The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out
(Proverbs 18:15)
February has emerged as one of my favorite months to spend
time online and on social media. During Black History Month, I get exposure to
many dynamic stories that force me to evaluate what I was taught during my
public school education, but most importantly, to seek additional knowledge and
learning for myself. My professional background is not in education, but I have
been spending a considerable amount of time in public schools in support of
career readiness and workforce development. Last week, I heard a teacher’s
reference to Margaret Ammond’s definition that the purpose of education has
evolved from producing a literate society to producing a learning society (
http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_update/eu201207_infographic.pdf).
Referring back to February and Black History Month: It was
during this time last year that our church used the weekly announcements to focus
on Education by introducing the congregation to stories of the Rosenwald
Schools. During the early twentieth century, Julius Rosenwald, an executive of
Sears, Roebuck, and Company, partnered with Booker T. Washington to build
quality schools to educate black children in the south. The purpose of that
Sunday morning program was to solicit people to contribute to preserving the
history of these schools. To learn more about the initiative, visit
https://savingplaces.org/places/rosenwald-schools.
That evening, I searched the related Fisk University
archives (
http://rosenwald.fisk.edu/)
and proudly learned that I was a benefactor of the Rosenwald investment in
education. My mother graduated from Holman School, one of three segregated high
schools built in Arkansas County, Arkansas for black children. After desegregation
in 1970, Holman remained a critical part of our community, yet there was a lot
about the history of the school literally in my back yard that I did not know.
Desiring to learn more, I came across this link that gave more insight into the
legacy
http://www.abandonedar.com/holman-school/.
Fast forward to present day and the education reform debate
continues. I am witnessing the pendulum shifts from a focus on humanities, to
STEM-centric, to the current STEAM emphasis. Without jumping into politics, it
is safe to say that the current Education Secretary has not eased or enhanced
the debate on what the country defines as quality education. At least today,
education is still viewed as a human right. At this point, I am more grateful
that as a parent and a lifelong learner myself, I am not limited to what is
taught in schools, nor does curriculum limit my family and community’s
education. Education begins at home.
Stay tuned and follow the journey of
education engagement, economic development, and entrepreneurial readiness.
We value your input. Feel free to comment, or drop us a line at
latanyua.robinson@gmail.com.
