100 Black Men&others stand with Obama & Duncan

In my last email (http://edreform.blogspot.com/2010/08/civil-rights-groups-call-for-new.html), I wrote:

The major civil rights organizations, with few exceptions, have been gutless weasels and completely disgraced themselves in siding with the unions against meaningful reforms of a public school system that systematically, all over the country, gives black and Latino students the very worst teachers and schools, thereby trapping black and Latino communities in multi-generational cycles of poverty, violence and despair.  In light of this sorry history, this week's press release criticizing Obama's education reform initiatives isn't a surprise…but it sure is pathetic…  It's one thing for unions to throw poor and minority kids under the bus – heck, it's their fiduciary obligation to look out for the best interests of their members – but for civil rights organizations to do so?!?!

In response, my friend David Brand of 100 Black Men, wrote (I'm sharing with his permission):

I was at the President's speech at the Urban League. He was very well received by the audience.
 
Please note that one major African-American organization did not sign that insult to the President.  The 100 Black Men of America refused to sign. The 100 is 100% pro-school choice and applauds the President and Sec. Duncan for standing up for the kids. The 100 also does not take NEA/AFT money which may be the real motivation here.

People with real experience educating Black children said no to the unions. The 100 now has 12 charter or public single gender schools around the country. The movement should partner and invest more resources with those like the 100 who stand with the movement.

Some facts: There are 110 chapters of the 100 in the US (5 intl). About 80 either run Saturday Academy, adopt a school or other mentoring programs that focus on academic achievement with college being the goal.  The New York and Atlanta chapter run all male schools as special initiatives of the Chancellor. The Memphis, Baton Rouge, Las Vegas and Prince Georges chapter run co-ed charter schools. Each chapter responding to the needs of their community.

The Mobile chapter runs a school for juvenile offenders who go to the school or prison. The Bay area chapter is planning 3 all-male charter schools in Oakland, San Francisco and Richmond. This is what the premier African-American service organization is doing.  The 100 has honored member Howard Fuller and we are proud to work with DFER and BAEO.

I just spoke with Rev. Sharpton who told me that he and Marc Morial [CEO of the National Urban League] did not authorize the Schott Foundation and NAACP to use their names. They have issued statements disassociate them from the statement which was orchestrated by unions and Jesse Jackson Sr.

Hear, hear!  I'll also add that Michael Lomax, CEO of the United Negro College Fund, didn't sign this travesty.