Same Old Insanity Continues

As we embark upon 2016-2017 school year, we must examine the previous school year in the Penns Grove Carneys Point School District. The Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Zenida Cobian, has been at the helm of the district for three years. Under her leadership, there has been some positive modifications: repairs to buildings, revised courses and a partnership with School Based Youth Services Program at Penns Grove High School. However, there are issues and policies implemented by the previous superintendent and are still ubiquitous in our schools.  We currently lack a teaching staff that properly reflects our student population, adequate safety and security procedures for students as well as staff, below average standardized test scores along with zero percent in college and career readiness and a scarcity of African and Hispanic students in Advanced Placement and gifted classes.   

An important issue I raised as a member of the Board of Education was teachers’ attendance throughout the district, particularly at the high school. The Penns Grove High School has 53 certified teaching staff.  Teachers missed, collectively, 110 days out of 180 day school year. This past school year, students at the high school had a 93% attendance record, as compared to the faculty, who had a 39% attendance rate. This means teachers are absent 61% of the time. I find that to be unacceptable, as well as a poor example for our students, who are now mandated by the New Jersey Department of Education to pass PARCC in order to receive a high school diploma.  The high school dropout rate is 24%, six times the state average of 4%.

There is a new principal, Mrs. Lori O’Brien. There are questions in the community. What is Mrs. O’Brien’s plan to improve the high school?  Will she continue calling law enforcement and expelling African and Hispanic American students at rates much higher than their white peers?  Will minorities continue to be inadequately placed in gifted and college level classes?

It’s time for the Board of Education and Dr. Cobian, to bring forth robust and vigorous solutions to these problems instead of avoiding the issues.

Walter L. Hudson Sr.

Social Justice Activist

The Status Quo Must Go!

After inundation of the negative news plaguing the local papers, I was greeted by a story of success in the April 25, 2016 edition of The Daily Journal.  The picture resembled an everyday, average class photo; however, the title stated “Bridgeton Ninth Graders Awarded College Scholarships.”  I was intrigued.  These students, though barely in high school, have earned something essential for a successful life: a college education. Help was provided by the Give Something Back Foundation, and made financially possible from schools such as Rowan University, Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, and St. Peter’s University.  

I shared the article with my local school superintendent, Dr. Cobian.  She was very optimistic in her response, stating, “We will get there, Mr. Hudson.”  In order to achieve this goal, we must shift the direction of the Penns Grove High School.  Our school is currently plagued with a rash of violence.  The principal has been unable to alleviate herself, and has resorted to calling the local police to settle even minor disputes.  In addition to the fights, the SouthJersey Times reported on February 4, 2016 that the school has an abysmal graduation rate, the lowest in Salem County, currently at 74%.

People are quick to blame the children.  Yet as an educated adult, I feel the need to look beyond the cliche of “those kids today.”  Our children are not without blame; however, they alone are not responsible for the chaos.  They have been failed, by an incompetent administration, a lackadaisical guidance department, and an undependable teaching staff.  There are currently 53 certified teachers, who have missed a collective total of between 60-90 days. In which, there are only 180 days in the school year.  

We have introduced over 40 children to the criminal justice system, a number that surpasses our students with plans for college, trade school, or serving our country.There has been no action plan for the leader of our high school staff and students, Dr. Jocelyn Brown.  In order for our school to mirror the achievements of schools like Bridgeton High School, Dr. Cobian must act as the “pirate of the ship.”  Dead weight of the administration, guidance department, and unreliable teachers must “walk the plank.”

Walter L. Hudson Sr.

Chair of National Awareness Alliance

Former School Board Member

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Rules The World!

The last few days I had a lot of time to reflect on the issue with the liquor store in Swedesboro.  I hope that the Black and Hispanic candidates, who are running for school board or any other elected position, convene a voter registration to register people to vote. Here is why; when you look at all the comments that were said on NJ.com in regards to the racist store owner in Swedesboro you must play close attention to the "people" who were making the comments justifying the store owner’s behavior and even making racists comments themselves. They are friends and family members of some if not most teachers’ right here in Penns Grove school district. These are some of the teachers that stand right in front of our children and suppose to educate them who are friends and family members of the same people who make racist comments. Known Racist Store Owner Owner Shut Down Before Protestors Arrive

So you can just imagine what is really going on in our school district and they get away with it because the people know that parents' are not really involved or even show up when it comes to their child’s education. Now you may say that does not mean that the teacher feel the same way about the Black and Brown students because their family members or friends do. Let me just say racism is not a behavior that you are born with. Racism is a behavior that is learned and taught. My mother told me when you hang around with bad people you are "guilty by association." That is why I am very passionate about education because that is where we lose our children through the mis-education.

Because of apathy, complacency and self-hate, people right here in Penns Grove/Carneys Point being clergy, elected officials and just people do not want to address the issue. Systemic institutionalize racism is what 2,500 of our children are under. It has gotten better because of new leadership. There is still work to do.

Any issue that I have taken a position on came out to be true. For example, at an earlier BOE meeting in Penns Grove, a teacher became irate and mad. This particular teacher threw her papers in the air calling the ESY Program (Extended School Year) “stupid” because she did not get selected initially to be one the teachers in the summer program. This was the same teacher that was fired in Salem City for calling Black student a racial slur, yet because of  what people perceived as “white privilege”  and  her uncle being on the BOE, she was able to get another job imposing the same derogatory and racist behavior on African and Latino American students.

There is an ALS challenge that is circling around on social media with celebrities and everyday people. This challenge is called the “cold water challenge” where people pour ice-cold water on thier head. Well I want to start a new challenge. It is called the educational challenge. I challenge everyone to get involved with educational development of the kids by registering to vote, coming to BOE meetings, asking questions about what’s going on, show up to parent/teacher conference and demand better and quality education for your child. Everyone is nominated!

Hidden Agendas: Debbie Bradford's Mission To Undermine The Penns Grove-Carneys Point School Dsitrict!

Gerrymandering is a political gimmick used to alter voting practices and results. The objective is to block a person’s equal access to a public seat or office.  Many of the Penns-Grove –Carneys Point residents and I believe Debbie Bradford, a current Board Member of Penns-Grove Carneys Point School District is “gerrymandering” to block Dr. Zenida Cobian from becoming the next Superintendent of Penns Grove-Carneys Point School District.

The local African-American clergy leaders and Puerto Rican Action Committee members overwhelmingly expressed their support for Dr. Cobian. After the resignation of Greg Wright and Rosanne Chiacchio, Debbie Bradford intentionally has not attended board meetings in hopes of not having a “quorum” or enough members to convene a Board Meeting. Her absences have blocked the board from casting a vote to hire and appoint Dr. Cobian.

Debbie Bradford frequent absences give the appearance that she has a bias against hiring qualified minorities for leadership positions.  At this point, I question her commitment to board as well as her morals, ethics and values when it comes to hiring minorities. I encourage the community through Open Public Records Act to request Debbie’s voting record. People will see that she has voted “no” or she has been “absent” from board meeting when the Interim Superintendent has recommended the hiring of minorities for leadership positions in the district.

It is known that Debbie Bradford is employed as a realtor for Century 21 Town & Country Realty, out of Pilesgrove, NJ. I suspect that she votes “no” to showing minorities homes in predominantly whites neighborhoods and she is absent on days when she is scheduled to perform appraisals in minority homes.   

I believe her motives for being a board member are deceitful. Clearly, she is not on the board to ensure that the children receive a high quality education. Ms. Bradford has her own personal agendas and vendettas. Debbie Bradford’s gerrymandering “efforts” has showed her character to the community.   Likewise, L.A. Clipper’s former owner, Donald Sterling’s “words” showed his character to the world.  

Walter L. Hudson Sr.

Chair/Founder

National Awareness Alliance

The fifth little girl who was severely injured in the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing Deserves Restitution...NOW!:One Person can make a difference...Let's Retire Sarah Collins Rudolp

Petition by

Rev Toni DiPina

Worcester, United States

Because Love Wins:  Sarah Collins Rudolph deserves compensation from the city of Birmingham and the state of Alabama for the rabid climate of hatred and violence its leaders fostered and advocated throughout the civil rights era. Sarah Collins Rudolph is the fifth little girl who was injured in the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama that killed four little girls readying for Sunday school. Her sister was killed in the bombing. She lost an eye, suffered severe cuts throughout her body, and has endured years of surgery and medical problems as a result of the bombing --sometimes without health insurance- - and has lived in poverty for the past 50 years. She has been ignored and given no recognition of the many losses she has had to endure as a result of this horrendous hate crime. It is shameful that she has been cast aside.

Many historians mark this national tragedy as the tipping point in the Civil Rights Movement; the moment in which the country understood the extent of segregationist violence. This was an act of homegrown governmental sanctioned terrorism. 

Other victims of terrorist acts have access to reparations, endowments, and/ or victim funds to help them recover and yet Sarah Collins Rudolph has had to struggle alone and forgotten for 50 years. It is time to act! Will you please sign this petition to present to the Birmingham city council to provide her with restitution, and pay her past, present and future medical bills.  We are petitioning the White House and the Justice Department to provide reparation and/ or restorative funds to Sarah and her family.

Please send this viral by sharing on facebook, twitter, email, etc.  Thank you.

http://www.npr.org/2013/01/25/170279226/long-forgotten-16th-street-baptist-church-bombing-survivor-speaks-out

SIGN PETITION AT THIS WEBSITE;  https://www.change.org/petitions/the-fifth-little-girl-who-was-severely-injured-in-the-1963-birmingham-church-bombing-deserves-restitution-now

Who are you taken the community back from? To change a person behavior, you have to change the way they think!

 Looking at the article this morning, “Taking our streets back,” in regards to the “Saggy Pants” ordinance, I could not help to think about the lack of focus. Councilman Carl Washington mentioned the objective of the ordinance: “It was purposefully done for the enrichment and betterment of our youth. We want to teach them how to be role models and follow their purpose in life.” So legislating fashion will teach the youth of Penns Grove to be role models and follow their purpose?

Youth of Penns Grove live under bizarre conditions. I believe that elected officials dismiss the fact Penns Grove community is a heavily impoverished community; the unemployment rate in Penns Grove is a little over 48%; the state  deemed the school district as underperforming and no growth! Yet the focal point is “Saggy Pants Ordinance.” I am not supporting youth wearing their pants low. I just believe legislation is not the way to go to deter youth from this fad.

 Since the betterment and enrichment of the youth is a concern, then where is the socioeconomic development plan that will bring forth jobs, youth programs and initiatives that will allow residents to become home owners?

Meeting with leaders in the civil rights community, I maintain the fact that the ordinance is a violation of the people’s civil rights and civil liberties. I will go on the record and say that if anyone is cited for so-called “Saggy Pants Ordinance,” my organization, National Awareness Alliance will provide legal services to help those whom rights are being violated.

Cultivation of the youth and community comes with hard work and developing social programs, not legislation of fashion. With all of the social ills of the community, I believe this raise a question; Who are you taking the community back from?

 

Walter L. Hudson Sr.

Chairman/Founder

National Awareness Alliance

Penns Grove Police: What Happened To Protect & Serve

The persona of a police officer is to protect and serve the community. Some may often look to police officers as positive role models for children who inspire to be a law enforcement official one day. In today’s society that image seems to have disappeared. If you examine the community of Penns Grove, you will see that the residents’ perception of police has changed. The appreciations have changed in the people of the community. Many residents feel as I do, that there is a police chief that fails to bring accountability and responsibility to certain problematic officers. That issue within itself is toxic and psychologically creates great resentment.

After speaking with an inundated amount of residents, many believe that if Penns Grove had a progressive police chief like Philadelphia’s Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, community policing in Penns Grove would be different. Many residents have several complaints about certain officers and want some type of justice. Not all police officers are bad but you most definitely have to address the problematic officers so that the residents can have some type of relief.

Not long ago Penns Grove Borough Council passed a “saggy pants” ordinance because there were complaining community members that were tired of seeing young men undergarments. Well there is hope for the people. In order to get the police misconduct straightened out, the complaining constituents have to do the same thing the people with the issue of “saggy pants” done, which is “Complain” and sign “Complaints.” I am wondering when is the so-called “Police Committee” will take action to bridge the gap between police and community? There is no way an officer should stand on sidelines with children during the day then later on that night harass and berate the players’ family members and friends. So I say what the late activist, Fannie Lou Hamer said, "You can pray until you faint, but unless you get up and do something, God is not going to put it in your lap.”

Walter L. Hudson Sr.

Founder National Awareness Alliance

Penns Grove, NJ