President Obama says “The Best Anti Poverty Program Is a Quality Education”

Join us for another afternoon of Black Teen Empowerment Radio. On today’s program Scotty Reid and R Lee Gordon will be joined by youth host Troi Thomas as she makes her debut appearance on Black Teen Empowerment Radio. Read more about Ms. Troi here.



Also joining us today will be Keith Dent of Striving 2 Succeed!


Keith Dent has been developing specific programs to help teens and their families achieve success where they may have had difficulties in the past. Whether it is academics, relationships, athletics, or preparing for college, Keith says he can coach young people to develop patterns and skill sets that will put them on a path to a brighter future.

Keith has a Bachelor of Science from Georgetown University, Master Degree from Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy and is a Certified Empowerment Coach from the Institute of Professional Empowerment Coaching. He will be speaking with Ms. Troi Thomas today about what teens need to succeed.



President Obama gave the 2011 State of the Union speech recently and while he discussed a number of issues from the economy to national unity, he spoke briefly about the need for investing in education, reforms and specific legislation designed to help students and their families. We will listen to that portion of the speech and offer our commentary on what the President proposed.

New Jersey One Step Closer On School Vouchers

Philly.com reports....

TRENTON - A pilot program for school vouchers moved one step closer to reality Thursday, after a New Jersey Senate committee released the bill following hours of heated debate.
The legislation, which is supported by Gov. Christie, would create "opportunity scholarships" that would allow children from low-income families who live in areas with "chronically failing" public schools to attend private schools, including those with religious affiliations.

Supporters, including Christie, contend that children of all income levels should be allowed to opt out of failing public schools.

Critics argue that the scholarship program would hurt the failing public schools, by taking away students and funding.

The legislation, which is modeled on a similar program in Pennsylvania, has the support of an unusual coalition of Republicans and Democrats. In addition to Christie, supporters include Excellent Education for Everyone (E3), a school-choice advocacy group cofounded by Newark Mayor Cory Booker, and the Rev. Reginald Jackson, executive director of the influential Black Ministers' Council of New Jersey.

"The intent is to give children from low-income families who are forced to attend a chronically failing school simply because of their zip code the opportunity to receive a quality education," Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D., Union), a sponsor of the bill, told the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

He also said the program would save taxpayers money by helping to support private schools, because when private schools close, students often return to the public school system, increasing costs for taxpayers.

Similar legislation has been discussed for years in Trenton, but advocates hope that with a supporter in the governor's office, the bill will soon be signed into law.

The bill faces a tough road, though, with opponents that include the state's largest teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association; many Democratic lawmakers; and the New Jersey NAACP. Read more...

HOPE scholarships provide college tuition and vocational training to poor youth

January 11, 2011 — Thousands of poor youth in developing countries now have opportunities to escape poverty through education and vocational training with the HOPE--Helping Overcome Poverty through Education-- Fund provided by Children International, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization.

Currently, 8,420 HOPE scholarships have been awarded to youth ages 14 to 18 to continue their education, according to Children International’s latest HOPE Fund report.

The report reveals that over 60% of students used their scholarship for vocational training in such fields as computer training, automotive repair and other practical technical courses that provide a great opportunity to translate into employment. And a substantial number of students were able to attend college as a result of their scholarships!

Benefits of the HOPE scholarship include tuition assistance, books, housing and transportation. All of these expenses are well beyond the reach of teenagers and families living on less than $1 a day.

“The name of the scholarship itself gave me hope to be optimistic in pursuing a new chapter in my life,” said HOPE recipient Cervin Barios. The Filipino youth is a top journalism student at his university. Because of the HOPE scholarship, he is now able to compete academically with his peers.

More than 64% of the scholarships awarded were to female students to further or continue their education. In developing countries, girls are less likely to pursue or complete higher education because they often are forced to take more responsibilities in their households, or their families cannot afford to send them to school. According to a report by WorldBank, one additional year of schooling for girls can increase their future earning potential by up to 20%, and in some cases dramatically more!

“Being able to provide youth with a HOPE scholarship is giving them a chance to escape crushing poverty. I am so proud of our youth who seek to further their education and improve their lives,” said Children International President and CEO Jim Cook.

DeMayo Law Offices Awarding $37,500 in Scholarships to Graduating Seniors

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 11, 2011 - For the ninth consecutive year, the Michael A. DeMayo Scholarship program is offering local high school seniors an opportunity to win a $2,500 scholarship toward their college education. The students are judged on a number of criteria including the submission of a presentation or essay on the prevention of underage drinking and driving.

The firm will be awarding $37,500 in college scholarships to 15 graduating high school seniors who reside and attend schools in counties served by the firm. North Carolina counties include: Mecklenburg, Gaston, Catawba, Union, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Lincoln, Rowan, Caldwell, Stanly, Iredell, Alexander, Burke, Robeson, Scotland, Richmond, Anson and Cumberland. South Carolina counties include: York, Lancaster, Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon.

To qualify, students must have applied for full-time enrollment at a four-year university or college and return the application packet to the law firm by March 7, 2011. Interested students can download the application by visiting the Official Contest Rules page at www.DeMayoLaw.com.

Scholarships will be awarded based on the student's presentation or essay on how to prevent underage drinking and driving, as well as their application, SAT scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation. Winners will be chosen by a selection committee and announced on April 15, 2011.

"Our scholarship program attempts to capture the ideas and suggestions of teenagers, because young adults respond best to advice from their own peers," said Attorney Michael A. DeMayo, who has awarded $162,000 in scholarships since founding the program in 2003. "It is our hope and objective to get the message out to as many teens as possible in our community because even if the scholarships save only one life, the investment will have been worth it."

Web links to the 15 winning presentations will be published in a booklet and sent to community leaders and lawmakers with hope that the students' observations and suggestions could help formulate public policy and increase awareness.

The Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo L.L.P. has offices in Charlotte, Hickory, Monroe and Lumberton and practices in the areas of personal injury, wrongful death, workers' compensation, nursing home negligence and social security disability.

For more information, contact Kristine Woolley, community relations director, at (704) 343-4644 or kwoolley@demayolaw.com. For more information about DeMayo Law Offices or the scholarship program, visit www.DeMayoLaw.com.
SOURCE Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo L.L.P.

Jack and Jill Scholarship Application Deadline Approaches

Scholarship Value: up to $ 2500
Classifications: High School Senior
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Eligible Majors: Open
Eligible Schools: Open for 4 Year Colleges Only
Eligible Locations: Open
Application Deadline: Sunday, March 14, 2011
How to Apply : https://applyonline.uncf.org/SGA/ProgAdmin/PA_AppView_Donor.aspx and download the following form: J & J insert.pdf

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader Click here to download

Scholarship Detail:

The Jack and Jill of America Foundation is committed to the ongoing positive development of African American youth and the development of future leaders. In addition, the Foundation provides personal, professional and financial support to children in the areas of leadership skills training and development. Further, we are engaged in education, mentoring, health & wellness, early childhood and economic development programs. The Foundation promotes the preparation of succeeding generations of children as leaders so they may attain the fullest potential as individuals, enjoy rewarding and fulfilling lives and contribute to world peace and prosperity. The key to fulfilling this vision is through education.

To this end, the Jack & Jill of America Foundation is prepared to assist in funding African Americans’ pursuit of higher education. Through contributions mainly from local Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapters across the country, the Jack & Jill of America Foundation is providing scholarships to deserving high school seniors who meet our qualifications. The Jack and Jill of America Foundation’s National Scholarshp Program is available to high school seniors who will become and maintain full-time status at an accredited, four year post secondary institution beginning in the fall of the year working toward a bachelor’s degree.

Applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements and deadlines to qualifiy. Scholarship awards will be applied toward tuition and room & board ranging from $1,500 to $ 2,500.

DEPENDENTS OF MEMBERS OF JACK & JILL OF AMERICA ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

Finding Ways To Engage Our Youth

Parents and community leaders must do a better job to engage the youth and provide them with guidance and pathways to brighter futures.



Join us as R Lee and Scotty discuss some of the organizations and programs they are involved with that seek to engage youth and provide them with positive activities in which they can participate.

*The Black Talk Media Project needs your help to continue its work, become a supporter by becoming a "Friends of Black Talk Radio" subscriber for just $1 a month. Click Here!

The Education Superhighway and Jail Time for Parents of Failing Students?

The Education Superhighway is a newly created weekly television show that focuses on education and which is hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton with Jane Nolar. The debut of the program was Oct 10, 2010 in more than 160 U.S. markets.

Today we will discuss the first broadcast and discuss education as a civil right as suggested by Rev. Sharpton and others.



We will also discuss the proposal by a Wayne County, Michigan prosecutor to jail the parents of failing students. If parents of students performing poorly in school do not attend at least one Parent/Teachers conference, should they face three days jail time as proposed by Wayne County (Detroit) Prosecutor Kym Worthy unless the parent/parents have health issues?

The True Costs of Educating Our Children

There is a education debate going on across the country and none is more contentious than in a couple of counties in North Carolina where the NAACP has gotten involved.

With the economic downturn and so many people out of work, there has been a decrease in the amount of tax revenue municipalities take in and there many school systems have had a hard time meeting their budgets and have had to make cuts.



The much publicized education documentary "Waiting for Superman" cites that some of the most successful charter schools like SEED charter school spend about $35,000 per student to get its great academic results.

Yet some successful schools like Harding University High school in Charlotte, NC do not spend nearly that much per student and yet has comparable success.

What is the true cost of education our children and is spending more money always the answer? What time in the time that parents spend in participating in their child's development.

Money should never be a hindrance to learning so lets look at this problem and discuss some solutions.

Black Disposable Income Up, Black Male Student Scores Down

Studies show a dramatic increase in spending power. "African-Americans Revealed" study, based on a BET survey of 80,000 black consumers over 18 months, showed a 10 percent increase in America’s black population between 2000 and 2008 and 55 percent increase in black buying power over the same period. Black buying power is estimated now at about $913 billion and is projected to increase to $1.2 trillion by 2013.

A similar study released in November by the Selig Center at the University of Georgia estimated that black buying power would be about $1.1 trillion by 2014, with current spending power for blacks at about $910 billion.” Poor academic performance among Black children has traditionally been linked to poverty, but a new study showing that poor white males do better than poor Black males. An achievement gap separating black from white students has long been documented — a social divide extremely vexing to policy makers and the target of one blast of school reform after another. But a new report focusing on black males suggests that the picture is even bleaker than generally known.

Only 12 percent of black fourth-grade boys are proficient in reading, compared with 38 percent of white boys, and only 12 percent of black eighth-grade boys are proficient in math, compared with 44 percent of white boys. Poverty alone does not seem to explain the differences: poor white boys do just as well as African-American boys who do not live in poverty, measured by whether they qualify for subsidized school lunches. Black America needs to have an honest discussion about how is it that we can spend so much money on good and services but yet it seems we are not investing in our own children’s future.

Do Black People Really Care About Education?

With Black voter turnout being very poor across the nation for the mid-term elections and with the apparent problems in our communities especially in education, who are Black people going to blame?

When we think elections, most of think about the Congressional races, but what about the election of local school boards? What about the superintendent or those who appoint them?

It seems to us that the biggest problem in the Black community is the Black community. When a crisis hits like school closings in our neighborhoods, Black people will express outrage and scream racism but where is the outrage for those who do not show up to the polls where your opinions matter most?

"The Education Superhighway" hosted by Reverend Al Sharpton

Today we are joined by Ruth Adkins Robinson who is the Creator and Executive Producer of "The Education Superhighway" hosted by Reverend Al Sharpton.

Robinson said she felt compelled to create the "The Education Superhighway" show because of a trip down another road - to Pennsylvania Avenue. "I had the honor of being the sole writer for the Commander-in-Chief's Inaugural Ball for President Obama. It was emotional magic for me. A lifetime in Hollywood had not fully prepared me for that galvanizing experience of watching this young Black man assuming the awesome responsibility of world power and leadership".

Robinson first met Rev. Al Sharpton when she was called in to help write for an live awards show being hosted by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown in 1976. Brown was accompanied by Al Sharpton when he was a 19 year old minister and now the two are working together.

Today we will learn what to expect from "The Education Superhighway" when it hits the airwaves.

Black Community and Education, Past, Present & Future

We will continue examining the recent study and the issue of Black males dropping out of high school. Has America abandoned its commitment to a equal education for all Americans? Has Brown vs The Board of Education helped or hurt the education of African Americans? Why are so many predominately African-American schools under-funded and lacking appropriate resources for this at-risk demographic?

Education and Youth Empowerment on the Move

Today we have open lines to discuss education as a civil rights issue of the 21st Century. Yesterday President Obama's Education Secretary Arne Duncan spoke at the MLK Reclaim the Dream March and Rally and stated, "We've been too satisfied with second-class schools."

R Lee Gordon will update us on some of the great things pertaining to youth empowerment movements across the country.



The National Black TEEN Empowerment Expo (NBTEE) is building a national youth movement, community by community. New youth movements are now underway in Brooklyn, NY, New Jersey and Baltimore. In 2011, we will form youth movements in other NYC boroughs, and in Atlanta, Texas and California.

National Black Male Drop Out Rate Just Under 50%

Our guest today will be Dr. Stephen Jones and we will be discussing the staggering Black male drop out rate in the United States.

We will examine the causes and what we can do to help our Black teens succeed academically.

Dr. Stephen Jones is an outstanding educator who has spent his career helping economically disadvantaged students to succeed in college. Dr. Jones has earned a Bachelors Degree in Community Psychology from Widener University, Masters in Education from Howard University, Masters in Business from Philadelphia University, and a Doctorate in Education from Widener University. He has been instrumental in helping 1000’s of students to realize their dream to earn a degree.



Click Here To Purchase Parent's Ultimate Education Guide: Seven Secrets of How to Study!

Dr. Barbarin, Author Of Study Focusing On African American Males Pre-K to Prison

Oscar A. Barbarin, Ph.D. is a professor in the Psychology Department at Tulane University. He is a published author of several books including "Institutional Racism and Community Competence", "Mandela's Children: Growing Up in Post-Apartheid South Africa", and others. His research interests are examining educational interventions for achievement and social well-being, and the role of community and family in health risks and health threat.

He earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Rutgers University in 1975 and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in social psychology at Stanford University in 1983. He is President of the American Orthopsychiatric Association and a Fellow in American Psychological Association's Division 27 Society for Community Research and Action.



Dr. Oscar A. Barbarin, III, Ph.D projected that by 2029, prisons will house almost 30,000 of the 600,000 four-year olds now living in America. Read More

All is not lost if we act now, Dr. Barbarian says the solution to this problem lies within families, schools and communities.

Troubling Trend: African American Males Pre-K to Prison

Oscar A. Barbarin, III, Ph.D. is the Hertz Endowed Chair of the Department of Psychology Center for Children, Families, and Schools at Tulane University, New Orleans. He has worked in the fields of family development, early childhood education, and minority youth crime prevention for over thirty years, and is Past-President of the American Orthopsychiatric Association.



Dr. Barbarin is the author of a new study that shows a thirty year trend that shows a disproportionate number of African American male youth ending up in prison.
It's projected that by 2029, prisons will house almost 30,000 of the 600,000 four-year olds now living in America. The solution to this problem lies within families, schools and communities according to Dr. Barbarin.