Yesterday, the AJC printed this opinion piece by UGA professor, Dr. Jerome Morris. In this piece, Dr. Morris encourages us to value the minds of young athletes in addition to their athletic prowess.
My background in education makes me a bit biased, but I do agree with what Dr. Morris is saying; especially in regards to the Caleb King situation. People in Atlanta were so upset that Caleb’s family decided to move him to Greater Atlanta Christian School from Gwinnett County’s Parkview High School. While Gwinnett County has some of the best schools in the country, I applaud his family’s decision to send him to Greater Atlanta Christian School where the classes are smaller and academics are emphasized. One of my classmates is a teacher there, and according to her, academics are emphasized to the point where students are asked to leave if their grades are subpar (after an academic probation process). Students can return if they are able to bring their grades up and commit to academic excellence.
Regarding Caleb’s situation- does he really lose that much by being academically successful as well as athletically successful? I sincerely doubt that his athletic ability will change as a function of his schools changing. While his exposure may change (Parkview is also a football powerhouse), I feel that those who were watching him before will be watching him now- just at a different set of games. What do y’all think?
Now, moving on. I read this article on MSNBC.com about the Black Panther Party examining their legacy 40 years later. While the group is most known for the all black attire, complete with the beret, leather jackets, and guns; they get less credit for the programs initiated within their community. Nevertheless, the group still believes that the issues within their Ten-Point Program are unfulfilled 40 years later- despite the gains made over the years.
The militancy of the group was highly criticized, especially following the non-violent civil rights agenda launched in the South by Dr. King and others. My question is- what do you all think of the legacy of the Black Panther Party?
life beyond the well... 
October 18, 2006 at 9:21 pm
You know, I applaud Caleb’s family for remembering why we send kids to school – TO LEARN. But the truth is that his athletics will possibly suffer by focusing on academics. The truth is the coaching at his new school in Atlanta is probably subpar to the previous school, which could lead to mediocre athletic performance. And even if he goes to play at a college with a good football program, if he chooses to study and do summer internships while other players spend their time in the weight room and on-campus during the summer, he probably will not perform as well athletically. This trend continues in higher education. Very few first tier universities have top basketball and/or football programs.
October 18, 2006 at 9:23 pm
I honestly think the legacy of the Panthers is that they challenged the status quo and didn’t take no stuff. Period. I don’t think the masses are aware of their programs in the hood. Folks just know that they were determined not to be “punks.” In the words of Dave Chapelle, they kept it real …. and unfortunately, their keeping it real went wrong.
October 19, 2006 at 1:51 pm
I think the entire BPP was completely misunderstood my the US media. Their programs in CA alone accomplished things that todays US government still hasnt been able to handle with welfare. The BPP took care of its community, and sadly that isnt remembered. What is remembered is women with big, natural hair; men with berets, AK-47s, and black nationalist flags. The NEW Black Panther Party epitomizes this stereotype of the original BPP. It’s not all about militancy…