Enjoy this stand-out entry from the January JBT essay contest.
Prompt: Why are Black male educators important?
the joy of a black boy can light up a room,
the rage of a black man can set a city on fire,
it takes a village to train up a child,
8 hours daily
teachers spend with your child
more presence than a parent
never underestimate
the influence of a hire
some Provoke,
some inspire
12 years a student
Or
12 years a slave,
The power of perspective
from a mess to a masterpiece
Never underestimate the POWER of a black man at
peace
Martin’s dream transpired,
Look how far we’ve come,
Yet still so overwhelmed
everyday black faces
navigate
through integrated spaces,
searching for safe places
where brown boys can dream
and black girls prevail
Why do these Inner city schools resemble county jail?
Public education Mirrors mass incarceration
Shifting from surviving
To thriving In a world-designed for them to fail,
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE TENACITY OF A BLACK MALE,
Reach one , teach one,
Connect & correct
Who is to blame when they butcher our names ?
our classrooms need more black male teachers &
personnel
As gentle reminders that our skin ain’t a sin,
And our names ain’t too hard to spell never too afraid to correct
Empowerment spreading
like a domino’s effect,
as the Little black girl
with the big name
is compelled to do the same
BLACK EXCELLENCE
ignited, by trailblazers who will
GROW AND PREVAIL
because Through education comes elevation ,
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE CLASSROOM OF A BLACK MALE
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