We listened to Maryum “May May” Ali, daughter of “The Greatest” deliver the Keynote Address at the SCAQMD Luncheon celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, his timeless quote resonates memorably: “If you can’t fly, run; If you can’t run, walk; If you can’t walk, crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”
Simple-Profound. Eloise Laws, Arnae Batson and Mitchel Forman performed. President Barack Obama encouraged us to persevere and dream. It may be difficult to assess the accomplishments of Barack Obama, the “First African American President of the United States.” His election alone was inspiring…encouraging. His ascension to the Presidency in principle shows promise, hope and with commitment and good timing our dreams can come true.
Obamacare has been beat down so badly, I hope it turns out okay; but it’s bruised and going to the hospital for a massive overhaul. I sat, listening intensely, with esteemed individuals each of whom enjoy their own legacy: Danny Bakewell, Sr. Los Angeles Sentinel Executive Publisher Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Dr. William Burke, SCAQMD Governing Board Chairman, Supervisor Yvonne Burke, Assemblywoman Autumn Burke, Dr. Clark Parker, Sr. SCAQMD Governing Board Member, and Councilwoman Judy Mitchell, SCAQMD Governing Board Member.
Education: President Obama pointed to a sweeping education overhaul of No Child Left Behind. No Child Left Behind unreasonably expected every child would achieve their highest potential at one given point in time by a certain year??? Never. Totally unrealistic! The overhaul was called “a Christmas miracle in Washington.”
Overhauling was a good thing. Socio-economically disadvantaged children need more. No Child Left Behind was a great idealistic concept; no funding-impossible to fulfill. That’s what I mean, sometimes you don’t know how to evaluate something until you’ve tried it! If you are not directly connected with education, it’s hard to understand “the system requirements.” Your child deserves to achieve at his/her highest potential. Parent participation is critically significant! Did you know schools have what’s called “numerically significant sub-groups”: for example: African American, Latino, Schoolwide, English Learners, based on school population. Many regulations are attached to teaching children in general, but especially California English Learners. U.S.-Cuba relationships are more fluid. How will that pan out? Job creation: I read President Obama created 11 million jobs, Where? Not sure…Why didn’t job increase statistics ripple down to our communities? Many statements are made, but it’s difficult to evaluate their true meaning, especially when we cannot witness results.
“In a farewell speech during a military honor review on Jan. 4, President Obama said he saw his top priority overseeing America’s military as balancing the need to use force with the need to honor the armed forces.” (Military News) Teach your children at home.
Jeanette Grattan Parker, Ph.D. Superintendent/Founder-Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw BL., LA 90043 323-293-9826 [writer, artist, educator, speaker, marriage expert (50+) Writings are copyright: “Will You Marry Me” and “Inquiring Minds Want To Know.”] [email protected].
