On August 8th, the Boys and Men of Color from Sacramento, L.A., Oakland and Fresno visited multiple senate and assembly members for group discussions. Speaking of the many issues statewide and solutions to change them. I am happy to say that the members support our movement and will continue to open their ears to the voices of the youth.
After our visits, the California State Assembly held a special hearing for our cause.
My son is an african american with ADHD and depression. The school refused to assess him despite my requests mistakenly saying that the child’s father refused the assessment. He was expelled from his Solano 7Th grade school for writing a prank note to a white co-ed daughter of the county District Attorney. Further, he was arrested and taken to Juvenile hall. My son has been sent to a community school during his expulsion. This school is a way station for African American males. The curriculum is a skeleton of the general education and these kids are denied resources and educational materials available in general education. The school goes for 20 hours a week well less than general education that is in session for about 34 hours. There is not a single microscope in the school in the age of Science, Technology, Math and Engineering. This treatment is Seperate but not Equal! Not only are the children being diverted into the juvenile justice center, the alternative education is far inferior creating a situation where they can never catch up.
Donna Seabrooks, M.D.
Donna,
Thank you for sharing your story. I can read your frustration about the events of your son. I hope he is currently doing well beyond the expectations of the community school. These policies are the reasons why we are trying so hard to change them.