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Words on the Street is a writing and literacy program that partners Solomon Jones with Art Sanctuary in an effort that brings the resources of educational, corporate and media entities to bear while harnessing the power of the people who matter most – parents. Research indicates that parental involvement remains a strong predictor of educational success, but parents can’t do it alone, so we’ve assembled a dynamic team to help. Our local and national partners include the Knight Foundation, the Verizon Foundation, Art Sanctuary, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Clear Channel Radio, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, the School District of Philadelphia’s Parent University, and Minotaur Books.
Our goal is to improve reading scores for all students, but for black male high school students in particular. The statistics tell us why. Reading scores for black male twelfth graders were 24 points lower than their white counterparts in 2005. The national on-time graduation rate for black males was 48 percent compared to 74 percent for white males in 2005. In Philadelphia in 2007-08, it was even worse, with only 28 percent of black male students graduating on time. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2050, about 50 percent of the U.S. population will be African American, Hispanic, or Asian. This demographic shift indicates that the academic performance of students of color must be addressed if America is to compete globally.
Bestselling author Solomon Jones will facilitate student/parent workshops that teach the elements of story. A curriculum based on Jones’s novel, The Last Confession, will reinforce these lessons while also examining the impact of life choices such as violence vs. forgiveness. Participants will improve their critical thinking skills and create their own stories, the best of which will be published in the Philadelphia Inquirer. In addition, the participating school whose reading scores improve most will be mentioned in Jones’s next novel.
Want to be involved? Suggest the program to your local high school or school district, or contact Solomon Jones directly to discuss other ways you can help.
I’m so happy for you Solomon, your doing great my friend keep up the great work.
Thanks Eugene. I really appreciate your support!
Hi Solomon! Im not sure if you remember me, I met you and your wife at a TU event years ago now, lol. Im the one that gave you a hard time.
I am very happy for you. Im excited and inspired at the same time.
Im sorry I couldnt make the event but I hope you will keep me posted about others.
I wish you much success with your program. It is great to see fellow TU alums making a difference in our neighborhoods and in the world.
Talk to you soon.
Stace
Thanks Stacey. I’m glad to have your support. I’m doing a reading tonight at Moonstone Arts Center. You can find it on my events page. I’m doing a signing tomorrow at 6 at B&N downtown Philly that benefits Art Sanctuary.
Could you bring writing program to Overbrook high school.
And which book would be good for in class reading for 11th grade reading class.
Hi Lisa -
I’d be happy to talk to you about that. I’ll email you. In the meantime, the book best for 11th graders is The Last Confession.
Thank You for your reply
Your talk last night at Lincoln HS was inspiring. Where can I find a copy of your poem that you began the session with? It mentioned Faheem.
Brenda the poem is on my Wisdom CD. It’s called Why Can’t Johnny Read. I’ll email you.
Solomon,
We @ Social Artist Group just applaud your efforts, contributions and accomplishments in the area of modeling, and mentoring along with reading, writing and publishing your literary works.
One of my first approaches to the Village is to present a generational literacy project offered as Father and Child literacy
I am working to develop our resources to offer Wholistic healing through interactive media and performing arts.
I work as a behavior health specialist and have to operate out of the “box” or surrender to lack of spiritual growth being conformed and restricted as a vessel with little results to show.
Please consider or future collaborations as an advisory panelist for input and professional reference.
thanks in advance KQS
“helping individuals and family one heartbeat at a time”
http://www.socialartistgroup.org social.artist.group@gmail.com
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