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Greetings,
I am happy to report that the dream that began nearly three years ago is being fulfilled. It was October of 2006 when David Banks, founding principal of The Eagle Academy for Young Men made the following statement to me; “We need someone who will begin to connect the dots.” David’s statement was made in the context of what typically happens when well intentioned individuals are doing important actions. It is almost predictable that the outcome is many individual unconnected initiatives that over time diminish due to the lack of resources, infrequent if any communication with similar efforts and no plan for scale-up and sustainability.
It was David’s simple but powerful statement that ignited the dream that would become the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, fondly known as COSEBOC.
And as providence would have it his statement resonated with me and aligned with my four decades of experience as an educator and especially the last 15 years as a leader of a national school reform project. In this regard the “notion” of connectivity and the whole being greater than the sum of its parts was not a foreign concept.
The establishment of a network of schools diverse in their configuration but united in their commitment to educate and affirmatively develop boys and young men of color is critically important. The circumstances and data that describe the national urgency around the education of male students of color is becoming obvious for all who care to see.
On one hand too many young men of color fail to complete high school. The Schott Report, Given Half a Chance, 2009; details the grim statistics. And according to the United Negro College Fund fewer and fewer young men of color enter/stay in college.
Dr. Karl Reid, Executive Director for UNCF, says that there are four elements required in order for young men of color to succeed.
Those factors are:
- Confidence
- A sense of identity
- A positive peer group
- A trusting adult relationship
While these points are not new or revolutionary, they are not necessarily intentionally implemented with integrity. COSEBOC believes that these essentials integrated within a school context where standards for teaching, learning, assessment, pedagogy, character development and community engagement are held in high regard are likely to afford successful outcomes for male students of color.
The mission of COSEBOC is to ensure that every boy and young man of color has a full opportunity for in-school success and out of school positive contributions.
Following our successful third annual Gathering of Leaders (Dillard University) COSEBOC will soon roll out its three year strategic plan. We intend to continue to strengthen our web site and other avenues of communication. COSEBOC will also begin planning for the fourth gathering and additional models of professional development and friends and supporters of COSEBOC should expect to see details on a membership plan.
As the Founder and Executive Director of COSEBOC it is also my goal to identify and support the growth of emerging new leaders. It is my belief that the success and sustainability of COSEBOC, the organization, will be inextricably tied to any well connected leadership transition plan. In this way COSEBOC will continue to model and honor the act of “connecting the dots.”
On behalf of COSEBOC and its board of directors I want to encourage all of you to continue work in the service of the education and affirmative development of boys and young men of color.
Sincere regards,
Ron Walker
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