Raising black children in America is a daunting task for so many reasons. The main reason is you have to burden children with understanding racism as more than a concept. It’s not enough to unload the history of the Atlantic Slave Trade. You have to discuss how black skin and male gender equals danger in America in the mundane.
It is with sadness as I write this piece. I just finished reading the story of the latest victim of racism in America. Trayvon Martin, a teenager, was walking home when he was shot in the chest by a volunteer cop. As I read the article, like many Black parents, I was hoping to learn from Martin’s mistakes to protect my children from falling victim to the same fate. Surely he must have done something to be killed. I was reading for clear signs of what Martin did “wrong.” Did he run? Was he looking like a hardcore rapper? Was he holding a stick like object such as a pencil? I read to know what Martin did “wrong” so I could protect my boys from EVER doing the same thing. And yet, similar to the other senseless deaths before him; Martin’s only crime was not being white skinned.
Nonetheless, I did pick up some mistakes. First, Black people should realize that they cannot live freely in just any part of the United States. They need to stick in towns/cities with a sizeable Black population. This is because the white dominated towns/suburbs further marginalize Black people living in a white dominated country. Black children, as young as kindergarteners, are suspended out of school more than their white counterparts. It’s no wonder that home schooling is growing fast among the African American community. The second flag was that Martin was walking home wearing a hoody. While any white kid can walk around with expensive Tommy Hilfiger hoodies indicative of their style and class, Black children walking with hoodies represent danger and violence. Living in a racist country means you have to pay attention to how color influences everything; from what we experience to what we consider threatening.
What a burden to be black in America! The Black population has to be on guard all the time. Those of us with children have to be worried twice as much as white parents. It’s not enough to worry about their general safety and health. A Black parent has to worry about whether the children walk or run in the street. Both can lead to their death.
It’s not just whites who are threatening the lives of Blacks in America. A racist society makes everyone fear each other and themselves. So Blacks would have the same, to some degree prejudices against black males, as their white counterparts. They are socialized by the same media and Hollywood/MTV. While some blacks would be discerning to the news, it is typical that others in the society would be influenced by receiving similar education. Black security guards would trail a Black child in a store with the same instincts as a white security guard.
In the blog, black and married with kids, the blogger list rules that govern the lives of most Black children in America. One of the rules is:
Know who you are. You can’t do everything they do. In other words, just because your white friend does something that doesn’t mean you can do the same. Whether it’s hanging at the mall or going to a house party, police, teachers, and other authorities treat white children differently than black children. …
No child should have to live with the concrete examples of what it means to be marginalized. Are Black people free in America if you cannot go where you want?
This is one reason why I chose to raise my children in Ghana. I did not want to burden them with racism. I also wanted them to live in a country where they can be as free as any other citizen. It’s so sad that many African Americans do not realize that they have an option to live elsewhere. It’s unfortunate that they have to contemplate leaving a country built by their ancestors’ blood, sweat and tears; however, the reality is that those who dominate are running a country whose mission and vision is to wipe out the Black population. Did we not learn anything from the native population? How many African American males are rotting in prisons for offenses most white boys would get a verbal warning for? We know the numbers.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Friday, 9 March 2012
The Parent Revolution
Parents of the world unite! Californian parents are voting on whether or not parents should be given the mandate to take over a school district. This historic moment can add much momentum to the home school movement. As more parents get involved, they are bound to realize that they can do more than just affect a school district. They might even start a global revolution with the need for educational reform at its core.
The world is buzzing about educational reform; so much that Hollywood has already responded with an upcoming movie entitled, “Won’t Back Down.” To learn more about the Trigger Law and become inspired to begin our own movement towards parental take overs in Africa’s education, visit www.parentrevolution.org.
This movie and the documentary “Waiting for Superman” did what the rest of us in the home and Unschool movements were doing on a small scale. “Waiting for Superman” voiced the concerns of millions of un-united and frustrated parents and students. As opposed to seeing educational reform from the lens of conservative religious and political groups on the periphery of society, this documentary centralized the debate on human right issues. Why should children, our future, have but the best in education? How do we protect their futures and ours, if we are not invested in providing them the best of education?
The film “Won’t Back Down” is about parents and teachers uniting to take back a school district. They unite to fire teachers and other ineffective administrators. Parents and teachers are often perceived to be on different sides, but this film unites them. Parents are not alone in feeling dissatisfied with what our children are given. The teachers, the face of the system’s failures, surely do not feel empowered being put in such a position.
It’s fantastic that the world is responding to education reform in this way. This battle is not limited to the hallways of UN bodies, but is fought daily in the homes and schools of people fighting for the very best for all of our children.
The world is buzzing about educational reform; so much that Hollywood has already responded with an upcoming movie entitled, “Won’t Back Down.” To learn more about the Trigger Law and become inspired to begin our own movement towards parental take overs in Africa’s education, visit www.parentrevolution.org.
This movie and the documentary “Waiting for Superman” did what the rest of us in the home and Unschool movements were doing on a small scale. “Waiting for Superman” voiced the concerns of millions of un-united and frustrated parents and students. As opposed to seeing educational reform from the lens of conservative religious and political groups on the periphery of society, this documentary centralized the debate on human right issues. Why should children, our future, have but the best in education? How do we protect their futures and ours, if we are not invested in providing them the best of education?
The film “Won’t Back Down” is about parents and teachers uniting to take back a school district. They unite to fire teachers and other ineffective administrators. Parents and teachers are often perceived to be on different sides, but this film unites them. Parents are not alone in feeling dissatisfied with what our children are given. The teachers, the face of the system’s failures, surely do not feel empowered being put in such a position.
It’s fantastic that the world is responding to education reform in this way. This battle is not limited to the hallways of UN bodies, but is fought daily in the homes and schools of people fighting for the very best for all of our children.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Has the shift occurred?
I am very pleased when I read articles, particularly from UNESCO and other UN bodies that specify the difference between schools and education.
I am also very pleased when such documents stress the need to provide education for our children, and understand that this does not always take place in a building labeled school. One such document stress the need to provide education to children. In the past that sentence would have used “schools” or worse used the two terms interchangeably.
However, as a UN body and a progressive one at that, it is understandable why UNESCO would be so advanced in their writings and outlook.
After a meeting with representatives from Total Oil, I completely think that the shift has occurred in other industries as well. In the past Total focused on building schools and construction of classrooms. However, now, they realized that constructing schools does not necessarily support education and that education can take place “without the four walls.” I couldn’t believe a representative from Total was speaking like that. Total signifies the most corporate and least education friendly or sensitive industry to me. They dig oil for Pete’s sake! But now this oily and money hungry industry is trying to be more social responsible in their relationship with the communities in which they work. They realized their mistake and working towards it…now on to the environment Total, to be discussed later. Do something about that!
So the battle on separating schools from education has been won… now on to the war!
I am also very pleased when such documents stress the need to provide education for our children, and understand that this does not always take place in a building labeled school. One such document stress the need to provide education to children. In the past that sentence would have used “schools” or worse used the two terms interchangeably.
However, as a UN body and a progressive one at that, it is understandable why UNESCO would be so advanced in their writings and outlook.
After a meeting with representatives from Total Oil, I completely think that the shift has occurred in other industries as well. In the past Total focused on building schools and construction of classrooms. However, now, they realized that constructing schools does not necessarily support education and that education can take place “without the four walls.” I couldn’t believe a representative from Total was speaking like that. Total signifies the most corporate and least education friendly or sensitive industry to me. They dig oil for Pete’s sake! But now this oily and money hungry industry is trying to be more social responsible in their relationship with the communities in which they work. They realized their mistake and working towards it…now on to the environment Total, to be discussed later. Do something about that!
So the battle on separating schools from education has been won… now on to the war!
Friday, 3 February 2012
Disadvantaged children
Another study has been completed and the findings are the same; parental involvement separates advantaged from disadvantaged children. So much so that advantaged children go on to do better in their academic lives.
Duh! It seems real simple enough and yet so many of us are not getting it. Why are parents not able to give their children the necessary time to allow them a heads up in life? Because most parents, like mine, are busy working to put food on the table. They are duped into believing that money raises children; presents, not presence.
In fact, we hardly saw my parents during the week and never had time with them growing up. We raised ourselves, with some help from television. Luckily we never had cable so much damaged was avoided from that front.
I know I am not alone. I use to babysit a small boy who is now facing life in prison. He wasn’t a bad boy. Similar to all children, he needed the guidance of his parents, which he was not able to receive because she was working her life away to buy him “stuff.” He did not know his father and the male figure in his life, his step dad, was exactly that.
My favorite quote states “raise your children the way you wish you had been raised.” Not sure who said it when first, but it should make us all remember what we went through growing up so we can work towards not repeating the same mistakes with our children. So many of us forget what it was like being a child; the good and the bad. We need to analyze our days more and pay attention! I think another great quote is “remember your days as a child, and work from there.” That’s by me, right now.
Duh! It seems real simple enough and yet so many of us are not getting it. Why are parents not able to give their children the necessary time to allow them a heads up in life? Because most parents, like mine, are busy working to put food on the table. They are duped into believing that money raises children; presents, not presence.
In fact, we hardly saw my parents during the week and never had time with them growing up. We raised ourselves, with some help from television. Luckily we never had cable so much damaged was avoided from that front.
I know I am not alone. I use to babysit a small boy who is now facing life in prison. He wasn’t a bad boy. Similar to all children, he needed the guidance of his parents, which he was not able to receive because she was working her life away to buy him “stuff.” He did not know his father and the male figure in his life, his step dad, was exactly that.
My favorite quote states “raise your children the way you wish you had been raised.” Not sure who said it when first, but it should make us all remember what we went through growing up so we can work towards not repeating the same mistakes with our children. So many of us forget what it was like being a child; the good and the bad. We need to analyze our days more and pay attention! I think another great quote is “remember your days as a child, and work from there.” That’s by me, right now.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Going natural
The mom behind www.sciencewithme.com has recently compiled a list of reasons why she respects/likes homeschooling parents. One such reason is because homeschooling parents are not just interested in producing book smart children, but also spend as much time making sure their children eat quality healthy foods; wholistic approach to education.
I am such a mom! Not only do I stress the need for “greens” and fruits at every meal; I now started making sure that my children only use natural/Green products. Luckily, I met another mom who produces natural products. You can learn more about her stuff at www.esheabutter.com.
I am also fortunate to receive my organic greens from Brother Dahveed. He has been farming for over 20 years and interested in teaching children the value of farming and eating their greens. If you are lucky to be in Accra, call him at 0244 214680. Tell him I sent you; maybe you can receive a discount!
So if you are in Accra and do not know where to buy your greens and Green products, contact the above.
I am such a mom! Not only do I stress the need for “greens” and fruits at every meal; I now started making sure that my children only use natural/Green products. Luckily, I met another mom who produces natural products. You can learn more about her stuff at www.esheabutter.com.
I am also fortunate to receive my organic greens from Brother Dahveed. He has been farming for over 20 years and interested in teaching children the value of farming and eating their greens. If you are lucky to be in Accra, call him at 0244 214680. Tell him I sent you; maybe you can receive a discount!
So if you are in Accra and do not know where to buy your greens and Green products, contact the above.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Green up!
I just recently came across an article from an old edition of the Ode magazine (Ode, January/February 2007). The article is entitled, “Raging hormones,” and explored how our children are exposed to estrogen mimicking chemicals causing “precocious puberty.” These chemicals are present in “food, water, personal care products, some plastics and many consumer goods.” These are potential threats to children, causing the majority to reach puberty much earlier than past generations. What’s a parent to do? My answer is GREEN UP!
It’s about time that I started to pay attention to the range of Green products on the market. I cannot afford not to anymore. As a parent, I need to protect my children from the dangers out there. So in response, I threw out all of our bad plastic cups, plates, etc. I am particularly afraid of plastic products purchased on the Ghanaian market. Due to weak borders and a Food and Health Board that is understaffed and not as effective as they could be, I cannot take risks buying such products in Ghana. Inferior Chinese made products are dumped in Ghana quite frequently. From fake drugs to counterfeit cigarettes, the Chinese market finds a way to bypass the authorities. Our children pay for those mistakes with their lives, as the case of Nigerian children given fake drugs led to the death of at least 80. I define “third world” as market for inferior products.
If you are anxious to raise healthy children for a better future, then you have no other choice than to Green up! Here are some suggestions as to what you can do by virtue of being in Ghana or Africa.
• Befriend an organic farmer.
• Eat organic vegetables. Better yet, grow your own. It’s a science project in itself.
• Use the Black soap also as hand washing soap.
• Stop buying plastic toys, cups, etc. In fact, the calabash bowl/cup is looking even more attractive right about now. You can get plates made as well.
• Buy green household products, or make your own….lemon cleans everything.
The article adds:
• To stop eating meat, milk and dairy products containing growth hormones.
• Reduce soy, which mimics estrogen.
• Avoid products that contain PVC, including vinyl shower curtains and toys with packaging that reads “3” also known as PVC.
There are lots that can be done to make our homes even safer for our children. The first step is thinking about what you can do…and then the revolution begins.
It’s about time that I started to pay attention to the range of Green products on the market. I cannot afford not to anymore. As a parent, I need to protect my children from the dangers out there. So in response, I threw out all of our bad plastic cups, plates, etc. I am particularly afraid of plastic products purchased on the Ghanaian market. Due to weak borders and a Food and Health Board that is understaffed and not as effective as they could be, I cannot take risks buying such products in Ghana. Inferior Chinese made products are dumped in Ghana quite frequently. From fake drugs to counterfeit cigarettes, the Chinese market finds a way to bypass the authorities. Our children pay for those mistakes with their lives, as the case of Nigerian children given fake drugs led to the death of at least 80. I define “third world” as market for inferior products.
If you are anxious to raise healthy children for a better future, then you have no other choice than to Green up! Here are some suggestions as to what you can do by virtue of being in Ghana or Africa.
• Befriend an organic farmer.
• Eat organic vegetables. Better yet, grow your own. It’s a science project in itself.
• Use the Black soap also as hand washing soap.
• Stop buying plastic toys, cups, etc. In fact, the calabash bowl/cup is looking even more attractive right about now. You can get plates made as well.
• Buy green household products, or make your own….lemon cleans everything.
The article adds:
• To stop eating meat, milk and dairy products containing growth hormones.
• Reduce soy, which mimics estrogen.
• Avoid products that contain PVC, including vinyl shower curtains and toys with packaging that reads “3” also known as PVC.
There are lots that can be done to make our homes even safer for our children. The first step is thinking about what you can do…and then the revolution begins.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
What I did on maternity leave
This may come as no revelation to many working moms, but I was surprised to find that maternity leave no longer exists. Maybe it is too extreme to say the policy is no longer available, for it is, however, the fact of the matter is many moms are working during their maternity leave. In fact, maternity leave is much better labeled “flex time;” flexible time to work from home. There is no actual leave; unless you don’t want to keep the competitive edge. And here is the list of 10 work-outside-the-home things I did for my career in academia during my maternity leave which ends in 2 weeks.
1. I interviewed for a new position.
2. I was hired for a new position.
3. I held countless meetings via Skype for this new position.
4. I attended “face-to-face” meetings on logistics of new position.
5. I sent emails about news related topics to let my colleagues and boss know that I “still mattered” to the university.
6. I was often the first to respond to emails sent out to faculty.
7. I agreed to be part of an international group co-teaching a new course.
8. I attended a 3-day conference via Skype and Movi with other universities and institutions on international/global collaborative learning.
9. I, along with three other faculty members, meet weekly to discuss, plan and design syllabus for new course.
10. I am supervising one student’s final project.
11. Oh yeah, and in the meantime, I am raising and home schooling three children.
1. I interviewed for a new position.
2. I was hired for a new position.
3. I held countless meetings via Skype for this new position.
4. I attended “face-to-face” meetings on logistics of new position.
5. I sent emails about news related topics to let my colleagues and boss know that I “still mattered” to the university.
6. I was often the first to respond to emails sent out to faculty.
7. I agreed to be part of an international group co-teaching a new course.
8. I attended a 3-day conference via Skype and Movi with other universities and institutions on international/global collaborative learning.
9. I, along with three other faculty members, meet weekly to discuss, plan and design syllabus for new course.
10. I am supervising one student’s final project.
11. Oh yeah, and in the meantime, I am raising and home schooling three children.
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