Men Of Bethel AME Church wish to invite everyone who is interested in understanding and addressing the unique problems faced by African American students to their State of the Race Education Summit. The event begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Bethel, 535 Cathay Street.
The proliferation of gun violence, gang activity, drug use, crime and other destructive behavior are all fueled by our education system, the elimination of affirmative action, the reduction of blue-collar jobs, inadequate health care and the criminal justice system. This panel discussion will be limited to just one of these factors, education.
Experts will discuss the educational challenges students of color face, solutions to those challenges, and how to take advantage of the opportunities that do exist. The panel will include:
- Michael H. Gavin, Delta College president
- George Grant, Jr., Saginaw Valley State University president
- Pamela L. Pugh, Michigan K-12 Board of Education president
- Ramont Roberts, Saginaw School District superintendent
- Gwendolyn Thompson-McMillon, Oakland University professor
It is my hope that this deliberative-dialogue style event will provide a way for community members of diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of the educational problems African Americans face and search common ground for solutions. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact me at (989) 798-6738 or via malikthompson0513@gmail.com.
Hon. M.T. Thompson, Jr. is a long-time civic leader and a retired Saginaw County District Court judge.
