Category Archives: Education

June 13, 2013 · 8:23 pm

I am not an angry Black woman.

Why is it when a black woman is passionate about something that she believes in, she’s suddenly mad or angry? Difficult? Obtuse? Rude? Defensive? Scary?

I recently had a conversation with someone about obtaining space in my community for a Black Literature workshop that I’m facilitating in the fall. I was contacted and asked to explain the nature of my workshop and the W5 on what it will be about. When I very patiently, pleasantly and professionally explained what the plan of programming would be, the conversation turned dramatically.

A ‘pleasant’ conversation went from 0-99 in less than 2 minutes. All of I sudden, I could tell that no matter what my plans were, they were not welcome at least by this one gate-keeper. Without getting into the meat and potatoes of the discussion, long story short; I was reminded of why I never wanted to pursue a career in the public school machine.

First and foremost, I make no apologies for my stance on how the public school system is designed for us to fail. I am a product of the aforementioned system and therefore can attest to the systematic foolishness promoted and “taught” from within. Therefore, if I am of the opinion that our Black children can and will benefit from the support of private programs geared specifically toward them and only them and designed by the very people who from whom they are the essence; That’s my prerogative.

This little run-in with this gate-keeper has simply reinforced my mistrust of outside influence from school board officials and people who do not belong to the Black community.

Allow me to clarify, in regards to this initiative; Any and all brainstorming, discussion, collaboration, financing, strategizing, planning and actioning will be completely FUBU and that is FOR US BY US. We have allowed too many hands to stir our pots for too long and it simply hasn’t gotten us anywhere. I can write my fingers to the bone discussing the reasons why I believe that there is a need to re-segregate components of our Black children’s learning environments to restore the educational deficit that have resulted from the public school and the traditional private schools but why?

If you are a Black person or Black parent reading this, you already understand because you’ve experienced it at some point or another no matter what level of success you’ve attained. If you are not a Black person or the parent of a Black child and you are reading this, then no matter what I write, you will never be able to comprehend the chasm of ignorance that is being purposely created in the formal education system in North America. You have likely always been taught by people who look like you and attended institutions that were designed with your future in mind. We don’t have this in common and it’s ok. It is what it is but, I’m not going to be ‘inclusive’ for fear of being politically incorrect and making someone feel left out. If you’re being left out of the conversation, it’s on purpose because the conversation simply doesn’t concern you. I’m not angry, I just happen to love, care for and feel the innate need to protect and nurture my own and I value those things much more than I fear offending anyone else’s sensibilities or their insecurities about not being included.

It’s foolish, naïve, silly and downright stupid to EXPECT middle class people who do not look like our children to educate our children. PERIOD.

Now, after having said all of that, I am still working on securing a venue for the first workshop that is completely independent of the PDSB school board or entity which is an obvious conflict of interest. Which segues into my upcoming article:

“WE NEED AN INDEPENDANT BLACK PARENTS ASSOCIATION IN PEEL REGION!”

I haven’t written it yet but wait for it. It’s coming soon my people. One idea, one action at a time…

I’ll keep you posted and as always,

Light reflected is enlightenment infinite.
~Rachelle

Leave a comment

Filed under African Canadian, Black Canadian, Black Educators, Black Literature, Black Youth, Brampton, Brampton Ontario, Education, Literacy, Musings, Ontario, Ontario Curriculum, Parents, Uncategorized, Women

Tagged as African Canadian, Afro-Canadian, Afro-Canadian Success, Afro-Centric Education, Black Canadian, Black Canadian People, Black Community, black literature, Black People, Canada, Education, Integration, language, Private Education, Public Schools, Re-Segregate, Segregation, Special Education, Womanist, women

June 12, 2013 · 8:00 pm

OUR Black children are dying!!

I believe that OUR Black children are dying. (Now that I have your attention, I want you to start following this blog right now… Continue.)

When God blesses us with the gift of our children, God also passes the responsibility of educating those children into our care.

But they are dying Mentally, Spiritually and Physically.

Their minds and spirits are being systematically murdered and it is inevitably leading to the physical death of our children. When our children die, our generations are assaulted, denigrated and further subjugated. It’s as simple as that and as Black Canadian people, we should take major issue with this phenomenon. We are not helpless. We must not continue to stand so placidly by. We can do something.
As parents and as responsible community members, we must put an end to the destruction of the minds of our Black children.

The purpose of this forum is not to debate the goings on of the past nor to discuss things for which we have no control over however, putting an end to the systematic mis-education of our children, our most valuable commodities, I believe is of the utmost importance.
I do believe that it is our God-given onus to educate and thus save our children. I believe that if our children are going to stand a chance at becoming adequately prepared to hold complete free agency over their own destinies and not merely prepared to be employees and the unremarkable hired help; We must take up the torch.
First and foremost, I think that it’s time we rewrite the definition of education for Black people.
I quote Dr. Umar Johnson, “Education for Black children should be the art of teaching our children to acquire, protect and maintain power.” I concur. We must consistently work to see the shift from working for to dominating. It’s happened across the spectrum from sport to sport and in the entertainment industry so why not in the classroom and then on to the boardroom?

Why are we allowing our children to be taught to work for XYZ company instead of arming and equipping them with the knowledge and power to create, build and control businesses that compete with XYZ company?

We need to build a new educational environment for our children. Remember those Cultural Comfort Zones I wrote about creating a few weeks back? This is what I was getting at people!!! I have long believed that education should be a function of the community and it’s members and therefore, as parents we need to be talking about taking education reform into our own capable hands and building our own schools.
When I say this, I’m speaking metaphorically, somewhat anyway. Schools, learning, teaching and ultimately EDUCATING can happen in a variety of places. But, in order to teach our children what we believe they need to be learning, it’s time we took matters into our own hands and revolutionize something that has simply never worked for us and that is putting the responsibility of our education into the hands of those who have an alternate agenda.

As a Black parent of Black children, I feel that I am qualified to hold an opinion on this crisis and I invite You dear reader to mount up and fight the good fight with me.

We simply need to stand in the gap for our children.

In my upcoming articles, I will be revealing plans for a pilot program in the fall introducing our kids to some important Black Literature standards and getting the wheels turning for some grass-roots learning right here in Brampton Ontario! I’m very excited about this private venture into Black education.
I’m interested to know what you think about these ideas and your input is welcomed, valued and appreciated.

As always, light reflected is enlightenment infinite.
~Rachelle About Me

Leave a comment

June 11, 2013 · 4:55 pm

Why haven’t YOU learned anything?

“Man that school shit is a joke
The same people who control the school system control
The prison system, and the whole social system
Ever since slavery, nawumsayin?”

These Schools ~Dead Prez

Consider These Challenges…

Do You believe that as parents, it is our primary responsibility to educate our children or, are you of the mindset that it is perfectly acceptable to turn our Black children over to the public school system and have that duty outsourced?

Do You believe that our children can effectively learn from people who do not look like them and may not be truly committed to educating that child.

Do You believe that your children will and can rise to the level of your expectations? What are the expectations you have for your children? Do You believe that they matter to your child?

Do You believe that if the educator doesn’t truly care about or value the child being taught, that they are then unable to grow that child academically?

Do You believe that the real reason many of our children are not learning is because the people responsible for their learning couldn’t care less?

Do You believe that children need to feel content, valued, wanted and comfortable before they can effectively learn?

Do You believe that education content and curriculum today is relevant?

Do You believe that negative stereotypes are affecting the quality of education our Black children are receiving?

Do You believe that the mis-education of our children is not on purpose?

Do You believe that there is a deliberate and systematic effort to eliminate preparation for life after high school for Black people?

Do You believe that access to opportunity is equal across the board?

Do You believe that racism is no longer a threat to your son or daughter’s education and career opportunities?

What do YOU believe?

I urge You, dear reader to please leave honest feedback and comments on this as it was posted to inspire conversation and I’m interested to know your thoughts on these questions. This is an open forum designed to help us unite as parents, educators and social activists on the battlefield to stand in the gap for our children.

Light reflected is enlightenment infinite.

~Rachelle

PS! I urge you to try and get a copy of the below book by Dr. Umar Johnson. I will be adding it and a few others to our ‘Black Literature’ list that I have been very neglectful in growing!!!

9 Comments

Filed under African Canadian, Black Canadian, Black Educators, Black Literature, Black Youth, Education, Literacy, Musings, Ontario, Parents

May 29, 2013 · 8:41 pm

Creating Cultural Comfort Zones.

Rosemary Sadlier, President of the Ontario Black History Society points out that “African Canadian students need to feel affirmed; need to be aware of the contributions made by other Blacks in Canada; need to have role models; need to understand the social forces which have shaped and influenced their community and their identities as a means of feeling connected to the educational experience and their life experience in various regions of Canada. They need to feel empowered.” (From the TDSB resource guide: African Heritage Month – 2002)

This is as true in 2013 as it was in 2002. It was as true in 1603 when the first freed slave, Mathieu De Costa arrived in Nova Scotia as a translator for Pierre Dugua as it is now.

I think that Ms. Sadlier was on to something… I have long since opined that the identity of Black Canadians is intertwined with those who have come before us. I know from experience that to belong to a community of people who are derived from a similar historical context shapes, molds and influences the way one views one’s own self.
Having had my own early childhood education impressed upon me largely through black teachers, principals and role models who understood the importance of educating through showing us examples of other black intellectuals, dignitaries and pioneers; I can say that it has certainly left an indentation of how important that connection is for me.
Move 1800kms from Nova Scotia to the GTA in Ontario and the learning environment changes dramatically. Suddenly, the Black student is a minority in a sea of minorities. How then do we foster a learning environment that is conducive for connecting that student to their own culture as a Black Canadian? The answer is simple; we create an environment that exposes the learner to elements of familiarity. Even the briefest of exposure will create the comfort zone that is critical for supporting the Black student in a way which influences confidence, creativity and self-discovery.

Now, in defining fore mentioned comfort zone. It must be a place where the Black learner feels at ease, comfortable, safe and without stress. Naturally a place like this can be supportive toward a young mind. We can even reason that a learning environment like this and coupled with a facilitator who is as animated and passionate as they are educated, we have the recipe for success! I already know what you’re thinking and I can smell what the proverbial rock is cooking. How can we foster such an environment in our school systems? Quite frankly, due the diversity of our populace, the lack of school board funding not to mention cohesion in designing a set plan for the public school environment, at this time at least, it’s nearly impossible, but lest we forget the adage, “Where’s there’s a will, there’s a way!”. As parents, community leaders, youth educators and mentors the onus is ours to create these comfort zones. In our living rooms, our dining rooms, through private workshops, literacy activities and Black education programs.

If our foremothers and forefathers could give us religion, wisdom and understanding in rudimentary shacks, cabins and open meadows there is absolutely no reason whatsoever that we cannot take up the torch and create these niches from with our very own contemporary nooks and crannies.
Do you believe that educating our children should be left entirely to the proverbial powers that be? Why or why not?
I’m interested to know your thoughts on this…

Inspiration please!!!!!
~Rachelle

1 Comment

Filed under Education, Literacy

May 29, 2013 · 5:55 pm

Inspiring The Black Learner.

in•spi•ra•tion
[in-spuh-rey-shuh n]
noun
1. An inspiring or animating action or influence: I cannot write poetry without inspiration.
2. Something inspired, as an idea.
3. A result of inspired activity.
4. A thing or person that inspires.

What inspires? What calls the young mind into action and sets alight the flame of creativity, original thought, focus or the intention to send something meaningful into the universe?

I believe that for black students, inspiration is as essential to learning as emotion to love. Without inspiration, young minds are not called to action and set to work.
Inspiring black youth can be as easy as introducing them to the notables of old…

Richard Wright was a controversial author, poet and overall personality. In the 20th century his literary contribution to the African American diaspora helped to ignite the spark of change for race relations, or lack thereof, in the United States. By today’s standards, Wright would be considered “gansta” on many levels; He wrote contentious poems and short stories about his thoughts on being black. When he wrote Native Son, he was accused of making the character Bigger Thomas, a statement of white society’s stereotypes and confirming their worst fear of black men. In an already tumultuous, racially charged and conflictual society; Wright was a Black man unafraid of his voice, his power, his masculinity or his Blackness. He was even a registered red card carrying communist.
Richard Wright was a rebel because had the courage, the intellect and the communication skills to vent his frustration of the status quo and subsequently, influence the change he wanted to see to it.
He is a hero because he used words as weapons. Almost a hundred years later, we are still inspired by the historical and sociological impact he made on the literary world. By using his mind, his time and his pen effectively, he was the change that he wanted to see in his world.
Wright was one bad mutha-shut-yo-mouth then and still is today.

I guess my point is that Canadian Black youth are inspired through various contemporary outputs and arguably, much rap and hiphop music are just as lyrical, poetic and socially relevant as anything that Wright ever gave us; He was one of the greats who paved the way but if you think that JayZ, Kanye or Talib Kweli do not understand the significance of Richard Wright or that they have not been lyrically inspired and called to action through the remnants of his social commentary, you must be smoking and not even the good stuff.

Richard Wright is one author of many and to our black learners, we must unmask our literary trailblazers one by one so that their light in the world ignites and inspires the potential in each one of our children.

Light reflected is enlightenment infinite…
~Rachelle

Leave a comment

Filed under Black Youth, Education, Literacy

Tagged as Black Canadian, black literature, language, poetry, women

October 11, 2012 · 3:33 pm

To Be A Young, Gifted and Black Canadian…

“‘Cause you know in the whole wide world There’s a million, a million boys and girls Who are young, gifted, gifted, and black…and its sho’nuff where it’s at.” ~Donny Hathaway

No introduction needed. If you’re reading this, it’s because I’ve asked you to so, we’re already somewhat “connected”.
I decided to begin this BLOG because as a concerned parent and as a “writer”, this seems like the best vehicle to share my woes while simultaneously becoming part of the solution instead of just complaining about the problem. Hopefully.

I’m learning that being a young, gifted and black Canadian living Ontario can be a whirlwind of confusion…
Donny Hathaway is rolling around in his effing grave.

Problem: Our Black Canadian youth are not being formally exposed to North American Black Literature and therfore they are not learning from the very foundation for a healthy Black Canadian identity.

“Why is this a problem?” you may find yourselves asking. In my humble opinion Dear Reader; Through no fault of their own, many of our children are completely in the dark about what it truly means to be Black in Canada. They lack the pride, protection and feeling of belonging accociated with the connection to a community. This gap in their idendity as young Canadians is at a detriment to their entire sense of self. This is a problem no?

Solution: Exposing our children and PEERS to the vast body of historical and contemporary literature writen by black authors, poets and play writes dedicated to documenting and thus preserving the North American cultural black experience and the African diaspora.

“How is this a solution?” again you may find yourself questioning. Once again in my humble opinion Dear Reader; By and through educating our children and PEERS who may ultimately engage in educating their children and the children of their peers, we begin to build and promote positive self image and a knowledgable, healthy connection to the Black Canadian identity. My friends, that community is beautifully vast…

Where to begin? Hopefully this “BLOG” might be the catalyst for conversations which need to be held, for support which needs to be given and for the universe of black literature to open up and immerse our children and help them to become well-rounded, confident and WHOLE individuals.
I want to start here. I want to share here.
~Rachelle

Leave a comment

Filed under Black Canadian, Education