The NPN Trumpet - Parents First Edition

rumpet

EE FR

T

The

August 2014 • Parents First Issue• Community Voices Orchestrating Change

Parent Voices United for New Orleans Children Neighborhoods (NPN) mission is to improve THE TRUMPET Partnership | PARENTSNetwork’s FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014 the quality of life by engaging New Orleanians in neighborhood revitalization and civic processes.

Letter From The Executive Director Photo: Kevin Griffin/2Kphoto

NPN provides an inclusive and collaborative city-wide framework to empower neighborhood groups in New Orleans.

NOT your Mama’s public school system

Find Out More at NPNnola.com

NPN Board Members

Timolynn Sams Sumter

G

rowing up in the household with a public educator was always interesting especially at the beginning of the school year. Early school supply and uniform shopping, making sure ALL summer reading was done and two week of boot-camp reviewing where we left off before the close of the school year. My mom who worked in the New Orleans Public School System since I was six years old and was ALWAYS aware of the rules, regulations and processes for how the system worked (or didn’t). I watched her pilot processes both at the individual school and system level from school intake and registration to school disciplinary policies. This eventually was beneficial to me as a parent because I too knew where I could find help to navigate a very complex systemic structure. That was then… and this now.

The state takeover of New Orleans Public Schools, rise of the charter school movement, surge of private-public partnerships and recent dramatic fiscal challenges have completely torn down and rearranged the landscape of public schools, day care, recreation, health care, and other services and opportunities for New Orleans’ families. Everything parents understood about providing for their children’s education, health, recreation and other needs have completely changed. In a city where there are over 90 school districts (each Charter school has its own governing board of directors which allows them to develop the autonomy that they desire) there is a need to craft a realistic vision for young children (aged 0-5) in our neighborhoods, city and state. For the past two years The Trumpet Magazine Parents First has identified practical approaches that parent leaders can and are using to achieve their vision, and to effectively advocate for their vision. Utilizing this communication vehicle, NPN will continuing to educate parents on relevant information about events and resources within the city and promoting connections amongst parent leaders that highlight opportunities and gaps in services that may exist in our community.

I invite you to join this public dialogue of parents and stakeholders so that we may continue to be effective advocates for New Orleans’ young children.

Victor Gordon, Board Chair, Pontilly Neighborhood Association Wendy Laker, Mid-City Neighborhood Organization Tilman Hardy, Leonidas/Pensiontown

Neighborhood Association

Ryan Albright Karen Chabert, Irish Channel Neighborhood Association Sylvia Scineaux-Richard, ENONAC Katherine Prevost, Upper Ninth Ward Bunny Friend

Neighborhood Association

Third Party Submission Issues Physical submissions on paper, CD, etc. cannot be returned unless an arrangement is made. Submissions may be edited and may be published or otherwise reused in any medium. By submitting any notes, information or material, or otherwise providing any material for publication in the newspaper, you are representing that you are the owner of the material, or are making your submission with the consent of the owner of the material, all information you provide is true, accurate, current and complete.

Non-Liability Disclaimers The Trumpet may contain facts, views, opinions, statements and recommendations of third party individuals and organizations.

The Trumpet does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any advice, opinion, statement or other information in the publication and use of or reliance on such advice, opinion, statement or other information is at your own risk.

Copyright © 2014 Neighborhoods Partnership Network. All Rights Reserved.

Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of any of the contents of this service without the express written consent of Neighborhoods Partnership Network is expressly prohibited.

Timolynn Sams Sumter

2

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

N E I G H B O R H O O D S

P A R T N E R S H I P

Contents

The Trumpet

6 A Martial Art Of Piece Teaching 5 Aikido: Children Alternatives to Violence

N E T W O R K

Parent Leaders Take the Next Step

10 CASA New Orleans: A valuable

support for children and foster families

7 PRIDE Celebration

12 Ernest Johnson:

a “Gutsy Advocate for Youth

13 Looking Through the Window A Poem by Shedrick C. White

9

New Orleans Public Library CRC Back-to-School Fun Fest

11

The Trumpet Editorial Staff Rachel D. Graham, Editor-in-Chief Scott Bicking, Art Director

#RealBruhsTeach: Local non-profit looking to increase pipeline of young male teachers of color

THIS SPECIAL EDITION OF THE TRUMPET IS SPONSORED BY

3321 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 504.940.2207 thetrumpet@npnnola.com www.npnnola.com

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

3

We want to know what

YOU

think about the Parents First Edition.

For the past year, NPN has provided Parents this space to give voice to your hopes, your accomplishments and your concerns about the children of New Orleans. Now we want to hear your thoughts about how we go forward with this special edition of the Trumpet.

Send your comments and suggestions to thetrumpet@npnnola.com.

You’ll feel like you’re talking to VIRTUALLY every neighbor in New Orleans ... and beyond.

The new NPNnola.com is here.

4

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

Aikido : A Martial Art of Peace Teaching Children Alternatives to Violence

W

By Robert Brian Levy, Chief Instructor at NOLA Aikido

e live in a world filled with so much violence, in a city where murder and retaliation are nearly daily realities for far too many people. Many of our children are being raised surrounded by these horrors. And many are being exposed to further “virtual” violence in the form of video games, cartoons, and tv shows.

We are raised to believe that the best response to an attack is to block that attack and then strike back. We learn to meet resistance with force, to fight to win and make sure the other guy loses. But what if there were another way, a fundamentally different approach to conflict?

It was in Japan, known for its ancient traditions of deadly swordsmanship that one man named Morihei Ueshiba came upon just such an alternative.

Through dedicated years of practice in the traditional arts of blocking and counterstriking so as to destroy an opponent, he came to a new way of dealing with attacks and conflict. The new art which sprang up out of Ueshiba’s own internal transformation came to be known as “aikido,” meaning “art of peace,” or “way of harmony”.

Aikido is a wonderful martial art and physical discipline for children and adults of all ages. Through games and paired partner practice we learn creative conflict resolution, collaboration, balance, connection, self-regulation, and much more. And we develop together, with more experienced students helping newer students. The art is mostly practiced in pairs, where one person plays the role of the attacker, and the other person works with whatever attack comes her way to

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

re-direct the force of the attack, protecting both herself and the attacker from the danger inherent in the attack.

The movements of Aikido are circular, fluid, and graceful. The better in touch we become with ourselves and our own bodies, the better we can feel what is needed in each situation of attack and the better we can work with someone else’s body to defuse a dangerous situation of attack. This is why we spend a lot of time in Aikido learning and practicing connection. We work to better connect with ourselves and each other. We practice to increase our awareness of what is going on inside and around us. And above all, we have fun! Aikido practice is highly enjoyable, and students almost always feel better, more energized, freer, and more centered after an hour of practice than before they stepped onto the practice mats.

NOLA Aikido offers classes six days a week for children and adults of all ages.

Our class schedule and other information are available at www.nolaaikido.com.

You can also call us at 504-208-4861 for more information or to arrange to come try a free class for you or your child. All are welcome!

NOLA Aikido is located at 3909 Bienville Street in Mid-City.

5

Parent Leaders Take the Next Step

T

he Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN) recently sponsored a reception for cohorts I and II of its Parent Leadership Training Institute. The grand affair was set at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Parents, children, community partners, along with staff, got the opportunity to celebrate PLTINOLA’s impact on the lives of the participants as well as catch up on the community projects that alum launched during their stint in PLTI. The evening was full of fun for the children of alumni as they were engrossed in arts and crafts, storytelling, and open access to LCM’s entire first floor.

After a great buffet style dinner, Mischelle Davis and Takena Santos graduates of the 2013 class spoke to attendees on the importance of staying connected to each other and mentoring the upcoming cohorts. They set the plan in motion to formalize an alumni parent network. Deirdre Johnson-Burel, Executive Director of Orleans Public Education Network, announced the

Connect to the power of the Neighborhoods Partnership Network.

6

‘sunset’ of key PLTI-NOLA team members Carol Alexander-Lewis (site coordinator)and facilitator Hamilton Simons-Jones; and the ‘sunrise’ of the new site coordinator Saundra Reed , and Allen Brickman as a facilitator.

PLTI-NOLA is currently recruiting applicants for the next class.

Application are available on the OPEN’s website, opennola.org; in person at their offices at 3321 Tulane Avenue in Mid-City, Monday through Thursday; or by emailing Saundra@opennola.org through Thursday September 9, 2014.

The Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN) is a non-profit organization committed to ensuring public engagement as a central element to building excellent public schools. It exists to serve as a catalyst and conduit for broad and diverse community engagement by facilitating more collaboration between community members, stakeholders, and policy makers.

Visit the NEW NPNnola.com to learn about Membership

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

PRIDE Celebration

The Urban League of Greater New Orleans Parent Information Center (ULPIC) celebrated their 3rd cohort of PRIDE Leadership Academy graduates and alumni chapter on June 26th at Andrew J. Wilson Charter School.

T

he Academy is designed to foster parent leaders and encourage civic engagement in public education to support academic success of children. The evening began with an opening and warm words of encouragement from Erika McConduit-Diggs, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. Mrs. Diggs elaborated on how much the Urban League appreciated the parent’s commitment and encouraged them to continue to stay engaged in their child’s education.

Graduates completed 16 weeks of training divided into four components, Smart Start: Foundations of Early Childhood Education, Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Mentoring. In the first component, participants learned the five key areas of early childhood development that lead to long-term success for children. In the second component, they obtained skills in strategic planning, creating change, and communication skills to become effective leaders in the community. In the third component, participants learned how public policy in education affects children and how to advocate for change. They learned civic engagement strategies to influence policies. The fourth component required participants to identify an education-related concern they would like to address.

Participants developed projects addressing their concerns and will be executing them with assistance.

PRIDE alumni was also very busy this year as they assisted with the recruitment of participants for the 3rd cohort, participated in several outreach activities, focus groups and interviews. Their main focus was the completion of two projects: an anti-bullying program at ReNew Schaumburg School and distribution of materials focused on building relationships between school

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

administrators, parents and teachers. The anti-bullying project reached over 160 students in grades 1st and 2nd at the school. Students participated in several anti-bullying exercises, class competitions and even took a pledge to not bully others. Brochures focused on building relationships between school administrators and families were distributed to families and schools in the Central City and eastern New Orleans communities. The brochure gives information and tips on fostering healthy relationships for the benefit of the students. Alumni is now in the process of completing a third project; “The White Paper”, which will concentrate on students with special needs.

The evening came to a close with an alumni induction ceremony where members of the alumni chapter presented participants with their official “PRIDE On The Move” t-shirts that they wear so proudly. Over the past year, all participants have shown their commitment, diligence and most of all have been engaged in their child’s education and their community. The ULPIC is proud of all their many accomplishments and look forward to the amazing work that is yet to come.

7

In Memoriam:

Jim Belfon

8

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

The New Orleans Public Library recently hosted a colossal celebration to celebrate the Children’s Resource Center Library and the start of the school year. It included the Washitaw Nation Indians, a Bilingual story time, crafts, Bamboula 2000 Drumming, a live Jazz Trio and yummy snacks and free books!

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

9

CASA New Orleans:

A valuable support for children and foster families

Foster parenting or adoption from the foster care system aren’t usually the first thing that most people think about when we talk about parenting, but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Terry Horabovsky, President of the Foster Parent Association, generously shared her family’s journey with us.

B

eing a foster parent never crossed our minds as we began to take the training classes given by the State to become adoptive parents. My husband Brian and I really did not know much about foster care and what we did know, or thought we knew, was not very good. We had many misconceptions, such as foster parents are only doing it for the money, like a get rich quick type thing. And foster children, well everyone knows that these kids are damaged and some beyond repair, right? And don’t even get me started on the birth parents or problems with the State. Wrong! In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

As the classes continued and we became educated about the needs of foster children and their families, we could not do anything but become both certified foster and adoptive parents. Since 1997, our family has fostered around 40 children and adopted two through the State system. Having three young girls already, we were able to take in the children that allowed us to best care for our girls and the foster children, never taking a child that was older than our youngest.

We quickly learned that there were many players that helped make this system work including social workers, judges, attorneys, therapists, birth parents, foster parents and Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA. With so many “moving parts” I’m sure you can begin to see some of the challenges.

With so many children entering the system, one of the greatest needs is for safe and loving families that are willing to take in a child, love, nurture, and care for this child for possibly up to 18 months and release the child back to their birth family.

This is not a job for the faint of heart and our hearts are broken on a regular basis, however, the difference that we are able to make in that child’s life and possibly even the family unit is worth the cost and humbling to be a part of. Choosing to become a foster family is a choice for sacrificial living, a lifestyle not many of us are familiar with.

The budget cuts have dramatically impacted the system with less social workers having to carry more of the load. This can be looked at two ways: a real problem or a real opportunity. We believe that it is an opportunity for us, everyday folks, to rise up and make a dramatic impact on a very overstressed system. There are many other ways for people to become involved besides fostering or adopting. These kids need mentors, visiting resources, and a community who doesn’t label them but supports and believes in them. Toy drives at Christmas, school supplies, coats, sponsored

10

events such as picnics, and scholarships are some of the ways that folks can get involved.

One of the most important and valuable avenues for someone to help would be to become a CASA Advocate. In a foster child’s life, many changes happen often very quickly. The child is removed from their birth family, possibly school, friends and everything that is familiar to them.

Their social worker usually changes at least once, sometimes the child is moved from one foster family to another for various reasons, but the Advocate remains the same. This is a relationship that the foster child can count on for the duration. Deep levels of trust and connection are often developed between the child and their CASA Advocate. Which brings me to another issue: there are not enough Advocates for all of the children who come into care. In the case where my husband and I were able to adopt our son, our CASA Advocate was an invaluable resource. She reported to the court what she saw as the ‘child’s best interest.’”

Quin Bates is a long-time CASA Advocate and former foster parent. The best things about the system, he says, are good foster homes and the opportunity for children to receive wrap-around services. But there are so many issues the kids face, including over medication, diminishing resources, a lack of consistency with foster homes and DCFS workers, and instances where normal teenage behavior is seen as a need to medicate or remove a child from the home.

Wishing for more stable foster placements, he told us about a particularly great foster dad he worked with after the foster child he was advocating for was sent to boot camp outside of Baton Rouge. Quin researched the child’s records and found a previous foster home where the child did exceptionally well. He reached out to the foster family and inquired if they would be interested in having the child placed in their home again. The foster dad went to visit the child at boot camp and supported him while he finished the program. Quin then went to court and advocated for the child to be replaced in this home. Once there, the child had no behavior issues, returned to school and did well. The family provided structure and this child went from being labeled as a delinquent to high school student of the week – twice!

Quin and our other volunteer Advocates are often the only stable adult presence in an abused or neglected child’s life. They provide a voice in court, helping to ensure that every child has a safe, permanent, nurturing home. To find out how you can support foster kids through CASA New Orleans as a volunteer, donor, or community resource, visit www.CASANewOrleans.org or call 504.522.1962. To learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, visit www.dcfs.la.gov.

As Terry says, “The system is struggling. There are a few doing a lot. These kids need all of us to lend a helping hand just as each of us have been helped at sometime in our lives. If you are interested in learning how you can get involved, please, make a call. No pressure, no commitment - just good accurate information so that you can make an informed choice.”

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

#RealBruhsTeach

Local non-profit looking to increase pipeline of young male teachers of color.

E

By Larry Irving, Co-Founder, Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T) ducators and school leaders agree: The lack of male teachers of color is a critical issue that remains unaddressed in Orleans Public Schools.

The national conversation amongst policy experts and practitioners is that we not only need more teachers who reflect the social and cultural experiences of their students, but sorely need more male teachers of color with such a skill set. According to the National Education Association, of the 5 million teachers nationally less than 3 percent of them are black males. The US Department of Education and others are interested ways to increase the number of men of color in the classroom as a way to have impact on the educational attitude and attainment of at-risk public school students—particularly young black men. In order to recruit greater numbers of African American men to the classroom, it will require a different approach not only to get them in the classroom as educators who support and nurture the educational path of students in secondary school but to first complete college themselves.

The pipeline to recruit and retain male teachers of color is thin at best. First, the drop- out continuum amongst young black men beginning in the 8th grade and ending in college is grave. Young black men drop out of high school at a rate of 2 to 1 compared to their non-white counterparts. Of those who remain in school and go on to college, an average of 25 percent to one-third of these students will drop out by sophomore year. In New Orleans, the rate of college completion is similar. Across the country, disadvantaged public school districts have been trying find innovative ways to solve the challenge of improving student achievement and recruiting educators who can “move the needle” on the achievement gap.

Brothers Empowered to Teach Initiative (BE2T) is a local non-profit organization working to increase the pipeline of potential male teachers of color entering the Orleans Parish school space. BE2T incentivizes choosing education as a career path for young black men and works to close the achievement gap in New Orleans by providing in-class positive role models, while creating a continuum of black male success throughout New Orleans.

BE2T will partner with high schools, local colleges and universities to build a pipeline for the program by starting recruitment efforts with high school upper class men and continuing to build relationships with these students as they begin college. Starting sophomore year, selected fellows will engage in a 3-year

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

inter-disciplinary curriculum, self-wellness education, and a rigorous career path regiment that emphasizes not only the transition into the classroom but the aggregate development of the individual . The goal of this structure is to ultimately create an environment where boys of color are pushed to develop an empowering sense of self. BE2T’s curriculum will be taught by a combination of youth development instructors, experienced educators, and BE2T staff.

Each student will be offered a $3,500 stipend per year ($1750 per semester) in exchange for participation in BE2T’s fellowship. The stipend will compensate the student for working (while in school) on-site at a local after-school program, teacher training/ and experience on site at a school, career placement, and intensive research on pedagogical theory. We will strongly encourage participants to refrain from seeking part-time or full-time jobs unless it’s relative to their career interest or an internship opportunity, and solely focus on their academic development and career trajectory. Approaching graduation we will prepare fellows to be competitive for teaching fellowship opportunities, traditional teaching, or other careers in education.

In order to recruit greater numbers of African American men to the classroom, it will require a different approach not only to get them in the classroom as educators who support and nurture the educational path of students in secondary school but to complete college themselves. It is our contention that the drop out rate directly correlates with the high rate of crime amongst young black men and perpetuates a continuous cycle of incarceration and violent crimes in New Orleans. In order to widen the pipeline of male teachers of color, they must first remain in school and cultivate the attitude and skills needed to find positive opportunities.

For more information on Brothers Empowered to Teach Initiative or Fellowship Inquiries please email us at brothersteach@be2t.org or call us at (504) 495-5305.

Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T) is a sponsored project of the Neighborhoods Partnership Network. The initiative was recently selected as a 2014-2015 Propeller Social Venture Accelerator Fellow.

11

Area Father Wins National Honors as “GUTSY ADVOCATE FOR YOUTH”

Honored for His Tireless Work on Behalf of Children in Trouble with the Law and Their Families

E

rnest Johnson of Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children (FFLIC) was recognized recently for his tenacious work on behalf of young people in trouble with the law. Johnson, who is FFLIC’s Statewide Juvenile Justice Reform Campaign and Policy Director, is the third recipient of the Beth Arnovits Gutsy Advocate for Youth Award, which is given annually by the National Juvenile Justice Network to an individual who advocates for youth justice and juvenile justice reform and who embodies “the tenacity, vision, fearlessness and wisdom of Beth Arnovits.”

“Ernest Johnson was a natural choice for the Gutsy Youth Advocate award,” said Sarah Bryer, director of the National Juvenile Justice Network. “He started out advocating tenaciously for his own son, but quickly committed himself to helping as many other families and parents as he could. His determination and his desire to create a fair and just response to youth in trouble with the law by focusing on the appalling racial and ethnic disparities in the system are inspiring to us all.”

The award was given July 24, 2014, at an annual gathering in Jackson, MS, of juvenile justice advocates from across the country, recognizing Johnson as one of the leaders in juvenile justice reform in the country. He was honored for the breadth of his work, from educating individual families about the juvenile justice and school systems so they can effectively advocate for themselves and others, to participating in larger reform efforts such as helping to host the Advancement Project’s School-

to-Prison Pipeline Action Camp in New Orleans; his involvement with national organizations Justice 4 Families and the Campaign for Youth Justice; serving on the advisory committee of the Equal Voice Campaign; co-chairing the New Orleans Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) committee associated with the Annie E. Casey Foundation; participating in the national Dignity in Schools campaign; and serving as a mentor at Each One Save One. “Mr. Johnson has the unique ability to see both the forest and the trees,” said Gina Womack, executive director of Families and Friends of Louisiana’s Incarcerated Children, who nominated him for the award. “He’s able to advocate on a national level, while keeping in mind the mother he talked to three days ago who’s had to miss work several times because the judge keeps re-scheduling her child’s hearing. He uses his own story and experience to inspire others, create meaningful collaborations, and bring widespread attention to the injustices of the youth incarceration system nationwide.

The National Juvenile Justice Network is made up of 43 juvenile justice coalitions and organizations in 33 states that advocate for state and federal laws, policies and practices that are fair, equitable and developmentally appropriate for all children, youth and families involved in—or at risk of becoming involved in—the justice system. For more information, visit www.njjn.org.

In Our Opinion

T

o put it simply, New Orleans is a cultural Mecca. For those of us who have the distinct privilege to live and grow up in this holiest of places for art, music, food, architecture, etc., we live and breathe its soul and spirit and understand the pilgrimage of so many to this place we call home. New Orleans music is the soundtrack to our lives and the tones of our existence. It speaks to the history in all of us, lays tracks to our lineage, roots and neighborhoods. To live in New Orleans is to plan a part of my life around second lines, super Sundays and festivals, open the window and discover an ancestor has passed on because the music declares we pay homage to the fallen. To live in my neighborhood is to have an old timer who every now and then on a Saturday morning plays his sax on the porch and old friends who are internationally known jazz idols who buy you a beer at the spot on a Tuesday night; your uncle or cousin is a Big Chief or Spy boy or plays trombone for someone, in some band, on some street, somewhere. To live in New Orleans is to breathe culture and rhythm and walk to a beat that sometimes only we can hear. We are a magical, mystical and especially cultural place where we sing and dance because celebration is beautiful and necessary and every bit of who we are.“Ernest Johnson was a natural choice for the Gutsy Youth Advocate award,” said Sarah Bryer, director of the National Juvenile Justice Network. “He started out advocating tenaciously for his own son, but quickly committed himself to helping as many other families and parents as he could. His determination and his desire to create a fair and just response to youth in trouble with the law by focusing on the appalling racial and ethnic disparities in the system are inspiring to us all.”

This leaves one to wonder how we can live in such a culturally magical place and not have a high priority on arts education. Visual, cultural and performing arts are not only an integral part of education, but are an integral part of our development as New Orleanians. Our children are growing up immersed in a culture that is the lifeblood of our city but the education surrounding that culture is limited at best. Shouldn’t a city like New Orleans have more than one

12

creative arts school? Shouldn’t arts education be fundamental and mandatory in all schools to ensure the next generation of cultural ambassadors? I am an artist and a truly creative soul; I am also the Co-Coordinator of the Ashe Cultural Arts Center’s youth program, the Kuumba Institute. I have witnessed firsthand how transformative art and culture can be. I have two children who I am sure will be as much a creative soul as I am and I want them to have every opportunity to do so. Arts education has been proven to help children learn more effectively, teach children to be more open, help troubled youth by providing an alternative to negative behavior and boost self-confidence while improving overall academic performance. We need to prioritize the arts and increase the cultural awareness of those who have been given the task to lead and guide our children along their educational journey. Thomas Merton once wrote, “art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time,” and Elliot Eisner, “art is the literacy of the heart.” Art and culture in our city rises from the cracks in the concrete, from the ancestral rhythms of Congo Square to the French Impressionistic work of Edgar Degas. We are a passionate powerful people and our children deserve so much more than what they are receiving now. We must do better, we must be better for our children and the future of our city. Our educators need to become more culturally aware and culturally responsible in their professional development and as it pertains to our youth. Arts education and integration must become intrinsic.

Frederick “Wood” Delahoussaye Poet, Artist, Writer Youth Coordinator Cultural & Community Programs Ashe Cultural Arts Center

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

LOOKING THROUGH A WINDOW I’M LOOKING THROUGH A WINDOW OF A NURSERY IN A HOSPITAL CHECKING OUT THE NEW CREATIONS SO PRECIOUS AND SO LITTLE AND ONE OF THEM IS MINE SO I’M AS PROUD AS CAN BE SCREAMING, “THAT’S MYPhotograph LIL GIRLCredit: RIGHT THERE” Mary Crooks JUST AS LOUD AS CAN BE AND NOBODY’S OFFENDED BECAUSE THEY’RE ALL AS HAPPY AS ME AND ALL OF THE BABIES THAT NIGHT WERE BLACK SOME JUST AS NAPPY AS ME LIKE I SAID, I’M LOOKING THROUGH A WINDOW AND I’M SAYING, “BABY GIRL I’LL NEVER HURT YA I HAVE TOLD THE QUEEN TO GET READY SISTA IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO NURTURE AND WHILE SHE’S BEING NURTURED I WILL MAKE SURE THAT I PROVIDE HER WITH THE FINER THINGS OUT OF LIFE BUT I’M NOT TALKING ABOUT GUCCI OR PRADA I’M TALKING ABOUT THE THINGS THAT LETS HER KNOW ONLY THINGS THAT COUNT IS WHAT’S UP INSIDE HER I’M HOPING THAT SHE PICK UP ON THE VIBES I GIVE BECAUSE THE THOUGHTS FOR MY DAUGHTER ARE STRICTLY POSITIVE I’M LOOKING THROUGH A WINDOW AND I’M SEEING A BEAUTIFUL SCENE LIKE HER DRESSED UP AS A QUEEN STILL A VIRGIN AS A TEEN PURE IN LANGUAGE AND NOT OBSCENE PUMP YOUR FIST IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN I’M LOOKING THROUGH A WINDOW! Shedrick C. White

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

13

2014

14

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

Why not toot your own horn?

Now accepting nominations for the 2014 Trumpet Awards

September 1st through September 30th Visit www.npnnola.com for details and categories.

(there’s a better way to grab their attention.)

Cut through the chatter ... without shattering their eardrums.

The NPN Trumpet offers affordable advertising rates starting as low as

$150

in black and white and in color.

Email thetrumpet@npnnola.com for ratesand availability Ema TODAY!

THE TRUMPET | PARENTS FIRST EDITION | AUGUST | 2014

15

Does Your Afterschool Program…     

Serve children ages 18 and under Provide care for children after school, on weekends, holidays or school vacations Provide organized, regularly scheduled enrichment or educational activities Take place in a school, church or community site that is operated by a non-profit organization Meet state and local licensing and health and safety standards

If so, your program may qualify to receive afterschool meals at no cost to you Here’s how: The USDA’s At-Risk Afterschool Meals Program helps children get nutritious meals they need in a safe, supervised location. USDA provides reimbursements for snacks and meals served at afterschool programs offering enrichment or education programs under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). For many children, this is their only opportunity to access a healthy meal after the school day ends.

To learn about Share Our Strength’s grant opportunities and how your program can receive meals, visit: http://neworleans.nokidhungry.org/afterschool-meals

Share Our Strength works to ensure that every child has access to nutritious food where children live, learn and play.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★