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On Friday Fathers Incorporated was privileged to conduct a
workshop for High School teachers at an ALL African American Male High School in
Albany, New York – Green Tech Charter School. The workshop was entitled
“Creating an Effective Learning Environment for African American Males.” The
workshop was developed as a result of the school purchasing my book “When the
Tear Won’t Fall,” for all their teachers and making it required reading as well
as attending the workshop. My partner and I was encouraged at the eagerness and
enthusiasm the teachers showed for understanding the difficult cultural
shift needed for –primarily-- Caucasian teachers to successfully navigate our
young black men through their high school experience.
Not too long ago
Tom Joyner wrote an article on the issue of getting black males into college. He
stated, “The problem of black male enrollment in college starts with the lack of
black males in high school and junior high. There are dozens of studies that
look into why black males don't stay in school - lack of interest, boredom,
eager to enter the workplace right after high school or to find other means for
making a quick buck, and lack of mentors or parents interested in keeping them
focused.”
When I wrote, “When the Tear Won’t Fall,” I never imagined it
would be received in the way that it has, and after conducting the workshop I
saw a whole new level of critical work for the field of responsible fatherhood.
I was overwhelmed by the experiences that people of all cultures related to from
my own boyhood and adulthood experiences. To a certain extent I was having an
out-of-body experience; where I could believe that my life could help teachers
understand, somewhat better, the mindset of young African American boys.
However, with all that I was encouraged by, I was somewhat saddened at
the lack of African America Male teachers. I believe that is a direct result of
the 48% dropout rate of black males. It is critical that we turn this trend
around. In the meantime, the work to help our current population of teachers in
inner-city schools – mostly white females – is a necessary work. One, that I am
all too ready to take on!
Kenneth Braswell
Copyright 2009© All
Rights Reserved
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Please support my
book “When The Tear Won’t Fall” One Man’s Journey through the Intimate Struggle
of Manhood and Fatherhood. To purchase the book, comments, feedback, speaking
requests and other information: Visit www.kennethbraswell.com or email me at
kenneth.braswell@gmail.com
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