With some of my peers from class, I attended a screening of Beyond the Bricks by Derek Koen followed by an interview and panel discussion at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem in the Magic Johnson Theater on November 19th for three and a half hours. The event was hosted by the makers of the film as well as the Education Voters Institute. The movie and the discussion were incredible. The film is a documentary following three young African American males and the hardships they face as well as the triumphs. The statistics alone featured in the film are shocking. 60% of Black students grow up without a father. African Americans are 700% more likely than Whites to be in jail. Only 8.4% of Black males are in gifted and talented programs. African American males are the only group that has a declining life expectancy. While the figures are disturbing, this movie, unlike others that I have seen before, is about finding solutions not simply naming dismal statistics. This approach is not only fresh but it is inspiring, as well. It is easy to get overwhelmed and want to give up when you hear the horrifying facts. This movie, along with the panel discussion, provides answers.
What struck me most was this statistic: self-esteem and confidence is the most related factor to success in school. I believe it is with this knowledge that teachers can truly make a difference. Helping students build up their confidence through positive reinforcement will foster pride in themselves and thus a greater desire to excel. Whether they are boys or girls, rich or poor, Black, White or any other race, all students need high expectations and love from their teachers and parents in order to believe in themselves and succeed.
I had never before truly realized the extreme challenges that Black males specifically face before watching this film and experiencing this event. Providing support and quality teaching can help these and all other students live better lives.
I was student teaching in a 2/3 self-contained this semester (most of the students were black males), and I have to say self-esteem plays such a role in the success of a student. If he/she percieves him/herself as incapable, it's very hard to convince them otherwise. A lot of the work we did was on their social and emotional development, because without first being open to learning and feeling capable of learning, learning cannot take place. What a great experience. I'm definitely going to try to get my hands on that film.
ReplyDelete