GCP went to the movies last night, to see a screening of "The Watsons Go To Birmingham", a movie based on the award-winning young adult novel written by Christopher Paul Curtis. We had high expectations, considering the source material, but we were blown away by how good it was. Engaging, entertaining, moving, made us laugh and cry (literally). In [...]
This is the first in a series of profiles of young men who successfully navigated adolescence, academia and adversity to become interesting and productive citizens of the world. Their stories of what worked for them can offer inspiration to our sons as they contemplate their future, and to parents as we try to guide them along the way. GCP [...]
Even though school has barely begun, if you are looking for a new school for your son or daughter to start next fall, particularly if it is a private or highly sought after public school, you are likely starting the search and application process now. Today's post comes from writer and editor (and GCP contributor) Rachel Christmas Derrick. In [...]
GCP is back! After a brief hiatus to focus on family matters both sorrowful (the loss of my mom) and joyous (my oldest son's transition to college), GCP is back in action, ready to provide more information, inspiration and resources for parents of African American boys. Stay tuned for regular postings and please tell your friends to visit us [...]
Today's inspiration comes in the form of a delightful poem by Nikki Giovanni about the joys of summer, and a classic from Langston Hughes: Knoxville, Tennessee I always like summer Best you can eat fresh corn From daddy's garden And okra And greens And cabbage And lots of Barbeque And buttermilk And homemade ice-cream At the church picnic And [...]
Happy Fourth! Today's first Thoughtful Thursday offering is a moving poem about our nation written by Claude McKay, a Jamaican American writer and poet who figured prominently in the Harlem Renaissance. America Although she feeds me bread of bitterness, And sinks into my throat her tiger’s tooth, Stealing my breath of life, I will confess I love this cultured [...]
School is out for most of the nation, which means it is report card time. Are you eagerly anticipating your son's great grades, or awaiting with trepidation what that dreaded envelope will bring? Before you open that envelope, take a deep breath and remember the following: 1. Your son's grades, good or bad, do not define him. Good grades [...]
Today's Thoughtful Thursday post is a poem called "The Bridge Builder" by Will Allen Dromgoole (1860-1934). This poem comes courtesy of Mayor David N. Dinkins, former mayor of New York City. Mayor Dinkins often recites this poem in his speeches, especially in when he is talking to groups of children. This poem reminds us all of the importance of [...]
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a key section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It is vital that we make sure our sons know the history of the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the history of the civil rights movement in the United States. Unless we happen to live in a community [...]
Yesterday's post featured Dr. Robert M. Franklin's powerful commencement speech which encouraged graduates of an all male high school to be "renaissance men". As noted yesterday, Franklin told the boys about the "five wells" of renaissance men: well-read, well-spoken, well-traveled, well-dressed, and well-balanced. Today GCP concludes its coverage of this inspirational speech. Dr. Franklin encouraged the high school graduates [...]