This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Imagine how different your life would've been if growing you didn't have adults in your life to guide you and give sound advice when you were confused about something. Would you still be the success you are today? Wasn't it very helpful to have an adult share their experiences with you?
My students are at-risk males (ages 12- in grades 6 and 7.) They are all African American and Hispanic attending an empowerment high school in one of the poorest counties in NYC.
Most come from single parent homes where mom is the only parent. Since mom is the bread winner it's difficult for many of them to get that one on one time when they have questions about life in general. They are good kids who often have a lot of questions about life, but are often misled by images they see on TV, music they hear on the radio, and individuals involved in negative activities in their neighborhoods. Whenever we have parent teacher conference many moms constantly say "I can't teach him how to be a man because I'm not one." This is an issue for many young men without father's in the home. They have no male role models who can talk to them about growing up and the challenges they may face as young men of color from poor neighborhoods.
My Project
Every year I have my M.E.N. OF Tomorrow interview a male staff member about their childhood,teenage years and the life experiences which shaped them. The students work in pairs and come up with 15-20 questions they wish to ask their interview subject. Each student takes turns conducting the interview while their partner records the interview. The interview is later shown to the class and their interview subjects. This is was decided to have students interview a professional adult male from the student's neighborhood, and then have a "premier night" at the school in which the students,their families,staff, and interview subjects view the interviews feel this project would help students understand you always have a chance at being successful in life no matter how difficult things might be early on. This project will help my students understand you don't have to be on TV,a rapper,athlete, etc to be a success in life.
I think it's important for young men to be provided with guidance from adult men who can understand and relate to the challenges they will face in life as they grow until adulthood.
It's especially important for young men to understand there are occupations out there besides being an athlete,musician,etc. It's important young men seek wisdom and advice about life from older men who grew up in the same neighborhoods they live in and can relate to them.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. B. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
