October 11, 2007

Student empowerment conference to address closing achievement gap for black students

The recently released results of California’s student testing program (STAR) indicate that closing the achievement gap for black students continues to be an intractable challenge for schools. An all-day conference of Black Student Unions (BSU) will address this and other important issues facing African-American students at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16 at San Jose City College.

With a theme of “Success Is the Only Option,” the Student Empowerment Conference will include a historically Black College Recruitment Fair and activities that promote participation in black student organizations. The conference represents collaboration between the African American community and school districts to develop strategies and programs that will increase student success.

“Our community and schools need to act with a much greater sense of urgency or we’re destined to lose a generation of children,” says Leon Beauchman, president of the Santa Clara County Alliance of Black Educators. “Our children must learn to believe that success is the only option.”

Several Santa Clara County schools and school districts will participate, including San Jose Unified School District, Milpitas Unified School District, East Side High School, Santa Clara Unified School District, Campbell High School and a number of private schools. The conference is supported by many community organizations including the Alliance of Black Educators, NAACP, 100 Black Men, 100 Black Women and the African-American Community Services Agency.

The program will include a presentation by Aldo Billingsea, professor of theater arts at Santa Clara University, who will provide insight into the consequences of personal choice. In addition, a segment of the program will recognize the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in Major League Baseball. Part of this tribute will include the debut of a short film by Ruben Grijalva called “Shadow Ball,” a story based on the Negro Baseball League.

Young voices will be heard as part of a student “Speak Out.” The “N” Word: Should We Use it or Lose It?” will be the topic. Before the conference, each BSU will discuss the issue on its campus and present its conclusions to the assembly.

A Historically Black College Recruitment Fair will be held at San Jose City College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Representatives from more than 33 colleges will be on hand to accept and review applications. Most colleges will be waiving application fees, and several have awarded preliminary admission and even scholarships to deserving students. The college fair is open to anyone, and students from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to bring copies of their transcripts for review.

Call Leon Beauchman at (408) 491-6206 for more information about the conference.