4th Annual “Restrain The Violence” Workshop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

4th Annual “Restrain The Violence” Workshop

Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Time: 9:30 am – 1pm
Place: Fresno City College: Health Sciences Bldg

$18 Ticket Includes Lunch & Certificate / $5 for all students

Contact Hill’s Document Assistant (559) 442-1463 candice@hdaliftinghearts.com

“If the numbers we see in domestic violence were applied to terrorism or gang violence, the entire country would be up in arms, and it would be the lead story on the news every night.”– Rep. Mark Green.

“This quote is so on point.” – Candice Hill, HDA President. At least 1 of 4 females will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. If statistics showed that 1 in 4 homes will be terrorized by terrorist or gang violence…that would be on the news every night. Not 1 of 4 homeless, poor, minority women…but women in general.

African American Edge Initiative Pilot Program

Why Edge?

African American student retention rates are the lowest of any other racial or ethnic groups on campus. In Fall 2002, 73.6% of African American freshmen students returned for their sophomore year. By 2006, it increased to 78%, but still remained the lowest percentage of all racial or ethnic groups on campus. According to the final report of the Retention Oversight Group in 2008, “students’ race does not, in and of itself, influence retention” (p. 2). Instead, the students’ high school and first-term college GPAs are strong predictors of academic success.

It is evident that African American students on campus need a push to increase their GPAs and graduate on time. The research also shows that African American students who feel a sense of belonging, defined as feelings of membership in the larger community, develop a better attitude about their college or university.
Program Goals

The goal of the Edge Initiative is to provide formal, sustainable support from the University, and specifically African American faculty and staff, to give African American students an edge—the opportunity to see that they can succeed by working hard, while never giving up their identities.

For more info go to: http://www.csufresno.edu/academics/edge/index.shtml

K - 6 Summer School Program

MATH BOOSTER
Kindergarten-6th grade
Dates: Monday-Thursday / June 13th-July 7th
Time: 8:30-10:30

Do your math skills need a little boost? We will have a class full of fun activities to help you improve in math. We will work on various skills according to your grade level and learning gaps. Come join and lets make math fun for everyone.

READING BOOSTER
Dates: Monday-Thursday / June 13th-July 7th
Time: 8:30-10:30

Do your reading skills need a little boost? We will have a class full of fun activities to help improve your reading comprehension. We will work on improving your punctuation, reading comprehension, and fluency in reading. Come join us and lets make reading fun for everyone.

ART CLASS
Dates: Monday-Thursday / June 13th-July 7th
Time: 8:30-10:30

Your child will use paint, glue, wood, fabric and more to create many fun and exciting art projects. Students will use their Creativity. Some materials are included in the fee.

Fee: $40.00 per child

Register at:
105 E. 8th Street
Hanford, CA
Monday-Friday
10:00 am-2:00 pm

To register call 559-585-8110
Check us out at: wwvu.org

For addiional info contact:
Paula D. Massey, Program Coordinator
Women With Visions Unlimited, Inc.
559-761-4690

Check out our Web Page at www.wwvu.org
Join our social network and tell us a little about yourself.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

Spring is a great time to reconnect with history...

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is the only California town to be founded, financed and governed by African Americans. The small farming community was founded in 1908 by Lt. Colonel Allen Allensworth, Professor William Payne, William Peck, a minister, John W. Palmer, a miner, and Harry A. Mitchell, a real estate agent, dedicated to improving the economic and social status of African Americans. Uncontrollable circumstances, including a drop in the area's water table, resulted in the town's demise. The "Allensworth Historic District" is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park is in Allensworth, California, an unincorporated area in Tulare County, California, United States.

Location - Directions
The park is north of Bakersfield; 20 miles north of Wasco on Highway 43; seven miles west of Earlimart on County Road J22.

Directions (From Southern California).
From I-5 take 99 North; 30-miles past Bakersfield, EXIT at POND ROAD and keep going west aprox. 7 miles to State Highway 43. From there, go right (on Highway 43)for about 8-miles to PALMER AVENUE. Make a left over the railroad tracks then turn right to enter the Park.

Directions (From Northern California)
From State Highway 99 take the Alpaugh exit in Earlimart; turn right on County Road J22 (Sierra Way) go aprox. 7 miles to State Highway 43. From there, go left 2 miles to PALMER AVENUE. Make a right over the railroad tracks then turn right to enter the Park.

Earlimart, CA Latitude/Longitude: 35.8829 / -119.3388

Seasons/Climate Recommended Clothing
The Central Valley, is hot in summer and mild in winter. Rain falls from October through April. Winter temperatures below freezing can bring frost, but snow is rare. Summer temperatures above 100 degrees are part of the normal pattern.
Visitor Center and Tours
The park has a visitor center and tours are available by making arrangements with the park in advance. The visitor center features a video presentation, "Allensworth: A Piece of the World," which is available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily.

The most important building, historically and in the memory of Allensworth pioneers, is the schoolhouse. It was in use until 1972 and is furnished as it would have been on a school day in 1915. An audio presentation is available on site.

Also important to the education of Allensworth's citizens was the Mary Dickenson Memorial Library, about 200 yards north of the school.

Colonel Allensworth's residence is furnished in the 1912 period. It contains items from the colonel's life in the service and the ministry. A small display of farm equipment is a reminder of the Allensworth economic base.
Camping
Fifteen campsites, open all year, will accommodate RVs or tents. Each site includes a picnic table and a camp stove; flush toilets are nearby. Facilities for disabled people are available. Turf, trees, and shade ramadas are other features. A nearby picnic area is shaded by 75 large trees, planted by the California Conservation Corps.

4th Annual “Restrain The Violence” Workshop

Date: Saturday, May 14, 2011
Time: 9:30 AM- 1 PM
Place: Fresno City College, Forum Hall
1101 East University Fresno, CA 93741
(North East Corner of McKinley and Van Ness)

$5 Registration for students and school staff
Includes: LUNCH provided by Chick-Fil-A, access to ALL SESSIONS

$18 Registration for community members.
Includes: LUNCH provided by Chick-Fil-A, access to ALL SESSIONS and CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Restrain The Violence Workshop Purpose:
To create awareness of domestic violence in all industries, cultures and ethnicities through our self-image classes, panel discussions, self-defense classes, legal assistance, teen dating classes and crime scene investigation.

History of Hill’s Document Assistant (HDA):
Hill’s Document Asst. was founded by Candice Hill and formed as a non-profit legal document assistance organization in July 2007. With the mission of lifting hurting hearts of victims of domestic violence HDA’s services include legal document preparation of restraining orders at no cost and mentoring teens.

For more info contact:
Hill’s Document Assistant (HDA)
Admin: 1224 Kern Street
Fresno, CA 93706
Office: (559) 442-1463
Fax: (559) 442-1463
Email: hda@hdaliftinghearts.com
Web: www.hdaliftinghearts.com

Oscar C. Lacy Bible Conference

Oscar C. Lacy Bible Conference

Date: March 25,2011
Time: 6:30PM
Place: Westside Church of GOD
1424 W. California Avenue, Fresno

Date: March 25,2011
Time: 8:30PM
Place: Westside Church of GOD
1424 W. California Avenue, Fresno

Guest speakers:

• Dr. James Cecy-Campus Bible Church, Fresno;
• Dr. Robert Smith, Beeson School of Divinity, Birmingham, AL.

Call (559)237-1444 for a brochure and information.

-P.U.S.H.(Pray Until Something Happens) Prayer Revival

P.U.S.H.(Pray Until Something Happens) Prayer Revival

Date: March 15-17, 2011,
Time: 7:00pm nightly,
Place: Westside Church of GOD
1424 W. California Avenue, Fresno.

Bishop Gregory Dixon, First Church of GOD-Center of Hope, Inglewood, CA,Is the speaker.

For more information, call (559)237-1444

Understanding the Power Within: The Journey to Success

“Personal Best” Success Power Packed Seminar II

Date: Saturday, March 19, 2011
Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place: Hyatt Regency Hotel
200 S. Pine Ave
Long Beach, CA 90802
“SeaView Room”

This seminar will guide women through a journey of self-development and the power of choice as they explore how to be the masters of self-love, how to break unhealthy relationship choices and how to know and acknowledge their value and worth!

Registration: 8:00 am – 8:30 am
Seminar Begins: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Buffet Luncheon: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Total Cost: $130.00
Student Discount: $65.00 (must show Student ID )
Parking Fee: $10 valet or $8 self parking

Register by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below to reserve your seat:

For Student Discount - Register by clicking on the "Buy Now" button below to reserve your seat: (Student ID required)
You must register by March 11 to reserve your space.
Space is limited to 40 participants for this one-day Life Empowerment Seminar. Total cost includes a $25.00 non-refundable seat reservation fee.

Contact: admin@personalbestsuccess.net

Fresno State Urban Faith In Action Informational Session

Date: March 24th
Time: 5:30 PM
Place: Fresno State
University Business Center 191

Mission Statement: To enhance the spiritual, cultural and educational experiences of African-American students on the Fresno State campus. To build community and recruit potential students throughout Fresno through peer engagement, educational support, and faith based community involvement.

People in Attendance:

• Fresno church leaders
• Church members
• Fresno State students
• Potential Fresno State students and their families

Topics That Will be Discussed:

• What is Fresno State Urban Faith In Action
• The decline of African American student enrollment at Fresno State
• How to get involved

Contacts:
Tanya Crabb
tcrabb@csufresno.edu
(559) 278- 2048

Kenyon Whitman
klwhitman@mail.fresnostate.edu
(559) 312-3571


p. (559) 312-3571 e. klwhitman@mail.fresnostate.edu
Rise and Rise again, until Lambs become Lions
- Unknown

Martin Luther King III Speaking at Buchanan High School 7th Annual Scholarship Dinner

Date: March 5, 2011
Time: 5:00 PM
Place: Buchanan High School
1560 North Minnewawa Avenue
Clovis, CA 93619-7600

• Silver Sponsor - $40 each (General seating dinner included – 5:30pm)
• General Admission - $25.00 (6:45pm Admittance -Bleacher seating only)

The African American Student Union of Buchanan High School would like to cordially invite you to our 7th Annual Scholarship Dinner on March 5, 2011. The vision for the event will allow our community to support future graduates in the form of a scholarship.

This school year is like no other as we continue to embark on building a bridge with our students and the community. With our anticipated, inspirational, and motivating keynote speaker Martin Luther King III; our theme this year is Remembering the Past,
Rejuvenating the Present and Reforming the Future. Come enjoy a meal from the Central Valley’s People Choice recipient Pardini’s’ Catering and Banquets. An elegant sit-down serve meal, dessert, the latest in jazz music, and a raffle with rewards you don’t want to miss. Semi-formal attire respectively requested.

We wish to offer this early notice to buy tickets because of your faithful support. It is expected that tickets will sell out quickly so please contact us soon to be a part of this historical evening. ALL TICKETS ARE PRESOLD!

Your support to make scholarship recipient dreams come true is greatly appreciated. Last year your contributions helped to award five deserving students to ease their cost of attending college.

This year we have 10 scholarship recipients waiting for that same opportunity. For Sponsorship, Advertising Opportunities, & Corporate Table Reservations, please contact:

RondaTurney@cusd.com or (559) 327-3302
EbonyHailey@cusd.com or (559) 327-3487

Warmest Regards,
Ebony Hailey
Ronda Turney

Real Men Cook For Education

You are cordially invited to Real Men Cook For Education


Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011
Time: 2-4:00 p.m.
Place: Clovis West High School
1070 East Teague Avenue
Fresno, CA

Tickets are available for $10.00 a person or a table of 8 for $75.00.

If you have a talent to share, we also like to showcase our talented students.

I hope you will join us for fun, food and festivities. Please invite your friends and neighbors as well. We look forward to hearing from you.

Proceeds from this event support our seniors.

Sincerely,


Tracey Fowlkes
Counselor
Clovis West High School

559-327-2119

The War on Poverty: A Dream Deferred

Date: March 18, 2011
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Place: Radisson Hotel & Conference Center
Fresno, California

Current economic conditions have increased concerns about poverty in the San Joaquin Valley. Public and non-profit agencies are increasingly challenged to meet the needs of individuals and families impacted by poverty. Various definitions have been developed to explain poverty, which is a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional phenomenon.

The War on Poverty: A Dream Deferred has two basic purposes:

1. to provide up-to-date information about poverty and its relationship to the current health, housing and educational conditions in the San Joaquin Valley; and
2. to share the work of individuals and organizations involved in regional efforts to address and reduce poverty.

For the purpose of this conference, poverty is defined as a situation in which a person or family lacks the necessary power, ability, or social equality to meet their basic needs and achieve their desired goals. Conference participants will learn about poverty reduction strategies currently being used in the region to empower, link, and increase opportunities for disadvantaged population to generate in- come, obtain goods, and access services they need, while taking an active role in decision-making processes that affect them. Participants will also have an opportunity to engage in intensive discussion and reflection with presenters and local experts. A resource room and exhibit area will be available to conference participants to obtain information about local resources and services.

Please join us to learn about the linkages between concentrated poverty and current health, housing, educational and workforce development conditions and local efforts developed to respond to them.

For info contact:
Sueanne Johnson
Title IV-E Child Welfare Program
BSW Administrative Assistant
(559)278-6870

Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County 2nd Black History Month Program

You’re invited to the 2nd Black History Month Program presented by The Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County, located at the Juvenile Justice Campus.

Date: Wednesday February 23, 2011
Time: 6:00-7:45pm.
Place: Commitment side of the Juvenile Justice Campus gymnasium

Come out and experience this event together as we share Africana Culture and Black History with our youth of the Fresno County Community. As we strive to encourage, and enlighten each youth in attendance about Africana Culture through song, dance, poetry and much more. We believe your presence at this event will foster a moment of change in each of their lives as well. As The Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County our mission is “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” Will you join us?

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend Events

January 14 – 17, 2011

Date: Friday, January 14, 2011
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00PM
Place: 1100 Van Ness Ave.
Garlanding Ceremony - Fresno County Courthouse Park (at MLK Bust), Opening Ceremony. please bring flowers. Event Coordinators: Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor or Gail Gaston (garlandingceremony@mlkfresno.com).

Date: Friday, January 14, 2011
Time: 6:00-7:30PM
Program begins at 6:30PM
Place: African American Museum, 1857 Fulton Ave.
Award Reception to honor awardees for outstanding service to the community in four categories:
1) Outstanding Organization - Marjaree Mason Center
2) Outstanding Youth - Know More
3) Outstanding Female Service - Clovis Police Chief Janet Davis
4) Outstanding Male Service - Ray Johnson Event Coordinator: Tate Hill (nominations@mlkfresno.com)

Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011
Time: Breakfast served at 9:00AM, Program starts at 9:45.
Place: Clovis Veterans Memorial Building
453 Hughes Ave. (Hughes & 5th St.)
Community Breakfast - Keynote Speaker: Senior Pastor Paul Binion, Westside Church of GOD, Fresno Tickets: $5.00 at door w/canned food donation. Tables of 8 available with prepaid reservations. Event Coordinator: Caroline Carlson (559-324-2416 or carolinec@cityofclovis.com

Date: Saturday, January 15, 2011
Time: 4:00-6:00PM
Place: Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
207 E. San Joaquin St., Fresno, CA
All Faith Service - Enjoy various beloved spiritual leaders, musical talent and speaker. Event Coordinators: Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor or Rev. Bruce McAlister. Event Coordinators: Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor or Rev. Bruce McAlister (allfaithservice@mlkfresno.com)

Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011
Time: 5:00-5:45pm
Place: Center For Spiritual Living - 723 W. Clinton Ave., Fresno
Candlelight Vigil - Please bring canned food donations. Event Coordinator: Julia Dudley Najieb (clvigil@mlkfresno.com)

Date: Monday, January 17, 201
Time: March begins at 10 AM March
Place: Assemble at St. John’s Cathedral at 9 AM.
Event Coordinators: James Lett III, Enrique Reade, & Pastor Bruce Hood. March begins at 10 AM. (mlkmarch@mlkfresno.com)

Date: Monday, January 17, 2011
Commemoration Program - Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 2426 Fresno St. Celebration of community diversity and culture. Event Coordinators: Pastor Leonard Adams & Julia Dudley-Najieb


Other events in the Fresno Area honoring the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday:

Date: Sunday, January 16, 2011
Time: 9:00 - 11:00am
Place: The Hinton Center
2375 S. Fairview, Fresno
MLK Celebration and Recognition Program Speakers: Atty Craig Sims and Dr. Charles Steele. Emphasis on Violence Prevention and Non-Violent Conflict Resolution. Hosts: Greater Fresno Human Services Center and Mt. Carmel Church

Date: Monday, Jan. 17, 2011
Time: 2PM-5PM (FREE)
Place: African-American Historical & Cultural Museum
1857 Fulton St., Fresno, CA
Photographer David Johnson Civil Rights Artist Reception

Special Note: Can Food and non-perishable items will be collected at most events

6th Annual Fashion Show and Auction in honor of Pastor Jim Tate Hill and First Lady Carla L. Hill.

Date: Saturday, January 29th, 2011
Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Place: EOC, Nielson Conference Center
3110 W. Nielson (Off of HWY 180 and Marks)

The Tickets are $20.00 and includes a lunch buffet, fashion show entrance and auction. Please RSVP via phone at 559.442.1463 or email at hda@hdaliftinghearts.com

For more info please contact Patricia Clay at:

Phone: 559.442.1463 (new office number)
Fax: 559.442.1463
Email: hda@hdaliftinghearts.com / candice@hdaliftinghearts.com
Website: www.hdaliftinghearts.com

Hill's Document Assistant, A 501 (c)(3) non profit legal assistance organization

"Lifting Hurting Hearts of Domestic Violence"

Potluck Scholarship Fundraiser

The Fresno City College African-American Faculty & Staff Association
Potluck Scholarship Fundraiser
FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT & DOOR PRIZES

Date: Saturday, October 23, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm—11:00 pm
Place:190 S. Valentine Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706

Directions: Take 180 West to Marks Ave., turn left, go to
Whitesbridge Ave., turn right, go to Valentine Ave., turn left.

House is midway between Whitesbridge Ave. and Madison Ave. on the left. Park on street.

For Tickets Contact:
Larry.Dickson@fresnocitycollege.edu
Phone: 270-7768
Charles.Francis@fresnocitycollege.edu
Phone: 240-8035

Perry.Benson@fresnocitycollege.edu
Phone: 720-3303

Donation:
Adults $25.00
Students: $10.00

Great Books on Educating African American Students

The Power of One: How You Can Help or Harm African American Students by Gail L. Thompson

Synopsis: This is the book I have been waiting for—a workbook filled with stories, data, and the latest research. In clear, beautifully written prose, Gail Thompson asks us to examine our own preconceptions and perceptions. By completing the exercises and keeping a journal, we can discover our strengths and our challenges. We are encouraged to make real changes in the way we teach and in our relationships with our African American students. This book is for all of us: new teachers, experienced teachers, administrators, mentors, community workers, and anyone who wants to help rather than harm these brilliant, hopeful, marvelous young people in our care.

Up Where We Belong: Helping African American and Latino Students Rise in School and in Life by Gail L. Thompson

Synopsis: In Up Where We Belong, Gail Thompson asked the students in a low performing school to be candid about their high school experiences. Using this information and relying on data from questionnaires and focus groups, Thompson discovered a huge gap in perception between how teachers and students view their experience of school. The book explores this disparity, and uncovers some of the reasons for students’ low achievement, apathy, and frustration. Most important, she offers vital lessons for transforming schools–especially for underachieving kids and students of color

What African American Parents Want Educators to Know by Gail L. Thompson

Synopsis: Thompson has gathered feedback from African-American parents pertaining to their children's schooling experiences, the results of which can help improve the schooling experiences of African-American children nationwide.

African American Teens Discuss Their Schooling Experiences by Gail L Thompson

Synopsis: For decades, researchers and policymakers have grappled with the issue of the underachievement of African American students. An age-old problem has been that these students on average lag behind their peers of other racial/ethnic groups in math, science, and reading. Recently, California, like some other states, has implemented a high-stakes standardized testing program that has revealed that when test scores are disaggregated along racial/ethnic lines, the scores of African American students continue to trail those of their peers. The study described in this book was undertaken in an effort to uncover schooling practices that are advantageous or detrimental to the achievement of African American students. The study was based on interviews and questionnaire results from nearly 300 African American high school seniors. Most of these students resided in a region that had a low college attendance rate and a high child poverty rate. The students were given an opportunity to discuss numerous issues pertaining to their schooling experiences, including teacher attitudes and expectations, the curriculum, homework practices, the quality of services provided by their high school counselors, racism at school, school safety, parental involvement, and their early reading habits and attitudes about reading. In addition to quantitative results, most chapters include detailed narratives describing the elementary and secondary schooling experiences of the interviewees.

Exposing the "Culture of Arrogance" in the Academy : A Blueprint for Increasing Black Faculty Satisfaction in Higher Education by Gail Thompson , Angela Louque

Synopsis: There generally remains a gulf between the way most Black faculty perceive the racial climate at their institutions and the recognition by non-Black faculty and administrators that there are problems and that these perceptions have merit. This book is intended to promote a productive dialogue.

This book weaves the authors’ own experiences with the responses of 136 Black faculty to a questionnaire, and a smaller sample who were interviewed, to identify the factors that determine Black faculty’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their jobs and institutions.

Recurring themes underscore the importance of a supportive work environment that is built on mutual respect, full inclusion in the decision-making process, and an institutional climate that does not tolerate cultural insensitivity or racism. The qualitative and quantitative information and the authors’ conclusions can help postsecondary institutions improve Black faculty satisfaction levels, and ultimately, retention rates.

This book will resonate with any Black faculty who have felt frustrated enough to consider leaving a postsecondary institution and with those who are content at their current institutions. For non-Black faculty and for administrators of all races, the book illuminates the sources of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction, explains the reasons their Black colleagues leave or stay, and offers valuable recommendations for change.

For anyone, at any level, interested in the issue of the racial climate at his or her institution, this book offers a constructive framework for discussion and action

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations about Race by Beverly Tatum

Synopsis: This insightful exploration of the varieties of Americans' experience with race and racism in everyday life would be an excellent starting point for the upcoming national conversations on race that President Clinton and his appointed commission will be conducting this fall. Tatum, a developmental psychologist (Mt. Holyoke Coll.) with a special interest in the emerging field of racial-identity development, is a consultant to school systems and community groups on teaching and learning in a multicultural context. Not only has she studied the distinctive social dynamics faced by black youth educated in predominantly white environments, but since 1980, Tatum has developed a course on the psychology of racism and taught it in a variety of university settings. She is also a black woman and a concerned mother of two, and she draws on all these experiences and bases of knowledge to write a remarkably jargon-free book that is as rigorously analytical as it is refreshingly practical and drives its points home with a range of telling anecdotes. Tatum illuminates ``why talking about racism is so hard'' and what we can do to make it easier, leaving her readers more confident about facing the difficult terrain on the road to a genuinely color-blind society. -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Books for African American Parents

Through Ebony Eyes : What Teachers Need to Know But Are Afraid to Ask About African American Students by Gail Thompson

Synopsis: In this book, Gail L. Thompson takes on the volatile topic of the role of race in education and explores the black-white achievement gap and the cultural divide that exists between some teachers and African American students. Solidly based on research conducted with 175 educators, Through Ebony Eyes provides information and strategies that will help teachers increase their effectiveness with African American students. Written in conversational language, Through Ebony Eyes offers a wealth of examples and personal stories that clearly demonstrate the cultural differences that exist in the schools and offers a three-part, long-term professional development plan that will help teachers become more effective.

Up Where We Belong: Helping African American and Latino Students Rise in School and in Life by Gail L. Thompson

Synopsis: In Up Where We Belong, Gail Thompson asked the students in a low performing school to be candid about their high school experiences. Using this information and relying on data from questionnaires and focus groups, Thompson discovered a huge gap in perception between how teachers and students view their experience of school. The book explores this disparity, and uncovers some of the reasons for students’ low achievement, apathy, and frustration. Most important, she offers vital lessons for transforming schools–especially for underachieving kids and students of color

What African American Parents Want Educators to Know by Gail L. Thompson

Synopsis: Thompson has gathered feedback from African-American parents pertaining to their children's schooling experiences, the results of which can help improve the schooling experiences of African-American children nationwide.

African American Teens Discuss Their Schooling Experiences by Gail L Thompson

Synopsis: For decades, researchers and policymakers have grappled with the issue of the underachievement of African American students. An age-old problem has been that these students on average lag behind their peers of other racial/ethnic groups in math, science, and reading. Recently, California, like some other states, has implemented a high-stakes standardized testing program that has revealed that when test scores are disaggregated along racial/ethnic lines, the scores of African American students continue to trail those of their peers. The study described in this book was undertaken in an effort to uncover schooling practices that are advantageous or detrimental to the achievement of African American students. The study was based on interviews and questionnaire results from nearly 300 African American high school seniors. Most of these students resided in a region that had a low college attendance rate and a high child poverty rate. The students were given an opportunity to discuss numerous issues pertaining to their schooling experiences, including teacher attitudes and expectations, the curriculum, homework practices, the quality of services provided by their high school counselors, racism at school, school safety, parental involvement, and their early reading habits and attitudes about reading. In addition to quantitative results, most chapters include detailed narratives describing the elementary and secondary schooling experiences of the interviewees.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations about Race by Beverly Tatum

Synopsis: This insightful exploration of the varieties of Americans' experience with race and racism in everyday life would be an excellent starting point for the upcoming national conversations on race that President Clinton and his appointed commission will be conducting this fall. Tatum, a developmental psychologist (Mt. Holyoke Coll.) with a special interest in the emerging field of racial-identity development, is a consultant to school systems and community groups on teaching and learning in a multicultural context. Not only has she studied the distinctive social dynamics faced by black youth educated in predominantly white environments, but since 1980, Tatum has developed a course on the psychology of racism and taught it in a variety of university settings. She is also a black woman and a concerned mother of two, and she draws on all these experiences and bases of knowledge to write a remarkably jargon-free book that is as rigorously analytical as it is refreshingly practical and drives its points home with a range of telling anecdotes. Tatum illuminates ``why talking about racism is so hard'' and what we can do to make it easier, leaving her readers more confident about facing the difficult terrain on the road to a genuinely color-blind society. -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Different and Wonderful: Raising Black Children in a Race-Conscious Society by Dr. Darlene Hopson
This exceptional, well-written book is the result of a study conducted by the authors in 1985-86 and presented to the American Psychological Association in 1987. Its purpose is to help black middle-class parents prepare their children to become positive, productive, and self-respecting individuals in American society. To that end, a series of self-evaluation tools interspersed throughout the text enables parents to explore their own attitudes about being black. The technique of positive parenting described is exemplary for all parents. Chapters focus on modeling, strengthening, and open communication of parents on such complex issues as racial identification, teenage sexuality, day care, and family relations during the developmental stages of childhood to adulthood. The stated goals empower black families to cope with still-racist institutions. A significant contribution is the network of resources (books, magazines, games and toys, and cultural centers) that celebrate black culture. The approaches of this work make it imperative reading for concerned parents everywhere. Highly recommended.
- Gayle S. Leach, Wayne State Univ., Detroit

Smart Parenting for African Americans: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Difficult World
African American children face many imposing threats in today's world -- academic failure, drugs, gangs, irresponsible sex, and attraction to crime, among others. For the parents of these children, it takes knowledge, effort, and caring to effectively deal with such tough issues.

In "Smart Parenting for African Americans," Dr. Jeffrey Gardere takes an honest look at the problems children face and stresses the importance of strong parent-child communication for fostering self-esteem.

He also provides the tools parents need to give their sons and daughters a head start in the earliest years, help them get the most out of school, and cope with the turbulent teens. Plus there's sobering advice on keeping children safe from sexual predators and on handling a confrontation with the police.

Here is a sensitive, no-nonsense approach to raising black children that will show parents how to be a source of support, love, and protection for their kids -- giving them the foundation they need to flourish for the rest of their lives.Learn to be a smart parent -- and help your kids thrive in a difficult world.

African-American children face many imposing threats in today's world -- academic failure, drugs, gangs, irresponsible sex, and attraction to crime, among others. For the parents of these children, it takes knowledge, effort, and caring to effectively deal with such tough issues.

In Smart Parenting For African-Americans, Dr. Jeffrey Gardere presents a savvy, realistic guide for today's black parents. He takes an honest look at the problems their children face and stresses the importance of strong parent-child communication for fostering self-esteem.

He also provides the tools parents need to give their sons and daughters a head start in the earliest years, help them get the most out of school, and cope with the turbulent teen years. Plus, there's sobering advice on keeping children safe from sexual predators and on handling a confrontation with the police.

Here is a sensitive, no-nonsense approach to raising black children that will show parents how to be a source of support, love and protection for their kids -- giving them the foundation they need to flourish for the rest of their lives.Jeff Gardere, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, is founder and Executive Director of Rainbow Psychological Services in New York City. He has hosted "Ask the Family Therapist" on America's Health Network and "Hit It" on WLIB in New York City and has appeared on other major news and talk shows.

Developing Positive Self-Images and Discipline in Black Children
This book explores the relationship between self-esteem and achievement, parental involvement, the lack of discipline in public schools and the importance of multiracial standards of beauty for children


Strength for Their Journey: 5 Essential Disciplines African-American Parents Must Teach Their Children and Teens
With over twenty years of experience to draw from, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Stanford have created the first comprehensive parenting book to provide realistic, discipline-based advice for African-American parents. This is the first book of its kind to offer the benefits of five different disciplines to help parents steer their children onto the right path towards adulthood.The result of more than twenty years' collaborative work focusing on the heart of successful parenting, the acclaimed five disciplines program developed by Drs. Robert L. Johnson and Paulette Stanford has helped thousands of African-American children and their parents cope with the myriad of social challenges they confront each day. Now making this special prescription available to all parents,Strength for Their Journeyoffers insight into five interconnected areas:

• Traditional Discipline: The Strength to Embrace Parental Boundaries
• Racial Discipline: The Strength to Negotiate the Realities of Being a Racial Minority
• Emotional Discipline: The Strength to Resist Negative Peer Pressure and Temptation
• Practical Discipline: The Strength to Excel in School, Career, and Financial Pursuits
• Mind-Body Discipline: The Strength to Maintain Positive Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

In a culture that often grants fewer safety nets to nonwhite children,Strength for Their Journey is a crucial book that African-American parents can turn to again and again, paving a path of confidence and joy for future generations.Robert L. Johnson, M.D., is a nationally recognized authority on African American youth and has been featured on numerous news shows, from "20/20" to "The O'Reilly Factor." He is also a member of the planning board for the U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Youth Violence, serves as medical and cultural advisor for "ER," and lectures extensively throughout the country.

Also a frequent guest speaker in the media and at workshops, Paulette Stanford, M.D., is the medical director of START, an adolescent-HIV program. She is also the principal investigator for a National Institute of Health research and study on high-risk adolescent behavior. Both authors live in New Jersey, and are professors at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ).

Association of California School Administrators Women's Leadership Breakfast

Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010
Time: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
(Registration/Check-in: 8:30 a.m.)
Place: Torino’s
5080 N. Blackstone Ave.
Fresno, CA 93710

Cost: $20.00 per person

Speaker: Dr. Jannett N. Jackson, Interim President, College Of Alameda, Retired Colonel, California Army National Guard

While ACSA is the Association of California School Administrators, this event is calling out to community members and other organizations to participate. The Keynote speaker, an African American woman, is one of our own, Dr. Jannett Jackson WHO lived in Fresno, still has a home here, and started her community college career at Fresno City College.

Because ACSA is primarily a white organization, with more Hispanics becoming involved in the last 5 to 7 years and yet African Americans remain slow in our involvement, I would like to make sure we have representation in support of Dr. Jackson at the breakfast. So, I am personally reach out to each of you to share this flyer with others and, if your schedule so permits, join us at this breakfast.

This event, the launching of the Central Valley Women’s Leadership Network, is slated to become the premier source of self-select professional support of women in education in our region. If you know other African-American teacher, administrators or classified management personnel, please share this information with them.

Please feel free to call Debra Odom (559) 457-3360 or Dr. Roz (681-9935) if you have any questions. See you soon!

To register or receive additional information contact to send email to Dr. Rosylin Bessard at rosylin.bessard@fresnounified.org or call (559) 457-3370

Contact: Dr. Rosylin Bessard, Region IX, Public Relations, 1350 M. Street, Building A, Fresno, CA 93721

Members, Supporters, Non-members, Guests, Friends, Educators, Parents,
Community Activists, and yes Men – All Are Invited!

Congressman James Clyburn at Saint Rest Baptist Church

Congressman James Clyburn will be at Saint Rest. He is the second African American to serve as Majority Whip in the U.S. House of Representatives and has been a strong voice for under-represented people across the US.

Date: Friday, October 8, 2010
Time: 5pm
Place: Saints Rest Missionary Baptist Church
1550 E Rev Chester Riggins Ave
Fresno, California 93706

This is a Free Event! Come out and support! For more information please see the attached invite. Also if you don't mind forwarding this to All of your contacts it'll be great. We need to show up and out. Bring your kids, also!