Recently I had the opportunity and privilege of attending the 2nd Annual Up Where We Belong Conference in Atlanta, GA. I had attended this event as part of the RCSD's Diversity Department's initiative to bring some relevant training and best practices back to the district. While I was there I attended a variety of workshops on what different individuals are doing in their regions of America to help promote the achievement of African American and Black students. None of the workshops had any new information but did exhibit other individuals who are passionate for the cause and those who have made some improvements in their areas. In its totality the conference served as a reminder of how much work there is still yet to do.
Also as part of the conference I had the opportunity to explore and visit the "Triangle." That is the area that hosts Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Moorehouse College. This was the highlight of the conference in my opinion. I had never been exposed to an HBCU
(Historically Black College and University). While visiting these campuses I was exposed to an abundance of history that is a integrated into these campuses. The alumni lists of these institutions look like a who's who of the most successful African Americans. While I was being toured through the campus of Moorehouse, I thought to myself, what I wouldn't do to grab some of these kids and bring them to my high school. The exposure to my students that institutions like this exist, and that they are heavily attended by students who look, think and represent them would provide a resounding affect. Often times it is just access to information and exposure that students in urban education settings often lack.
The conference only lasted two days, but again served as an important reminder of what work has been done and how much is still left to do in decreasing the racial achievement gap. I also left with a renewed spirit that what I am doing is hard and important work, but that I must look at increasing the magnitude of what I am doing. I hope that someone will soon begin to listen to my ideas, and thoughts. That they will take advantage of my passion on improving the educational experience of inner-city youth. As I have previously stated my time will come!!
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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com
