Somebody lied! Some insidious somebody tricked some of our young men into thinking that education is not cool. True, college is emphasized to our young men – see the numerous college/university names that we will see on the chests of black men participating in the NCAA and NIT tournament – but education itself is not being glorified.
To be sure, there are those dedicated educators, parents and community members who effectively point out the blessings of learning and education, but there is a great deal undermining that effort. With entire school districts in already economically impoverished areas losing funding and accreditation, it is not easy to convince a young black man that his education is important to society, let alone himself. We must strategize ways to show that succeeding in school is essential to personal growth and community development.
That is where the African American Male Scholars (AAMS) Initiative at Saint Louis University seeks to intervene. On Thursday, April 3, AAMS will host “The Rebirth of Cool: Education and Black Men” panel and lecture, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Center for Global Citizenship (3672 West Pine Blvd.).
This free and open to public event will feature educators, leaders, and students such as Terry Freeman, professor at St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley; administrator and educator Chinelo Bandele of Pamoja Preparatory Academy; co-chair of the AAMS Steering Committee and director of the SLU Cross Cultural Center LaTanya Buck; SLU freshman Jonathan Pulphus; and, community activist Jamala Rogers of the Organization of Black Struggle.
Following the panel, nationally renowned educator and policy commentator Steve Perry of TV One’s “Save My Son” will lecture on his book “Push Has Come to Shove: Getting our Kids the Education They Deserve – Even If It Means Picking a Fight.” In addition to the panel and lecture, community organizations will be on site to share information with the public.
In a column I wrote for The St. Louis American in August 2013, I pointed out the need to “stunt” for our young men to counteract the negative images portrayed by members of the media, some of whom make justifications for killing unarmed black boys. This is my opportunity to brag about young black men who are making college cool while maintaining their interest in the improvement of their community.
We are asking that educators encourage their students to attend, that parents bring their families and that community members concerned about the progress of black young men join the conversation on April 3. Help us give new life to what our black young men conceive of as cool.
For more information, contact the St. Louis University Cross Cultural Center at aams@slu.edu or 314-977-2119.
Stefan M. Bradley is director of African American Studies at SLU and co-chair of the African American Male Scholars Initiative.
