CHECK OUT "THE HILL" IN ACTION SUNDAY…THE PRESSURE IS ON!!!

NOTICE: MYTH REGARDING FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FUNDING…1ST DAY ATTENDANCE DOES NOT AFFECT A SCHOOL'S FUNDING…CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Only 6 of 100 Black and Latino high school freshmen males will graduate from a four year college. Source: University of Chicago’s Consortium on Chicago School Research
Between 2003 and 2007, white students' reading scores went up while African American, Hispanic and low-incomes student's scores went down. (Chicago Sun-Times, October 31, 2007)

Money spent in Illinois on:

• Housing an adult prisoner: $21,000
• Educating a child in Chicago: $10,000
  (Source: Illinois State Board of Education
  Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich)
• Only 9% of African American 4th graders ranked proficient or above in reading, ranking Illinois 38 out of 41 states. (Chicago Sun-Times, November 2, 2006)
• Illinois has the largest unaddressed district-to-district funding gap in the nation. (Source: Education Trust)

2005-2006 School Year Graduation Rates in Chicago

• Black males – 37%
• White males – 62%
  (Source: Schott Foundation)
• Illinois ranks 49 out of the 50 states when it comes to funding education from state funds. (Source: Education Trust)

Click Here for more FACTS about the SCHOOL FUNDING CRISIS

Now that I have your attention…

I'm proud to have attended & graduated from Jackson State University (a HBCU). At JSU, I learned the true meaning of struggle, brotherhood, and perseverance. Also, I had the chance to develop life-long relationships that continue today.

Personally, I chose to attend a HBCU to cultivate identity and community. Moreover, I wouldn't trade my HBCU experience for anything in the world.
After JSU, I attended PWI's (predominately White Institutions), but it was my JSU experience which shaped my life by strengthening the entrepreneur in me.

At JSU we were always encouraged to do our own thing, be strong, and trust God to grant you wisdom in all areas of life. Being in a place where educated Black people were the majority helped me to develop an "I can make it mentality."
Therefore, I will make my annual pilgrimage to Jackson, MS for a homecoming experience second to none. During this weekend, we will lay aside our titles, degrees, and become one. THIS IS SOMETHING THOSE WHO ATTENDED PWI's WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND…IT'S A BLACK THING… 

Care to share?

View my page on JSU's Cyber Plaza