Day 54: Black History Month

While the accomplishments of African-Americans should be celebrated all year long, February is the month when we focus on their contributions to American society. Below is a winner of the Black History Month Essay Contest that asked students to name the most influential African American person in their life. 2/7/2011

Trey, 10, from Florence, New Jersey

            “The African American who has been the strongest role model in my life is my dad, Darrell Fisher.

            For the ten years of my life he has shown me that if I work hard enough, I can do anything I want if I put my mind into it and try really hard. My dad told me that when he was growing up his family did not have a lot of money. He struggled through school but never gave up. He worked hard and graduated.

            After high school by dad joined the Army National Guard, became a sergeant, and stayed in that for nine years. He helped a lot of people during that time, during bad snowstorms and floods when people's homes had filled with water-he rescued them. My dad became a police officer in 2001 so that he could continue to help people-especially kids. As a police officer my dad goes into the schools to speak to kids.

            He has an adopt-a-cop class in the elementary school, a third grade class and even comes to my school to see the kids. He makes me feel very proud when I see him in my school and all of my friends run up to him to say hi to him and give him a high five. That makes me feel really good and proud to be his son and that so many other kids and adults look up to him.

            My dad always tells me that with the right attitude, and if you're nice to people, they will be willing to help you. I try to keep that in mind when I am around my friends and teachers. My dad also taught me to it doesn't matter what color your skin is, we should all get along. He has told me to never give up and keep trying my best and anything is possible. He tells me don't be like him, be better than him.

            With the help of my dad, I hope one day I am my dad.”

In a perfect world, every child would be nurtured by a loving family, attend a challenging and exciting school and live in a supportive community. But the sad reality is that not every child has these opportunities.

The Children’s Aid Society fills the gaps between what children have and what they need to thrive. They have been serving children for more than 150 years, a longevity that is a testament to their ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of today’s youth. Today Children’s Aid serves New York's neediest children and their families at more than 45 locations in the five boroughs and Westchester County. All aspects of a child’s development are addressed as he or she grows, from health care to academics to sports and the arts. And because stable children live in stable families, a host of services are available to parents, including housing assistance, domestic violence counseling and health care access.

While much progress has been made since the passage of the Civil Rights Act, African American males continue to struggle to achieve educational and economic success. African American males have higher rates of suspension, expulsion, placement in special education, and dropout than other groups. Sadly, African American males confront high unemployment and low labor force participation rates, but high probation and incarceration rates, representing nearly half of the nation's male prison inmates. Today, the dilemma of the African American male demands a solution.

In 2007, Children's Aid launched The African American Male Initiative, with the support of The Charles Hayden Foundation, to help young males receive all the support needed to achieve success. It started with the Steps to Success Initiative, in which groups of young Black males beginning in second grade receive life coaching, a cultural academy, academic support, and exposure to Everyday Heroes (role models). So far, in its third year, the boys' scholastic progress has been remarkable.

Donation: $5

To support Children’s Aid Society, please visit:  http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/