Partners In Education Program (Cultural Literacy Initiative Program) Juneteenth 2010 As part of the educational program of the Juneteenth Planning Commission, Inc., (JPCI), we are showcasing 2 very important books that will be donated to all public schools and the 4 public libraries here in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
These books along with our CLIP presentations will also be made available to the rest of the Greater Fort Smith, River Valley, and Eastern Oklahoma area and any JPCI sponsor interested in learning this rich history. Bass Reeves was born a slave and became one of Judge Parkers most valued Deputy Marshals. His bronze stature located in historic downtown Fort Smith, will honor the service and sacrifice of United States Marshals and preserve the legacy of Leadership, Law Enforcement, and Equality.
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Bad News
for Outlaws
The Remarkable Life
of Bass Reeves,
Deputy US Marshal
By: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
* Won the Coretta Scott King award for Best Book by an African-American author |
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Black Gun, Silver Star
The Life and Legend
of Frontier Marshal
Bass Reeves
By: Art Burton |
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With all eyes on different aspects of education, programs such as Arkansas Kids First, Accelerated Reader and No Child Left Behind are fundamental in guaranteeing our children an equal opportunity on life’s “level” playing field. The fact is, in the real world, the playing field isn’t always level.
Our children need every tool possible to help them advance and excel in an ever-changing, increasingly diverse world. Our educational program must reflect the diversity so essential to success. Let it start here and now. Help us get these books in the hands of our children. Won’t you join us in making a difference in our community?
Members of the JPCI will visit schools and other institutions that receive the books, often reading the stories aloud to children. This combination of mentoring and direct role modeling not only encourages reading, but also promotes an understanding of the important historical contributions of African-Americans.
Building community takes more than buildings and businesses. It takes diverse groups of individuals who are “appreciated for their differences, who learn to work synergistically so that the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.” (From Judith D. Palmer, Ph.D., Three Paradigms for Diversity Change Leaders, O.D. Practitioner, March 1989)
"Together, we make our community better!" ~ Educate and Entertain! ~
Click here to read
a letter of support from the Fort Smith Public School System. |
