Work Group #9 - Mentoring & Cultural Immersion Beyond the Schoolhouse

Saving the African American Child: Mentoring & Cultural Immersion Beyond the Schoolhouse

Mentoring and Afterschool Programs (this includes other out of school times including weekends and intercession periods) well may offer the most immediate and practical way implement cultural education programs that are designed specifically to “save the African American child. Many current leaders and practitioners in the out of school time profession and school day leaders see the promise and would if there replicable models that have proven records of success in producing measureable outcomes with African American youth implement programs locally. In California however ethnic specific/race analysis and specific programming and interventions to address assessed needs simply put “are not in vogue”!  There’s a delusional comfort in multiculturalism and just seeing people as people and encouraging ideas like diversity as opposed to African center or Afrocentric thinking and solutions to problems of African American child and communities. 

My issue with this approach should be obvious; the data clearly demonstrates that this is a failed strategy.  African American child are by every important statistical measurement of school/academic success are not like everyone else and there is not educational equity. Unfortunately, diversity does not demand equity or culturally relevant education specifically designed to promote academic and cultural excellence in educational institutions serving the African American child and community.  In my action group I so enjoyed talking and learning from by peer both from the Southern United States (Atlanta) and form beyond our borders in Canada and Jamaica. It’s kind of funny as I know we see California as being progressive and ground-breaking and in area like afterschool we’ve committed more resources than all other states combined.  However, the reaction to what perhaps what we would perceive as the more blatant racism and discrimination of these localities has been the development of African Centered, self-sustaining afterschool and mentoring programs that have produced measurable outcomes.  More important, these programs can be replicated and those who have developed and operate these programs are ready and prepared to assist us if we simply ask.

Two viable models that can and should be replicated in the San Francisco Bay Area are HABESHA, Inc. and KAMP KUJICHAGULIA.  We must look beyond California for addressing equity or culturally relevant education during the Out of School Time.  I know I will be working to find ways of connecting afterschool program in the Bay Area with these two outstanding African Centered, self-sustaining afterschool and mentoring programs and will work to replicate these programs in the Bay Area.  One young, amazing Brother Cashawn Myers, the Executive Director of HABESHA, Inc is a phenomenal leader and committed to serving the African American child and community in Atlanta, yes but also across the United States and the Diaspora.  He brings passion, knowledge and resources.  Let’s reach out!

We are One

Joe Hudson