TBTNEWS MEDIA ALERTMore Rubber Stamping!
Contributing Correspondent: CDW
I remember my mentor Bill Garth expressing to me on multiple occasions how he used to beat down doors and write hard hitting articles on how not only black people but white people were misusing the black community. The difference then was that people were educated to the process and understood that he had a job to do, and they acknowledged that tremendous responsibility. He even received much of his accolades and appointments after he fought the opposition. The white people or companies, mainly, wanted his insight to attempt to make things better and they respected his courage to defend his community.
We've witnessed political adversaries who debate, scream and disrespect each other during long and heated elections for coveted elected posts. Even after the election ended, the winner would gracefully acknowledge his defeated opponent, and in most cases, the winner would also request the loser to join their cabinet or transitional team. I always looked at this with amazement as mainly white politicians would conduct themselves against their white opponents. Each time I saw this, I learned something very valuable. And I practice it today in my profession and personal life.
But today, here we are, more than a week after CPS announced that they would keep the Dyett School open; and a few days since the hunger strikers have ended their horrific ordeal - yesterday, CPS leadership outlined two new advisory committees to construct the curriculum for the soon to be reopened Dyett.
Because of upset tones and attitudes of formidable detractors likeKOCO, and Jitu Brown, along with long standing community activist and hunger striker, Cathy Dale, or their leadership team, have been excluded from being a part of these two committees. This is shameful. And anyone who sits on these two volunteer posts should be concerned with why any of these individuals in mentioned have not been asked to join the advisory committees.
I've heard from someone very close to the situation, that certain elected officials and pastors and others, completely dislike KOCO and the protesters. They're mainly the reason why none of the protesters and hunger strikers were asked; after they've put in all the hard and long work to keep Dyett open. KOCO had the best proposal for the school, but because of personal hurt feelings, they'll never be included. (See my argument above about political races and Mr. Garth's statement to me). Why can't select people in my community be better?
This is another rubber stamp committee designed to separate the community. Because if they wanted to combine the lives that matter, they would've included a few of the protesters and hunger strikers, who, again, fought this fight for years and have worked on ways to save Dyett and other neighborhood schools.
The names on the two new committees are filled with capable people. I know a few them very well. One man is an absolute loyal supporter of TBTNews. He emails me often. When he sees me, we hi-five, and he expresses his admiration for what I'm doing. And another committee member is a woman who I still consider to be like a sister, even though we don't vibe as much anymore. And there are others who I know and some I don't. Here is a snippet of CPS recent statement and the list of committee members for your amusement:
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today announced the formation of two Technical Advisory Committees (TAC), composed of leaders from some of the city's top universities and cultural institutions, to support the realization of the Bronzeville community's vision for the new Walter H. Dyett High School. CPS is bringing together experts who will provide strategic recommendations to ensure the new Dyett High School meets the community's high expectations.
The following leaders have volunteered to serve on the Dyett Innovation TAC:Gerald Doyle, Jerrold Martin, Nichole Pinkard and Howard Tullman. The following leaders have volunteered to serve on the Dyett Arts TAC: Homer Bryant, Mary Ellen Caron, Joan Collaso, Ernest Dawkins, Theaster Gates Jr., Joan Gray, Perri Irmer, Tenille Jackson, Brenda (Malika) Moore, Kemati Porter and Mario Rossero.
The hidden hand of power should grow up and stop taking their personal hurt emotions out on the community and its trusted freedom fighters. Most are not always correct in their actions for freedom, but non the less, they've taken action where most have decided that FREEDOM is too Hard!
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