Be ‘Loud,’ but be positive

Thank you, Jason Whitlock, for spotlighting young Jordan Coleman and other celebrities encouraging boys to stay in school (7/8, Sports, “Youth is ‘Loud’ voice of wisdom”). Jordan made a documentary, “Say It Loud,” to promote education.

The message was commendable, but I was disappointed by some of the comments. Kobe Bryant encourages boys to “develop a knowledge base”, but then goes on to say “once you acquire that knowledge, there’s nothing they can do with you.” Did I misunderstand, or is a positive message followed by an angry swipe at society?

I was further disappointed by the comments by David Banks, a principal, who stated “There are lots of teachers who ... just don’t seem to think that black boys are as capable of achieving academically as well as other students.” Is this further perpetuating anger, blame and victimhood?

After 12 years of being a teacher, I take this personally. Most teachers and administrators that I knew worked tirelessly to help all of their students succeed.

Yes, let’s encourage students to move beyond stereotypes and low expectations of themselves, but of their teachers, also. I hope that the overall message is a positive one of respect for yourself and others.

Heidi Heilman-Sisson
Lee’s Summit