins, “Whoever will
not endure the affliction of being taught, will
stay forever in the debasement of ignorance.”
END OF PART 1

Jacksonville Giants Treat DCPS Students

Jacksonville Giants Treat DCPS Students

William Jackson, Andrew Robinson Elementary

Duval County Public School students were treated
to a rollercoaster of athletic prowess and comical
entertainment as the Jacksonville Giants battled
The Gulf Coast Flash.

The game was close during the professional basketball
contest; DCPS students enjoyed the opportunity to
see a professional basketball team which inspired
their own dreams of becoming professional athletes.
The Jacksonville Giants provided vouchers for the
schools they had an opportunity to visit before the
season started. Andrew Robinson was the first school
to be visited by the Giants.

During the game each team’s mascot engaged in
playful antics bringing cheers and laughter from the
fans. As MR. BIGGS the Giants mascot walked the
stands children happily gave him high fives and hugs.
The energy felt electrifying in Veterans Memorial
Arena in Jacksonville, Florida and kept the over 3,500
in attendance motivated and cheering for a win by
the Giants.

MR. BIGGS recently visited Andrew Robinson
Elementary along with several players from the
Giants and other DCPS schools as a partnership between
the Jacksonville Giants and the school system.
This partnership is a positive fit for encouraging
students to work hard for academic success. The
Giants are providing role models, and mentors that
display sportsmanship and a winning attitude, and
just as importantly the importance of gaining a quality
education by graduating from high school and going
on to college/university or vocational school.

The Jacksonville Giants provided a fantastic finish
with a win three (3) seconds left that had fans jumping
from their seats and a thunderous roar.
As the crowds left several students from Andrew Robinson
Elementary and R.L. Brown Elementary happily and
proudly commented they wanted to go to college and
play basketball, then come back to Jacksonville to play
for the Giants. This is a great testament to the importance
and power of academics and athletics.

Jacksonville Giants information can be found at:
jacksonvillegiants.com/

Game pictures by William Jackson can be found at:
http://photobucket.com/giantsfirstwin

Supporting Art Education in Duval County Public Schools

Supporting Art Education in Duval County Public Schools

Support Art Teachers in Duval County check out the Facebook page.
Support Art Education in DCPS

Supporting education typically means supporting traditional
reading, mathematics and literacy, but supporting education
also means giving credit to supporting educational resources
that Art Education brings to the classroom and overall learning environment to any school.

A diverse learning environment embraces multiple elements that
bring out the creative abilities in students that encourage
students to use their minds not just for the cognitive development
of the traditional teacher student relationship. Art education
allows students to “think” differently, use their imaginations and “exercise” other areas of the brain. Art teachers are
architects of human development. Seeing the artistic potential
in children, then guiding the artistic potential that lays dormant
inside young minds waiting to blossom.

Stated by Kelly Borsheim, “When elementary schools include art
programs in the curriculum, children do better with math.”

This statement and others provide a respectful and accurate
importance of why Art Education is valid to the educational
directions of schools. Art education at times displays the essence
or soul of a school, students put their feelings, dreams and
creativity in art work. Even Cicero (106 BC - 43 BC) understood
the nature of Art by stating that, “Art is born of the observation
and investigation of nature.” Students use skills of observation, investigation, rationalization and association to put their
interpretation to a medium that can range from paper to canvas and
wood to clay. Using artistic tools of pencil, brush, charcoal,
crayons, paint, and other tools.

The development and continuation of supporting Arts in Education
is seen as a testament to a “hands on” approach to teaching. The
love of using a persons direct talent can never be negated by
technology which is being implemented in all areas of instruction. Computers serve a purpose for instruction, but art is still formed
from the heart. The sentiment is stated by Marshall McLuhan, when
he makes the statement, “As the unity of the modern world becomes increasingly a technological rather than a social affair, the
techniques of the arts provide the most valuable means of insight
into the real direction of our own collective purposes.”

Keeping this in mind the community has a responsibility to support
Art Education in Duval County Public Schools. What parent has not
put their child’s art work on the fridge or the coffee table
to display it proudly? The Duval Art Teachers Association Art
Auction Fundraiser will kick off on December 7th during Art Walk
at Hemming Plaza Jewelers. Bids can be made on site during
Art Walk on December 7th.

D.A.T.A is committed to providing scholarships. The Duval Art
Teachers' Association (DATA) is the local professional organization
of both public and private school art educators. The organization
is comprised of elementary, middle and senior high teachers as
well as those in higher education. Support their efforts to
raise money to provide scholarships for growth in Art Education.

”Be drawn to the visual arts for it can expand your imagination.”
Barbara Januszkiewicz

Support Art Teachers in Duval County check out the Facebook page.
Support Art Education in DCPS

Where are the Christians

Where are the Christians

The death of a young man at any time is an unfortunate
reality. To add insult to injury is the lack of
seemingly Godly compassion, Christian sensibilities
and Faithful devotion to a God that does not like chaos
nor confusion.

I was confused, my faith challenged and my Christian
sensibilities questioned when Christopher Thompson
suddenly and tragically died this Thanksgiving
holiday.

A young man in his twenties, not even discovering his
talents, gifts and direction in life. Loved by many,
seen as a role model. Chris was NOT seen as a thug,
gangsta, hip hop wanna be, playa nor a baby daddy,
or sperm donor.

Chris graduated from high school, was working and
productive, he was contributing to society in a
positive way. His coworkers loved him, his parents
were proud of him and his brothers looked up to
him. If you could have seen the young men in
attendance paying their respects it would make
parents proud. They were young men, respectable,
intelligent and honorable. It was an honor serving
meals to young men who were respectable and mannerable.

They were Chris's friends so they deserved respect
from and older man such as myself.

IMHO to give insult to injury and to add to my
confusion the Head Pastor of the Thompson’s church,
I believe did not contact the family, did not visit
the family’s home, nor did he Preach at the funeral.
What has become of our men of God, are they so high
and mighty that they can demean a Christian family
to the point where they send subordinate or associate
Pastors to do a service that I’m sure should have
been performed by the head NPIC.

What are the protocols to comfort a grieving family
when their son is killed? The Head Shepherd should be
involved to comfort, show compassion, begin the
healing process and then support with associate or
subordinate pastors last not send them first and not
even show up at the funeral.

These are my feelings about the mission and vision
of so called elevated shepherds that seem to downcast
their sheep, their flocks because they are not
important enough when one of the sheep’s children dies,
the flock seems not to notice nor give credence to
the tragic loss.

As a past Church administrator, an educator of over
20 years, and having “served” as an Armorbearer for
an Apostle, Pastor and Bishop.
I have seen and helped these men of God go out their
way to Preach at funerals, visit the sick and shut-in,
perform last rights of those dying,and rushed to those
involved in accidents and injury. Where have our
Men of God’s priorities gone to that they cannot
perform these tasks even when death is involved?

I’m not a member of the Thompson’s church, but
still I’m a Christian. I’m a family friend of the
Thompson’s along with my fiancée’ and her family.
My fiancée’s family cooked all night to serve food
to the family and friends after the funeral.

We helped setup a church “New Life Evangelistic” for
serving the family and friends of Chris Thompson after
the funeral service. The Thompson’s own church could
not even provide a place for the family to eat and
receive family and friends. We bought food and
drink, served these to our fellow Christians during
their grieving time. Where was the home church???
There was no one offering to help serve, no one
offering to help bring sustenance to the elderly
attending or comforting the grieving.

Not looking for money or accolades, but being good
Christians. My fiancée and her sister has a catering
service Sister2Sister Catering, but did not ask to be
reimbursed, they helped their friends and family when
others that claim to be Faithful and Christians did
NOT offer to help obtain food,setup to “serve” their
own members nor did they offer to clean up.

Where was the Faith and where were the Christians.
It gives further credence to Mohandas Gandhi when he
stated, “I like your Christ, I do not like your
Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ..”
This is my opinion not representative of the Thompson
family in any way, but they needed support from Faithful
Christians, where was the support when they needed it?
What good are Mega churches and Mega Pastors and Bishops
when their flocks suffer tragic losses, but they are not
even caring enough to see about their grieving flocks when
one dies?

The holidays are upon us, this is an especially hard
time of loosing a child for anyone,but have churches
lost their sensibilities, compassion and focus that
they cannot even lend a helping hand? Will the Thompson’s
ever receive a comforting embrace from their Pastor,
will their home be blessed by a visit from the HNPIC
or are they only worth an associate pastor. I guess maybe
if they increased their tithes and offerings or just
stopped all together they would get more attention from
the HNPIC.

This is just my opinion.

Tonya Click, A Teacher Going Home

Tonya Click, A Teacher Going Home

“What nobler employment, or more valuable to
the state, than that of the woman who instructs
the rising generation.” Marcus Tullius Cicero

On Saturday, November 26th Ms. Tonya Click was
laid to rest. Physically her body has passed, but
her presence, her joy, her love still lingers within
her family, friends, educational peers, brothers and
sisters in Christ and the students she has taught.
Jacksonville, Florida will miss the love and devotion
that Ms. Tonya Click shared as a member of this
community and a teacher in Duval County Schools.

Habakkuk 3:18-19, prophetically Tonya Click is
rejoicing with the Lord and basking in the salvation
of eternal happiness. She is where we as all children
of God strive to go when it is our time to go home.
Pastor Brodes C. Perry (Educational Pastor of Shiloh
Metropolitan Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida)
preached recently about giving thanks and being
thankful. Even though as humans we do not
understand God’s ways he is always in control and
as always we should give thanks for what he has
and will continue to do.

I give thanks for the opportunity to have worked
with and able to call Ms. Tonya Click my friend.
I will miss her laughter, her glowing spirit and her
loving heart. The passing of a teacher creates
a void that cannot be ignored nor easily filled.
Teachers such as Ms. Click put so much passion,
love and pour their very essence into their
profession that the distinction is sometimes
lost between the person that is a teacher and
the person that is a member of another
family outside of education.

Teachers lay an anointing on lives that do not
just make a temporary impression, but they
create indelible marks in the lives of students
they teach and the families. No disrespect to
those in Ministry, but a teachers anointing is
powerful also, just look at the changed lives
they influence. Look at the hearts and minds
Ms. Click has influenced during her teaching
career. This does not stop here;
teachers influence their educational peers they
work with and the influences they have in the
community. Teachers many times see their
students longer than the students see their
own parents, teachers spend in some cases
more time at school than they do at their
own homes, and take their personal children
to work with them. This is reason alone for
men and woman of God to bless teachers
and anoint them with blessed oil not
just at the beginning of the school year, but
throughout the school year.

Ms. Click linked with so many lives as a dedicated
professional, friend, role model and member of
her loving family. Her personality shined with a
light that embraced people even before she got
into their presence. Ms. Click has a unique and
special presence about her that brought forth
smiles, laughter and happiness just being in her
presence. The laws of gravity propel the Earth
through space, but Ms. Clicks’ spirit of love and
peace gravitated people to her especially children.

You could feel the love she had in her heart and
the presence of a spirit that had the calling of a
teacher. As an educator Ms. Click understood her
role in the lives of her students, not just as their
teacher, but as their guiding light through the
challenges they faced individually and collectively
in the classroom. Ms. Click’s praise of her students,
sternness in discipline in their academic abilities
to succeed and social growth were strong. She
had faith in her student’s growth in positive ways
no matter the challenges each faced and support
of the student’s families often times took her
above and beyond her professional responsibilities.

The relationship with her fellow teachers was just
as involved and transcended a professional
educator’s relationship, but developed beyond
friendships; it melded into a family bonding. Those
that are not educators should not criticize educators
for they do not understand the diverse and intricate
relationships and professionalism that this career
has. Just as our proud Marines of the military state,
“Once a Marine, always a Marine.” Educators can
proudly state that, “Once an educator, always an
educator.”

Even in passing Ms. Click will always be respected,
admired and loved beyond measure and distance.
The peculiarities of being a teacher requires
following standards, developing lesson plans,
understanding benchmarks and evaluating data.
Mr. Click’s efforts to empower her students beyond
academics where note worthy. Working with sedulity
the individual student success was important and
paramount. There is an anointing that allowed
Ms. Click to move her students beyond where they
started academically and socially, her students are
the better because of her tutelage, calming embraces
that her students needed from time to time and
loving wisdom in the understanding that they (students)
are important in the world and that they will be loved
and appreciated.

Rarely do we hear of the efforts of teachers such
as Ms. Click until a retirement ceremony or unfortunate
and untimely passing such as this case. Let the
community know that Ms. Click possessed the best
of what it is to be a teacher, a child of God and a
role model for young women. Ms. Click looked
beyond personal position and stature, to work in
an anointing to help young people that
sometimes because of personal challenges are
sometimes overlooked or cast aside. Mr. Click was
and even now is in the right place at the right time.

A Teachers Prayer
Lord, let me be just what they need.
If they need someone to trust, let me be
trustworthy.
If they need sympathy, let me sympathize.
If they need love, (and they do need love),
let me love, in full measure.
Let me not anger easily, Lord but let me be just.
Permit my justice to be tempered in your mercy.
When I stand before them, Lord, let me look
strong and good and honest and loving.
And let me be as strong and good and honest
and loving as I look to them.
Help me to counsel the anxious, crack the
covering of the shy, temper the
rambunctious with a gentle attitude.
Permit me to teach only the truth.
Help me to inspire them so that learning will not
cease at the classroom door.
Let the lessons they learn make their lives fruitful
and happy.
And, Lord, let me bring them to You.
Teach them through me to love You.
Finally, permit me to learn the lessons they teach.

Author Unknown.

Parents and Businesses Support Educational Success

Parents and Businesses Support Educational Success

Parents and business owners, the students of Andrew
Robinson Elementary School are working hard to obtain
five hundred thousand (500,000) words read by the middle
of this school year and one million words (1,000,000)
read by the end of this academic year.

Parents be aware of the one million (1,000,000) word
reading standard that your child should be working towards.
Information has been provided so please be aware of this
event. Other schools in DCPS may have similar celebrations
so check with your child’s individual school for
participation.

All students are required to read 1,000,000 words each
school year. The first grading period has ended which
means all students should have a word count of 250,000
at this time and by December 14th have a count of at least
500,000 (five hundred thousand).

A special celebration is being planned for December 14th,
for Andrew Robinson Elementary so students will be
recognized for their reading achievements. Students must
be sure to take their Accelerated Reader quizzes to
document their word count. These efforts allow students
and parents to be accountable and responsible for the
improvement of reading. We want all our students to
reach reading proficiency and improve their reading,
literacy and comprehension.

Parents, guardians, grandparents and family members
please encourage children to read and work on
comprehending their reading.
This can be simply done by asking the child to;
1. Show you their books they are reading.
2. Tell you about the stories they are reading and
what they learned.
3. Talk to them about the lessons and life situations
that can be applied.

These are real critical thinking skills found to promote
higher order thinking, cognitive maturity, comprehension
(understanding) and improved assessment or testing
success.

This holiday season is the great opportunity to catch-up
on what your child or children are reading. On all families
holiday lists should be creating a literary library of books,
magazines, and other materials that promote reading and
literacy fluency.
Making reading fun is easy if parents would be involved
in reading with their children and making it a part of
the day.

Business Leaders Promote Educational Excellence
To provide business leaders an opportunity to help
promote reading success in DCPS. Andrew Robinson
Elementary is seeking business partnerships for the
upcoming Reading Celebration on Wednesday,
December 14th.

Any business interested in promoting reading at
Andrew Robinson Elementary school is invited to
contact Andrew Robinson to make a donation to
our students meeting their reading goals.

All students are required to read a minimum of
1 million words each school year. Our midyear
celebration is scheduled for Wednesday,
December 14 to honor students who’ve read a minimum
of 500, 000 words.

We are seeking donations from community organizations
and local business to sponsor/purchase electronic
readers (Kindles, nooks, etc.) and personal libraries
(100 books) for our top readers.

Many of our families do not have transportation to
access the public library and this would enable them
to access books easily by downloading literature
directly to their e-reader or selecting from their personal
collection at home.

Any additional funds collected will be used to
purchase gift cards so the students can download
books as needed.

Thank you for any donations that you, the business
community can contribute to instilling the value of
reading in our students which are your future
employees. Businesses have a vested and financial
interest in the success of all students in DCPS.
It is beneficial to support reading efforts now and
be involved. Businesses are finding that if they support
educational efforts when students are in elementary
and middle school, their future employees will be
better prepared and Jacksonville will have a better
educated and competitive workforce for the future.

All donations are needed by Wednesday, December 7,
contact 904 630 6550 and when prompted speak with
the Principals Secretary.

This is your opportunity business owners to make a
contribution and be engaged in providing a hand up
for educational success not just a handout.

To start the process as a supporter of E3 Business
Group North Florida Chapter, and on the Executive
Board of JCCI Forward I will be donating two (2) Dell desktop
computers to this effort and challenge other businesses to
follow.

William Jackson, M.Ed.
jacksonw@duvalschools.org
http://myquesttoteach.wordpress.com

Parents Have Digital Access to Teachers

Parents Have Digital Access to Teachers

The first 9 weeks report cards have been distributed.
Parents need to know where to go for information to
help their child or children if they are not
meeting with academic success. Technology is available
now to connect parents with educators so they are
informed on how to address learning or behavioral
challenges. Social media is providing access to educators
that was at one time not available, but parents are
accountable in using their access to social media
to help their children not just for social contacts
but in more productive avenues.

The Internet and social media has made a genuine
presence for gaining information that is current
and flexible in its content (information).

The 2011/2012 school year started with online tools
that parents can use to connect with teachers.
Access through technology has enabled parents
and guardians to digitally reach out and communicate
with teachers. Parents will have questions throughout
the school year relevant to the progress and success
of their children in the DCPS school system. One of
the best ways to gain information is through the Internet
using a multiplicity (geek term) of multitasking
(another geek term) digital resources.

These resources include;
Facebook , Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube, Flickr, dcpsTV,
Parent Portal,dcpsNews, Parent Link, Duvalschools.org.
These are distinctive and effective forms of
communication for parents and the community in
this digital age of social media.

The ability of parents to contact teachers and gain
school related information is aided by technologies
that teachers have access to in their schools and
classrooms. No longer are teachers inaccessible
during the school day, technology allows parents
and teachers to keep open the lines of communication
that were once limited to notes home in bookbags
and phone calls which at times delayed replies.
Teachers need to understand that school email
accounts are of public access and their content
(emails) are stored on a server. That information
never goes away and can be used later. The
opportunity to communicate had a very narrow
window at best with traditional paper/pencil/pen notes.

Parents are encouraged to use digital devices;
computers, smart phone, Pads,etc to obtain
information on related school issues. Facebook
pages, and Youtube videos can disseminate
important information and archive (save) information
for future use. There is now access that you
(the parent) can connect, download, interact,
listen, view, search and integrate with your
dailey routine as a responsible
and accountable parent.

Dates, times, locations and directions for
meetings, school activities and events can
easily be accessed by logging in or accessing
online content. Duval County Public School
learning started the FIRST DAY of school and
so was the accessibility of information to
start the learning process.

Report cards are an indicator if your child(ren)
need tutoring services, extra help, makeup
work or if there are learning challenges. DCPS
has incorporated various technologies that
provide current news and information throughout
the district to help students accomplish success.

Questions can be answered by visiting duvalschools.org
and clicking on Student and Parent information
links to learn more. There are multiple ways to
exchange information besides Duvalschools.org
web site, there is also access through Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn, Duval County Public Schools
Television ( dcpsTV), dcpsNews, dcps Parent Portal,
ParentLink, Youtube, Flickr.

Parents are learning the importance of accessing
information about their child in school through
Virtual Information Environments (VIE). Social
media has proven its value in sharing information
on multiple platforms that are SoLoMo or Social
Local Mobile capabilities. The growing trend is
to use smart phones and interactive pads with
WiFi to gain information that is graphical
and interactive. Increased numbers of parents
and children access information from their cell
phones. These numbers are shown by service
providers such as TMobile, AT&T, MetroPCS,
Sprint, and Verizon.

Understanding the social media concept of
SOLOMO (Social access through social media,
Local access to information, Mobile access
with mobile technology(SOLOMO). Parents
quickly apply their mobile skills when accessing
digital content from online sites. The concept
of SOLOMO allows parents to use the available
technology to
1. So – socially connect with family and friends,
2. Lo – locally stay connected to the social
environment and local information
3. Mo – mobile access with technology that allows
for continued and importantly uninterrupted service.

A breakdown of services to access DCPS for parents:

If links are not highlighted, copy and paste into
a new browser for access:
Facebook -
Like facebook.com/pages/Duval-County-Public-Schools/
Twitter -
follow twitter.com/DuvalSchools
LinkedIn –
linkedin.com/company/duval-county-public-schools
Duval County Public Schools Television (dcpsTV)
www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/VOW/Home.html
dcpsNews
www.duvalschools.org/static/contact/communications/
Flickr –
www.flickr.com/people/duvalcountypublicschools/
dcps Parent Portal –
https://dcps.mygradeportal.com/
ParentLink –
http://www.parentlink.net/
Youtube –
search for Duval County Public Schools

These resources can be found directly on:
www.duvalschools.org/

Technology is a powerful tool and used on
multiple platforms; parents, guardians,
grandparents, and family members no longer
have to be disconnected, confused, lost or
feel neglected. Virtual Information Environments
(VIE) are available as listed above.
Social media is proving its value in sharing
information on platforms that are diverse and
mobile. It just takes using your favorite
form of technology to get connected, stay
connected and communicate with your child’s
teacher(s).

The diversity of Jacksonville’s growing
community is addressed, on the DCPS
web site, the capability to Translate
information in multiple languages.
Using GOOGLE Translate, speakers of other
languages can gain information to serve their
diverse language needs. Parents have additional
resources to have an increased influence on
their child’s education and have greater
awareness for themselves.

To see a Youtube video on this information
click the link below.
Youtube video on Digital Access to DCPS for Parents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV8coOsSPPM&feature=player_detailpage

William Jackson, M.Ed.
Educator with Duval County Schools and
Edward Waters College

Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr.

Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr. 1926 - 2011
A Voice Not Silenced
by William Jackson and Cheryl Williams

Even though Reverend Wilson has passed, death
still does not have the victory.
Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr, still lives in
the hearts and minds he has touched with his biblical
and spiritual teachings.

This icon of Pastoral stature was recently honored
for his self-sacrifice and service not only to West
Friendship Baptist Church, but to the service of
Jacksonville, Florida and more importantly
the service to the Lord.

The passing of Reverend Wilson is a physical passing,
but his spirit, his soul; the true essence of this
powerful teacher of life and bible will live on
through his words to each of us.

Whether in the pulpit, the choir, or in private
conversations his words had power and meaning. They
will endure in each of us that had the honor and
privilege to have Reverend Wilson in our
lives.

Reverend Wilson was many things to many people;
role model, educator, father, grandfather, great
grandfather, brother, confidant,
spiritual leader, community activist, and Man of God.

The quintessential purpose of being a Reverend is
the saving of souls. That is the mission of Men of
God, to expand the kingdom of God through biblical
teachings. Rev. Wilson performed his duties for over
55 years in the service to Jesus Christ.

No words can truly express the kindness Rev. Wilson
showed, the sacrifices he and his family has endured
in their “good works”, the love he has expressed, the
teaching and mentoring he has conducted, even the
individual homes he has blessed, children
christened and those he baptized renewing their commitment
to Jesus Christ.

Reverend Wilson was a unique and out of the box
“Man of God”, having paid members rent, mortgages,
utility bills, and even helping to put children through
college during his leadership at West Friendship.
There are none like him in this age of mega-churches,
television ministries and social media pastors. There
are no others like him and no others that can imitate,
simulate nor can anyone duplicate him.

Rev. Wilson was the first African American Housing
Inspector under the late Mayor Louis Ritter (1961-1971).

This is my fiancée’s and my tribute to our beloved
Reverend. Thanks be to God for empowering Rev. Wilson
with knowledge, wisdom, anointing, and vision to build
West Friendship Baptist Church to continue the works
of the Lord through Pastor Timothy L. Cole, Sr.
and First Lady Cole.

West Friendship Baptist Church will continue to do
the works of the Lord, to stay the course because a
strong foundation was laid, a foundation of spiritual
anointing, not just a brick and mortar foundation.

What a might God we serve that allowed us to have
Reverend Wilson in our lives event for a moment.
Peace, Grace and Love to Reverend Richard Lee Wilson, Sr.
and his family. His voice cannot be quieten, stilled
or quieted because it remains in each of us.

Published in the Florida Times-Union on
November 10, 2011

WILSON Rev. Dr. Richard Lee Wilson, Sr, 85, passed
away November 2, 2011. Rev. Wilson was a native of
Jacksonville, FL where he served as pastor of
West Friendship Baptist Church for over 55 years.

He was the first African American Housing Inspector
under the late Mayor Louis Ritter (1961-1971).
Rev. Wilson also served as the Secretary of the
Board of Trustees for Florida Memorial University,
Miami Gardens, FL.

He is survived by a loving, devoted and caring wife
Queen E. Wilson, 7 sons; Richard, II (Rochelle),
Lawrence, Bruce, Roderick, Maurice (Laurece) Anthony
and Micheal; 3 daughters; Kathleen Handy, April Wilson
and Dawn W. Cole (Rev. Timothy);
2 brothers, Charles Morrison (Minnie) and Eugene
Morrison (Delores) Miami, FL; 36 grand children,
several great grands and great- great grands,
nieces, nephews, cousins.

Interment will Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11am
in the Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the trusted hands of
REGINALD R. MCKINNEY, L.F.D.I.C.

Teachers Voices

Teachers Voices
Jacksonville Education Fund

Educators were provided the opportunity to engage in dialogue about the educational status of schools and the established mindset that parents and community are responsible and accountable to the success of all students in Duval County Public School system.

Teachers Voices provided a powerful and dynamic academic “Think Tank”
of experienced and dedicated educators to share ideas relevant to educational success for students. This discussion was designed to engage an intellectual dialogue from professional educators, substitute teachers, business leaders, community stakeholders, and administrators.

These individual elements ultimately influence the instructional atmosphere of schools, to the responsibilities of parents and the involvement of the business community that also has a stake in
making sure future workers are prepared for the work place.

The morning engagement was hosted at WJCT Studios; educators and those in the public who have a strong desire to positively impact education participated in Teacher Voices, the first of hundreds of conversations that will make up the Jacksonville Public Education Fund’s ONE by ONE initiative.

Those in attendance were provided an opportunity to speak out about what parents, businesses, political representatives and the community should do, can do and should not do in support of schools. Not just what educators and administrators should be responsible? Rarely do teachers have the chance to openly talk about the challenges they face without being ridiculed and policies thrown at them. This is a volatile time for education; the community, politicians, parents and business owners must take time to listen to educators and renew their support and lift morale of educators.

When talking about educational matters many times teachers; these dedicated professionals who have years of instructional experience, curriculum development, technology skills, and classroom management experience are not asked their opinion when changes are being made and policies enacted. Legislative policies and procedures are thrust upon teachers without any consideration to the ramifications with increased work load, professional development and the impact it will have in the classroom.

Teachers Voices provided time to extend expertise and a voice beyond the classroom to advocate for making quality education equitable for all children and a priority in Jacksonville. Duval County Public Schools manages 177 schools and serves about 123,000 students. Each and every student deserves a high quality education. The school district is working to provide quality educational opportunities that help students to grow, but parents are responsible and accountable as well to help teachers.

Educators are trained professionals in their tasks teaching in the schools, but unfortunately too few educational successes are shared with the public. Graduation rates have increased over the years, reading, math and science scores have improved because of teacher’s dedication to press
forward despite challenges, threat of merit pay initiatives and continued changes in state assessments that do not allow for stability and consistency in the educational process.

There seems to be a disconnect by state legislatures that underfund education, they have not spoken to teachers about their challenges created by lack of funding, lack of support and lack of respect. Legislative representatives do not visit challenged school districts, challenged classrooms nor do they talk to challenged students to get a clearer picture of what is realistically happening in the schools. This creates a one sided and one size fits all mentality when addressing educational policies and procedures.

The discussions outlined what works in strong and consistant administration, professional learning communities (PLC’s), integration of technology, and professional development. Other considerations were the increase of vocational education geared for students who do not have aspirations of college and a major concern is that of equity in how schools are supported andoverall unity of the Jacksonville community.

At the end of the discussions participants were provided the opportunity to talk about their impressions of the first Teacher Voices. They were recorded for later broadcast by WJCT and expressed their feelings and hopes for education in Jacksonville, Florida.

Our schools are a representative of our communities, failing schools indicate failing neighborhoods, so it is the responsibility of the whole community to work together in unification to equally support
learning for all students no matter geographic location, zip code or economic level.

Stated by Tavis Smiley that can be applied to the importance of education not just as a local concern, but nationally, “the key to our democracy is education, an educated citizenry is important because it prepares our children for the benefits and burdens of our democratic society” (Accountable 2010).

Teachers help to build educated youth that will be future employees, business owners, tax payers and builders of our community.
It is beneficial to everyone that all children are academically
successful, graduates of high school and productive in society. The ramification of an uneducated society are paramount to economic
collapse and social decay. It is everyone’s responsibility to make
sure our teachers are supported, our schools are equitably supported
in monies and resources and parents are involved in making sure their children are prepared to learn.

Pictures can be found at: photobucket.com/teachervoices

The next Jacksonville Education Fund event is:
Student Town Hall Discussion
Saturday December 10, 2011 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
ONE by ONE Student Town Hall
Murray Hill Theatre, 932 Edgewood Avenue South
For more information on the upcoming student discussion.
Email events@jaxpef.org or call (904) 356-7757
Students, this is their opportunity to add their
VOICE to the ONE by ONE campaign.
This Saturday Town Hall meeting event features special
guest Al Letson, host of NPR’s State of the RE: Union and
a performance by ONEpush, the ONE by ONE youth street team.

Blogging While Black Tween and Teen

Blogging While Black Tween and Teen
By William Jackson, M.Edu

The opportunity for Black tweens and teens to write is making a transformation into the world of blogging. Although the styles of writing; narrative, persuasive, argumentative and other styles learned from formal education are used. The performance or execution of writing is changing. The art of creating digital content has shifted from paper to electronic design. Blogging at the “Speed of Thought” (Bill Gates) is being etched onto digital manuscripts that empower Black tweens and teens to be authors of digital content.

Now tweens and teens have a voice that can be heard across the blogosphere if they only exercise their writing talents. The integration of blogging into academic curriculums has shown that more work needs to be done in English subject areas to help Black tweens and teens to write with confidence, comprehension and creativity. The use of blogging provides a resource that encourages writing and develops creative literary talents in youth who have a desire to write.

Blogging allows the writer to create content that is personal and expressive. Blogging is understood as; original content designed to provide diverse information. A blog or weblog is no longer textual, but integrates graphics, music, video and other multimedia elements. These elements are manipulated by tweens and teens to weave digital stories.
Information online no longer is stale (static) in development. It can be dynamic (interactive) because of the infusion of a multimedia foundation that can bring about the “WOW” factor of writing.

Each tween and teen posses their individual writing traits, blogs are just as unique and individualistic. Rappers and musical artists share a creative talent that can be formed in blogging. Each using words to tell a story, Black tweens and teens should understand that blogging is representative of their ideas, personalities, passions and emotions.

Blogging goes beyond rudimentary (random) thoughts and feelings; although they are useful, digging deep in literary expression, transforming thoughts and personal experiences into meaningful expressions and lexis (words).Anthony Butler, Sr. (Executive Director) E3 Business Group states that, “tweens and teens can develop their identity through blogging,” and “youth need to develop their public voice. Blogging allows youth to create and grow that voice.” Youth can expand their voice in January 2012 in the first ever, Real Talk Real Change III
“Youth Rights” forum (http://www.e3businessgroup.us/gpage2.html). Youth are expected to blog about their perceptions about youth rights in their communities and share with E3 leading up to this powerful and empowering event on Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
(http://www.e3businessgroup.us/gpage2.html)

This is why the use of video, music and the rich resources that technology can provide are important. Blogging thoughts transmitted through the use of expressive words, phrases, rhymes, raps, lyrical manipulations and the integration of youthful or generational slang,creating a “voice” as Mr. Butler stated that can be heard.

Blogging can be used to tell a story, share a feeling, express an idea, share a passion and start a movement. Words are powerful tools to start a revolution, change a country,create a constitution of ideologies that governs people.Black tweens and teens must understand; “to be a better writer a person must write every day.” There is a passion that many bloggers put into their blogging that sets them apart from just writers of words. Passionate bloggers write on what they perceive as blogging on a spiritual level or in a “Bloggers Zone.”

Bill Gates (Microsoft) stated that because of blogging people are “developers of (their own) content.” Separate from traditional news media bloggers add a dynamic to reporting of world events from the perspective of the “man/woman on the street” not guided by policies of news industry or corporations.

Tweens and teens should understand that their content is what makes their blogs unique and valuable.

Blogging content can be a ticket to college, creating an opportunity to an internship, or a career in broadcasting. The value of content information (CI) is to cultivate Black tweens and teens into bloggers that create relevant information worth reading.

Tweens and teens have the talent to blog, but may lack the knowledge, skill, confidence and courage. A part of blogging is accepting praise and criticism, so blogging can prepare tween and teen writers for real world exposure in writing.

The future is now, the Gutenberg Press created a paradigm shift in book production, the microprocessor created a shift in processing power for computers and the Internet has created a new shift in digital content. Tweens and teens will learn valuable skills that will be useful throughout life and applied in career choices.

Black youth can be reporters, journalists and publishers (digital) authors, but these opportunities will only be possible with writing skills. Minority tweens and teens are included in blogging; their voice can be spread but Black youth need to be Educated, Encouraged and Empowered, for the value of education and participation in community involvement. Instead of using rap to threaten, demean and use profanity why not use a tool that people will listen to in a format that opens minds and changes hearts for the positive.

Blogs are not complex they are about communication. What makes a good blog? One that gets read and in order to get read you have to start Blogging… So Black tweens and teens go forth and Blog..
More information can be found at:
HBCU Contributor -
Why Should African Americans Blog

Copy and Paste in a new browser:
Black Blogger Network - http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/
Black Bloggers Connect - http://www.blackbloggersconnect.com/

Developing Blogs from students at Edward Waters College
Dionne Goodwin - Animal Kingdom - http://dee-animals.blogspot.com/
Tierra Frazier – On Acting - http://tierrafrazieronacting.blogspot.com/
Anthony Wines - http://g-1basketballprogram.blogspot.com/
LaShonda Mukes - http://mamamukes.blogspot.com/
Tierra Johnson - http://princesssyndee.blogspot.com/
Nikki Broadnax - http://nikkieslittlecorner.wordpress.com/

Raines Vs Ribault; The Duality of athletics and academics

Raines vs. Ribault

The Vikings of Raines High School take on the Trojans of Ribault High School.

The atmosphere is building to an electrified level at Raines and Ribault, the stands will be overflowing to capacity. Alumni will remember clashes of past football glory days. The smell of hotdogs, hamburgers, chili, popcorn and even crabs will permeate the air. There will be pep rallies, banners of encouragement, school fight songs sung, the band will be ready to perform at half time and all supporting persons are in their
respectable places.

Coaches will refine their speeches and players will put on their game faces well before the Saturday evening event. The media will be ready to digitally catch every play and display every statistic about player performance and coaches play calling. Even Sam Kouvaris will have a comment or two on the six and eleven new shows.

This is a possible scene from the upcoming Raines and Ribault football game this weekend Saturday, November 5th at Ribault High School starting at 2:00pm. On the other side of this coin the division of athletics and academics; the need is there, but where are the men and fathers?? Men are needed to be more involved in the school, with this knowledge of need it is not as hard as it sounds to be a mentor, volunteer, role model or even to help tutor a child in school; it takes a healthy passion and honest
concern for students to be successful in school and life. Responsible, concerned and mature men can help young men be successful and overcome challenges that distract them from academic success. Men that are past alumni of these great schools need to help the academic community now.

Men/fathers that are blue and white collar workers, business leaders, those serving in the clergy, and community organizers are needed
in schools across this county. Construction workers, nurses, law enforcement, doctors, lawyers, custodians, lawn care specialists, even those who are in Waste Management your skills to talk to youth are needed.

Tradition
Mothers have traditionally been the intercessor for schools. However the challenges youth are experiencing in school and community are demanding men to make a commitment and be active to the duties as mentors, volunteers and even tutors. It is imperative for men to go into the schools and contribute to the education of school age young men. There are results when men show concern and participate consistently; social behavior improves, academic growth is evident in grades and testing, overall respect for teachers improves, and graduation rates go up.

This weekend the stadium will be filled, why can’t men attend parent/teacher conferences, school board meetings, Open House, and other school related activities that are off field and have academic importance? Men/fathers arejudged by their actions, they should be judged by their positive contributions to raising their children and improving their communities. They should not be judged by how many women they slept with, how many blunts they smoked. Men should not be judged by how many times they have been to prison, how many children they fathered, but cannot financially or emotionally support. This is a truth that cannot be denied or disputed. This is not a complete truth, there are successes in
parenting, but more men/fathers need to be involved in helping support education notjust athletics.

Validation of Data
Data validates men being involved in children’s lives; schools should be providing men an opportunity to participate in events geared just to them to help wth social behavior and guidance to academic achievement for children especially boys. Data has shown that a dad’s absence in the home through separation, divorce, incarceration and in some cases extended military service leads to dangerous trends for children’s behavior (NHES ’96/‘NCES ’97). When students get to middle and high school they
are confronted with the pressures of performance academic standards, state assessments, peer pressure, drugs and pressures to have sex, so the need for a strong male figure is needed to lend an ear to talk about teen pressures and provide positive advice. The statistics that children who grow up without a father/role model are five times more likely
to live in poverty, nine times more likely to drop out of school and twenty times more likely to end up in prison, Fatherhood Facts (fatherhood.com). Children with involved fathers/men are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self esteem, exhibit
empathy and pro-social behavior, and avoid high risk behaviors such as drug use, truancy, and criminal activity.

Sports a Key Role
Sports can play a key role in helping youth to gain discipline, self control, and maturity, build self esteem and create high expectations for success. The issue is not everyone will play sports. Coaches fill a void as a father figure, mentor and guide, but students who don’t have this face challenges. Theodore Roosevelt said “to educate a man in mind
and not in morals is to educate a menace to society”; mentors and volunteers contribute to the overall holistic growth of the students.

Educational Levels
The educational level of mentors should not hinder their contribution. There are some things a book nor computer can teach, a computer cannot teach why a firm handshake, a computer cannot teach looking a person in the eyes when speaking to them, a book cannot effectively teach putting on a neck tie, nor how to carry one’s self in a job interview, a book cannot teach how and why to articulate words when speaking on a job and not using slang, a book cannot instill in young men why they should pull their pants up and wear a belt when going to school, church or work. I state these things to improve a young man’s appearance and self confidence, setting young men up for success and a continuation of freedoms from mental and emotional stereotypical minority slavery. As a teacher in public school and higher education for over 20 years, I see too many youth being taught how to fail by wrong actions and wrong role models.

Malcolm X stated, “you can teach a child to succeed or fail by your action or inaction.”

A Man/Father Legacy
In the Bible the understanding of leaving a positive legacy is known. The Bible says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge”. Teaching social behavior and etiquette is not in curriculums nor addressed in state standards or benchmarks. Character traits like: strong work ethic, honesty, humility, respect, the importance of responsibility, accountability, and even ethics and morals need to be taught and modeled. President Obama in his Third Annual Back To School speech spoke of ethics and morality. Why have our young men of color not provided the opportunity to listen to our President of the United States? He provides a “positive message” with personal accounts, educational success stories that
students can relate to and honest dialogue on his life. He tries to let youth know they have great potential and power to shape the world; education is the key to success and survival.

Conclusion
Stated by Bob Wise, President of the Alliance for Excellent Education, “The best economic stimulus package is a diploma”. We are becoming a high tech society, but how can our young men compete when they have low tech or no tech skills? How can they get into college when
colleges don’t want them? Men/fathers do make a difference so mentor/volunteer/tutor in schools and make a difference in a young person’s life. Leave a positive legacy behind. When a man or father reaches his final resting time he should want to see he contributed in a positive way when his life flashes before his eyes. Men/fathers should want to see something positive left behind, don’t let the only thing remain is an empty seat at a football stadium that people will fill with another butt. Support all the students and all our schools and be involved.

Raines Vs Ribault; The Duality of athletics and academics

International Walk To School Day

International Walk To School Day

WJXT Channel 4 covered several stories recently
related to students walking to school and the
hazards that this may present to students and
their safety.


The concerns of parents are the
ever present possibility of child abductions,
traffic hazards, children getting lost and other concerns
when children walk to school. No matter the distance there
are dangers for children even when walking in their neighborhoods.

Andrew Robinson Elementary School’s Physical Education teacher
William Jackson and the partnership with Shands Jacksonville
Pediatric Emergency Department through the efforts of
Nurse Gretta Langley with Shands Hospital worked together to bring “International Walk To School Day” to students and
parents.

Nurse Langley with the help of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s
Department, Trauma One Helicopter, the Jacksonville Suns
Mascot “Southpaw” Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, a special
visit by Dr. Donnie Horner, Education Commissioner with
the Mayor’s Office introduced the “International Walk to
School Day” to Andrew Robinson Elementary students with
exuberance and excitement.

WJXT Channel 4 is covering “International Walk to School
Day” in Jacksonville as thousands of students, parents
and communities representing more than 3,200 schools
across America celebrated the act of walking and bicycling
to school.

Started by the nonprofit Alliance for a Healthier Generation
the group is encouraging kids to walk or bike to school every
day and the benefits of walking to school:
1. Increased physical activity
2. Cuts down on air pollution and traffic congestion
3. Provides opportunities for family time together
4. Opportunities for parents to talk about their children’s
day at school.

During the assembly Coach Jackson and Nurse Langley talked to
the students about the proper way to cross the street. The
importance of walking with a group, looking right, left then
right again before crossing the street and not running into
the street. Pedestrians have laws they need to abide by, but
students have to be educated and practice to be safe.

Recent national traffic statistics on pedestrian traffic has
shown that Jacksonville has a higher rate of pedestrian injuries
and fatalities.

Children are particularly vulnerable because of their perceptions
of distance, rate of car speed, depth perception and lack of
knowledge of laws.

Parents are encouraged to reinforce walking safety and how to
safely cross streets. Reinforcing these statements where
Chief Moreland and Chief Downerof Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
Department.

At the conclusion of the assembly the Andrew Robinson Elementary
student body practiced what was taught by walking through the neighborhood. Escorted by Jacksonville Sheriffs Officer,
Officer Cummings who has made several safety presentations at ARE,
staff, teachers and parent volunteers the students excitedly and
orderly circled the neighborhood practicing new skills.

Upon conclusion of the walk students were treated to entertainment
by Southpaw, mascot of the Jacksonville Suns Baseball team, tour
of Trauma One Helicopter and JFRD fire trucks and emergency
vehicles. Students received book bags containing items to remind
them of always being safe when walking to and from school and in
their neighborhoods.

A BIG THANK YOU to The Shands Jacksonville Pediatric Emergency
Department Nurses for judging the poster contest and to Papa
John’s Pizza for providing the pizzas for the party for the
winning poster of each class.

To access pictures go to: http://photobucket.com/walktoschoolday
Official International Walk To School Web site

http://www.iwalktoschool.org/
News 4 Jax
The Dangers of Kids Walking To School
http://www.news4jax.com/news/The-dangers-of-kids-walking-to-school/-/475880/4022168/-/109lyb6z/-/index.html
Walking To School Dangers
http://www.news4jax.com/news/Walking-to-school-dangers/-/475880/4011042/-/10frlsbz/-/index.html

By William Jackson, M.Ed.
Physical Education Teacher
Andrew Robinson Elementary School

Doc says “Just Say No To Drugs”

Doc says “Just Say No To Drugs”

Andrew Robinson Elementary recently celebrated
“Just Say No To Drugs” (Red Ribbon Week) with the
excitement of a Jacksonville Jaguars or
Jacksonville Giants game. Starting off the “Just Say No”
week activities was a visit by Dr. Donnie Horner,
Education Commissioner for Mayor Alvin Brown. This
being his third visit to the Home of the Rockets.

A Doc In The Schoolhouse
“Doc” as he is happy to be called brought excitement
and exuberance to the primary grade students (Pre-K to 2nd)
during the “Just Say No To Drugs” assembly. The partnership
between local government and education can be a powerful
collaboration that can positively affect the educational
direction of students.

Partnerships can contribute to community buy in to
supporting schools and building moral in teachers.
The term, “it takes a village to raise leaders”
can be applied to the works that community partnerships
can create such as the Mayor Alvin Brown's office and
local schools.

There is more to influencing youth to stay away from
drugs than chanting or singing. Role modeling, high
expectations, continuous education and students
understanding that adults really care about their
health and well being are key components. Students
follow examples of adults and their actions are louder
than words statement has a meaning that goes
further than can be imagined.

The students of Andrew Robinson gained wisdom from
the teaching of Dr. Horner, other guest speakers and
the classroom activities during the week.

It takes continuous and consistent education, the
rewards of the “Just Say No” campaign are our
children to keep them drug free and staying drug
free. What other better works and rewards can
we give our children than education and the
skills to stay away from drugs and alcohol?

A big “Thank you” to Dr. Horner and others that
contributed to keeping our students knowledgeable
and empowered to say “NO” to drugs and alcohol
and yes to education.

To view the excitement of our special guest,
Dr. Donnie Horner access: If links are not
highlighted, copy and paste into a new browser
window:
For pictures:
http://photobucket.com/justsaynotodrugs
For video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR4jqM87cag

William Jackson
Andrew Robinson Elementary
Jacksonw@duvalschools.org
Andrew Robinson Elementary
www.duvalschools.org/are

A Giant Comes To Andrew Robinson

A Giant Comes To Andrew Robinson

Similar to the story Gulliver's Travels (1726) a giant recently visited the young men of Andrew Robinson Elementary School. This giant was not stranded on an island like the story by Jonathan Swift, but visited ARE to bring encouragement, friendship and instill the value and power of education, and importance of going to college.

Allie Schmidt of Public and Community Relations with the Jacksonville Giants organization made this awesome and educationally potent visit possible, extending the hand of partnership and cooperation between the Jacksonville Giants and Andrew Robinson Elementary School.
Attending the visit and providing light entertainment was Mr. Biggs the mascot of the Jacksonville Giants ABA team.

The week of “Jacksonville Goes To College” provided students at Andrew Robinson a visit from Andrew Dikas, a talented Jacksonville Giant basketball player. Mr. Dikas spoke to the fourth and fifth grade young men about the importance of getting a quality education. He praised how education provides the tools for students to take care of themselves and their families when these young men grow into adults. Relating to his
experiences growing up in South Florida and attending Nova High, excelling in athletics and working hard to make good grades. Mr. Dikas shared with the students how he had dreams when he was in elementary school, but knew he had to have a college education to make them come true.

Mr. Dikas talked about graduating from Brewton-Parker College with a Bachelors degree so he could be prepared not just in sports, but in business. To have more than just basketball skills to live on, but skills that will last a lifetime through education. Mr. Dikas shared that it takes talent, determination, and sacrifice to play professional sports, but many try out for sports and few really make it.

He talked about the importance not to rely just on sports as a career, that having a college education is important because it provides a foundation for a better life and gives a person something to fall back on for support.

Mr. Dikas and the Jacksonville Giants are the Southeast Division basketball champions in the American Basketball Association with a record of 23 wins and no losses. The Jacksonville Giants have formed a community partnership with DCPS; Andrew Robinson Elementary School was honored to be the first school to be visited this school year by a Jacksonville
Giants player and looks forward to more visits and participation by the Jacksonville Giants organization to help develop great minds that are college bound and career successes.

Andrew Robinson Elementary Physical Education teacher William Jackson appreciates the time that community members like the Jacksonville Giants take to come to the elementary school to share their experiences in life and the importance of education. Coach Jackson a teacher with DCPS and a Professor at Edward Waters College sees the importance of a
strong foundation from elementary school through college and encourages students to set high goals, develop strong academic work habits and the importance of reading every day creates lifelong learners.

Photos of the Jacksonville Giants visit:
Jacksonville Giants

Written by William Jackson, M.Ed.
Andrew Robinson Elementary
Andrew Robinson Elementary Web Site

Jacksonville Giants
Jacksonville Giants