Happy Women's Equality Day!





Apropos today, from the West Seattle Blog via a West Seattle reader:
The community is invited to attend the first annual Be There Rally at West Seattle Elementary on Wednesday, September 7, from 7:00 am to 8:00 am. The school, in partnership with the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA, is rolling out the red carpet and asking community leaders, school supporters, family and friends to line up to cheer, clap and high-five students as they enter into the new school year. 

The West Seattle Elementary Be There Rally draws inspiration from an event held in Hartford, Connecticut where over 100 Black men in suits got together to greet and encourage children on the first day of school. The Be There Rally will be following these blueprints but with a slight change. Research shows that children whose fathers take an active role in their educational lives earn better grades, score higher on tests, enjoy school more and are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college. Leaders are calling for 100 men to support those who may not have a male role model by volunteering at the Be There Rally.

 After careful consideration and speaking with the members of the High Point community, leaders decided to adjust to fit the needs of the neighborhood by also calling for 100 women. It is imperative that girls also have the opportunity to see successful women who they can identify with.
 They state they want the men and women in the rally to "dress for success" which would be a professional look.  I will gently say that people who are successful wear all kinds of clothes (like nurses, firefighters, etc.)  But I still think this is a good way to encourage kids to start the year on a positive note.

Great words from the great Maya Angelou.

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!"

Comments

Anonymous said…
I think this is great. "Dress for success" can be interpreted to mean a lot of things. It doesn't box anybody in or state suit and tie. Kudos for the language used.

Thurgood Mom
8/26/16, 12:24 PM
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