My Journey Through Poetry

My poetry book, My Journey through Poetry (http://poeticrain.simonenikkole.com/myjourney/) (MJTP), is finally in its final editing stage and should be expected to hit stores by Christmas. MJTP is my first solo book of poetry and is a collection of motivational pieces for children, adolescents, students and others alike who are trying to find themselves and love themselves in this world. I hope to do readings and a book signing at TC in the near future. Be on the Look out. Check out my website: www.simonenikkole.com to learn more or you can just ask me. I am always around.
Abrazitos y Besitos!

Is Black In? If Bloomberg has his way...

When I heard NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein called it quits, I think I sat in shock for a good 30 seconds. After regaining attention, and scouring GothamSchools and the New York Times for details, I become more and more intrigued by Bloomberg's proposed candidate to take Klein's Place--Ms. Cathie Black. A former publishing executive, who sat on the Board of Coke-Cola. Way to stick it to the folks already at the Department of Education, Mayor Bloomberg!

Let's be real, everyone anticipated Klein's replacement would likely follow Bloomberg's lead, some even saying be his new "puppet." Yet, were we prepared for someone who not only lacked experience in the public sector, but also has no association to NYC Public Schools (other than sitting on the board of a charter school for a month)? To the chagrin of some teachers and education advocates (at least the ones I've talked to), Black is in and one waiver away from heading one of the largest school systems in the United States. Some think Black's appointment is what NYC Public Schools needs: a strong leader who has monitored the growth of business and knows what it takes to bring parties together to achieve a goal.

What are your thoughts and feelings? Here's what some members of the Black Student Network said:

Simone Perry: "After reading her bio, seeing her little [education] experience, and noticing that her children don't even go to school in NY state, I wonder how she is qualified for this position. Someone who runs magazines is going to be making decisions about schools? That really scares me especially because of the negative hold the media has on the development of children."

Crystal Francis: "So...let me get this straight...in order to teach 20 first graders, I need a Master's degree, but to lead a district responsible for 1.1 million students, I need a bachelor's degree and friends in high places?? Try again Mayor Bloomberg. Our students deserve better than this."

Kody Melancon: "It is obvious some political leaders have not quite come to the realization that change in education is not necessarily around how well one manages, but rather how well one knows the core dimensions of education, and how to effectively institute change based on local interest. Most business leaders must prove themselves in their respective field before rising through the ranks. In the same regards, I think it is essential for leaders in education to successfully demonstrate that they are able to produce quality results and effectively manage schools before ascending into top educational posts."

Alexandra Greene: "Education is the test tube baby of professions. In no other industry would an absolute layperson be chosen to lead one of its largest and most complex organizations. Even worst is having to work for someone with no experience in a field that most have spent their entire careers in."

Joyce Mixson: "I wonder whether Bloomberg has our best interest at heart. Who he chooses for chancellor says a lot about how he perceives urban education. Placing business people in chancellor positions without a strong educational background is basically saying to us that anyone can do the job. You will never see just anyone become a surgeon without adequate training, therefore, education needs the same respect."

Terrance McKnight: "I disagree with the stance that an educator has to lead the DOE. The Chancellor's position is far removed from the individual classroom. A person who knows how to directly impact student performance is not needed; that is the role of teachers and principals. What is needed is described below, taken from the Job Description of the Chancellor:

'The Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education serves as chief executive officer for the city school district and the superintendent of schools.'

Based on her history, Ms. Black could potentially fill the role required. In addition, a professional tenure as long as hers is the same as a continued educational career, in my opinion."

We want to hear more! Add your voice and comment below! As always, if you have a blog to contribute, please contact tcblackstudentnetwork@gmail.com for more information.

Free Movie Screening!

Beyond the Statistics

are the real stories of the children

Beyond the Obstacles

are the promises of the past

Beyond the Bricks

are the hopes of tomorrow

You are invited to join us for a private screening of Beyond the Bricks

Day/Time: Tuesday, November 9 at 5pm

Location: Milbank Chapel

And a Town Hall Discussion* with the film’s Director, Derek Koen & National Scholar, Dr. Ivory Toldson (featured in the film) and a reception will follow. Light refreshments will be served.

This Town Hall format is intended to give pre-service and in-service teachers insight into the influence they have in the lives of children they are charged to educate.

Beyond the Bricks Project is a documentary and national community engagement campaign created with the goal of promoting local and national solutions to one of America’s crucial problems in the consistently low performance of Black males in school. The film includes commentary from some of the country’s foremost leaders, experts and scholars focused on Black males and their education including Newark, NJ’s mayor, Cory Booker, Reverend Al Sharpton, Schott Foundation President Dr. John Jackson, Dr. Pedro Noguera, and Dr. Ivory Toldson, among others. (www.beyondthebricksproject.com)

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact OASID at oasid@tc.edu, (212) 678-3689, (212) 678-3853 TTY, (866) 755-3144 video phone, as early as possible to request reasonable accommodations, such as ASL interpreters, alternate format materials, and a campus map of accessible features.

Hip Hop Karaoke

Remember when we were growing up and hip hop was...well HIP HOP? (no offense to any legit artists of today) Hip Hop artists like Nas, McLyte, Bone Thugs and Harmony, and others infused our minds with beats and rhymes that had us singing loudly in the backseat, shower, and the school bus. I still remember when I learned the words to Tupac's "Hit Em Up". I thought I was the baddest chick in my middle school. (Never mind that I never performed in front of others and there were only 2 other kids who knew who he was). Back then I only dreamed of performing in front of an audience and having people say, " You did that just like ( insert name of hip hop artist here). To which I would kindly reply, " Girl please.....you think so.." (smile).

Well if like me, you ever wanted to rap the impassioned lyrics of WuTang's Protect Ya Neck or Queen Latifah, then Hip Hop Karaoke was made for you. At this monthly event you bring yourself and the lyrics to the stage and rhyme like you always dreamed of doing. In case you need some support, they also supply you with your very own hype man to complete your dream. To stay informed about the next event sign up at http://www.hiphopkaraoke.com/ for updates about the next time you will have the opportunity to fulfill your big dream (other than getting your degree) to rhyme like Hov.

Visiting Professor Marybeth Gasman, Colloquium
Tuesday, November 2nd, 4pm
Arts and Humanities, Program in History and Education
Lecture 4-5pm HM140; Reception 5-6pm in HM138


*image courtesy of Teachers College, Columbia University

An Overview of the "Mean Girls of Morehouse"

In 2009 Morehouse College released a new dress code policy focused on creating a high aesthetic standard among its young men under penalty of denial of admission or denial of access to events. The language of this policy is as follows:

It is our expectation that students who select Morehouse do so because of the College’s outstanding legacy of producing leaders. On the campus and at College-sponsored events and activities, students at Morehouse College will be expected to dress neatly and appropriately at all times.

Students who choose not to abide by this policy will be denied admission into class and various functions and services of the College if their manner of attire is inappropriate. Examples of inappropriate attire and/or appearance include but are not limited to:

1. No caps, do-rags and/or hoods in classrooms, the cafeteria, or other indoor venues. This policy item does not apply to headgear considered as a part of religious or cultural dress.

2. Sun glasses or “shades” are not to be worn in class or at formal programs, unless medical documentation is provided to support use.

3. Decorative orthodontic appliances (e.g. “grillz”) be they permanent or removable, shall not be worn on the campus or at College-sponsored events.

4. Jeans at major programs such as, Opening Convocation, Commencement, Founder’s Day or other programs dictating professional, business casual attire, semi-formal or formal attire.

5. Clothing with derogatory, offense and/or lewd messages either in words or pictures.

6. Top and bottom coverings should be work at all times. No bare feet in public venues.

7. No sagging–the wearing of one’s pants or shorts low enough to reveal undergarments or secondary layers of clothing.

8. Pajamas, shall not be worn while in public or in common areas of the College.

9. No wearing of clothing associated with women’s garb (dresses, tops, tunics, purses, pumps, etc.) on the Morehouse campus or at College-sponsored events.

10. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities that are sponsored or organized by the College (e.g. athletic teams, the band, Glee Club, etc).

11. The college reserves the right to modify this policy as deemed appropriate.

*All administrative, faculty, students and support staff members are asked to assist in enforcing this policy and may report disregard or violations to the Office of Student Conduct.”

On October 11, 2010 Vibe.com posted an article entitled "The Mean Girls of Morehouse".  This article explores the recently enacted dress code (particularly Item #9) at Morehouse and its subsequent effects on the gay community within the institution.  While many would argue that this policy fosters an environment of professionalism throughout the student body, others would argue that it actively discriminates against those men who seek to express their sexuality, gender, and sense of self through non-traditional means.

For your convenience I have attached both the article posted by Vibe.com as well as the letter written by the President of Morehouse College, Robert M. Franklin.  As you follow the accounts of the three young men cited in the article, and read the address of President Franklin, I ask that you consider the following questions:

1.  What interests are served by creating a dress code such as this at an institution such as Morehouse?

2.  Given the struggle of black men to prove themselves as capable and exceptional professionals in America, would it be detrimental to the academic goals of the College to repeal its policy?

3.  Is it fair or appropriate for President Franklin to affix his personal beliefs on gender to the policies of the college?

4.  Are the goals and aspirations of Morehouse College really endangered by allowing young men to dress in feminine garb if such clothing maintains the underlying sense of professionalism that this dress code allegedly is trying to achieve?

5.  To what extent does it matter that these young gay men are choosing to leave Morehouse rather than being explicitly forced to leave?  Or, are they being forced to leave?

6.  How could the dress code be changed to better effectuate the goals of College while not creating the issues cited in the Vibe article?

http://www.vibe.com/content/mean-girls-morehouse

http://www.vibe.com/posts/morehouse-president-writes-letter-alumni-addressing-mean-girls