Venita Peyton is taking shots at the leadership of the minority community for not doing enough to address the dropout issue in Wake County and other school issues.
In a blog post today, Peyton, a local conservative activist, complains that there are "few voices in the minority community who do more than react." She calls them "armchair dissociates" who "know what needs to be done but won't dirty their hands with the details, unless it includes money."
Peyton points to the large concentration in East and Southeast Raleigh of churches, sororities, fraternities, colleges and other community groups who could help out.
"It's a shame," Peyton writes. "Here we have the key to solving our out of control unemployment, high dropouts and escalating violence right here in Raleigh. The problem is having too many lazy people who refuse to pick up the key and unlock the door."
Peyton also takes a shot at the end of the post at the Rev. William Barber, president of the state NAACP, for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award he received over the weekend from Gov. Bev Perdue.
"We can blame the white man all we want," Peyton writes. "Receive a useless Order of the Long Leaf Pine. But the reality is that it's our own fault."
Comments
Some people believe that
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 09:26 — shearertwSome people believe that "resources" and "property" are the most important factors and that no problem can be solved without them. Some people believe that the people are most important factors and that individual virtues, values and character can overcome any percieved lack of "resources" or "property". Ms. Peyton is clearly a member of the latter group of thought. That is the type of thinking that will one day make a difference in that community. If the Long Leaf Pine award was actually worth anything, Ms. Peyton is the one who should have received it.
Some people believe that the
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 11:07 — danofncSome people believe that the most important factors are all of the above.
I don't think it's an either/or situation.
If you believe that
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 11:16 — shearertwIf you believe that "resources" are required for people to succeed, then you do not have sufficient faith in people. You cannot have it both ways. You either have faith in the ability of people to overcome or you don't. When you believe that your ability to succeed is limited by the amount of "resources" you currently have, then you setting your limits from the start.
This is the heart of the problem. I'm so glad you said that.....
And if you do not believe
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 11:40 — zandeAnd if you do not believe resources make a huge difference you are not living in reality. I love all of this "pull yourself up by the bootstrap" thinking. It is inspirational. People who succeed with little resource and against all odds are always an inspiration. So much so that they sometimes are portrayed in movies and books. But we also know that people with resources have a much better shot at success. I also think that some people can "overcome" better than others and that some successful people who were born into resources may well not have succeeded without that initial boost. That is the essence of being born on third base and thinking you hit a triple.
All your comments are true
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 11:58 — shearertwAll your comments are true and I agree with them.
What we're talking about here, however, is a "community" with a major issue. As long as the leaders in this community continue to blame others and make excuses they will not make a difference. The African American "community" has a lot of resources. There are certainly a lot of individuals within that community that do not. What Ms. Peyton (I believe) is trying to say is STOP with the blaming, STOP with the waiting on a handout and START taking some action for ourselves. She believes there are more than enough good smart people in the AA community to get it done and I believe she is right. See....I have faith in PEOPLE and do not believe the potential of the AA community is currently limited by resources. They are, however, currently limited by their leadership.
If she wants to make
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 12:33 — user12345If she wants to make changes, I suggest she find a few black students that were denied access to advanced math and tell the family that their child just lost $500k of lifetime income, a scholarship, college entrance by being passed over and here is the name of the teacher who held their child back though SAS recommended them and here is the Principal who approved the recommendation to exclude their child and here are some White kids in Western Wake with a lower probably of passing but were but in the math track, were recommended anyway and got the scholarship and college admission their child should have gotten too. I think that if Black families could see how White children are benefiting over there children by being advanced in math it would make them mad and give them a process and people to focus their anger on. Nothing like seeing that your children are being hurt and who is doing it to motivate parents. Just focus them on math placement since thinking about fixing the entire system can be overwhelming.
There were several articles
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 12:59 — jeffrey1There were several articles written several years ago, that stated that your chances of leading a successful life were exponentially increased by meeting 3 requirements:
I don't necessarily agree
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 12:45 — shearertwI don't necessarily agree with everything in your "rant" but I think you're getting somewhere. I think the overarching point you are trying to make is that people should advocate for their children and make sure they get every possible opportunity they can to succeed. If someone was screwing one of my kid's out of a math placement they earned, they're definately going to hear from me and be answering some very pointed questions. It's sometimes amazing how when you go to bat for your own kids just how many other people's kids you can end up helping out along the way.
Again, it comes with
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 13:37 — user12345Again, it comes with information and transparency ... look at all the magnet envy ... some folks think other's kids are getting more and thus get engaged to get more for their kid ... who knew that Knightdale and Garner were getting shafted on AP selections? I am betting we could find large disparities in languages, sport spending, PTA funds, field trips, etc. that are all subtle and sometime invisible inhibitors ..... can you imagine spending your whole life in Garner HS thinking your measly 11 AP courses were wonderful and never knowing that your co-worker's child is taking advantage of the 26 offered at Wakefield ... similar house, similar taxes, similar kids, dis-similar opportunities.
Is it really that important
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 13:57 — HJ2ss2Is it really that important that your children, not just User, attend a school that has 26 AP courses rather than the school that has 11 AP course? Was it important that your children be in the "gifted program" in elementary school? Honestly, I'm not trying to be a jerk. I'm really interested in knowing.
Here are the 32 offered by
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 14:40 — user12345Here are the 32 offered by Fairfax, VA ... many online .... remember these courses give your kid 6 quality points for an A which allows your child to quickly out pace kids taking regular classes ... I don't think colleges look at your magnet status but they do look at difficulty of courses you took in HS and GPA.
...http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/pdfs/ap/AP%20Courses%202009-10.pdf
If your kids are only competing for a college slot against kids from Garner or Knightdale it probably does not matter.
Thank you but my kids
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 14:48 — HJ2ss2Thank you but my kids graduated from Leesville quite a few years ago.
Sounds like an awful lot of pressure for a high school student......and parent.
Uh...
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 13:59 — Bob_SconceFor me...
26 v. 11; I dunno -- depends on what the other 15 are
Gifted Program -- absolutely. Opens doors in middle and high schools, which then open them in college.
Do you have any idea if your
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 14:28 — HJ2ss2Do you have any idea if your children feel pressured to be accepted in the gifted program?....pressured to be in AP Classes?
?
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 16:29 — Bob_SconceGetting into the AG program isn't really a 'pressure' thing -- you either are or you're not. AP.... my kids are too young for those still, but they will certainly feel pressure to take AP classses when the time comes. Part that's just my kids' personality -- they need the faster speed.
Yes and No....
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:05 — JanisTangoOne comment on the AG program. I know a girl that is extremely bright and talented and runs circles around the kids in her class, but she just couldn't pass the tests given to be considered for the ES AG program. She was a bundle of nerves. I wish there was more they could do beyond the tests for kids like this one. She's an exceptional child!
One of my sons bombed the
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 19:33 — jenmanOne of my sons bombed the CogAts but luckily his teacher talked to the AG teacher and they had him take the Iowa tests anyway. He aced those and is iin AG. Was the girl you know allowed to take the Iowa tests too or just the CogAts?
She Did Both...
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 21:31 — JanisTangoShe took both test and didn't pass either. To be honest the AG teacher was quite surprised she didn't do better (she really is an exceptional child). Her mom has considered getting her tested independently, but I haven't talk to her recently to see if she pursued that avenue.
Hmm...
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:33 — Bob_SconceIt's always possible to have the child independently tested by a licensed child psychologist. It's one-on-one and a lot more interactive than just having the child sit down and bubble-in answers. My mom used to work at a practice that did this stuff -- if a kid is having any sort of learning difficulties, especially in elementary school, those guys can often help pinpoint issues and help develop strategies to deal with them. Unfortunately, it's expensive (~$1,000) and rarely covered by insurance.
So it's going to be their
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 16:48 — HJ2ss2So it's going to be their decision based on their goals. Wish more parents would approach it that way.
Huh?
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:01 — Bob_SconceNo. It will be a joint decision, strongly influenced by their parents. Teenagers are generally horrible at making good long-term decisions. It's possible that they'll make good ones without our help, but we will do our darndest to keep them from making bad ones.
It's tricky when they are
Thu, 08/26/2010 - 01:48 — HJ2ss2It's tricky when they are teenagers. Depending on the age and the issue, (some things are not up for debate) the skill of helping them make a decision, then making them think it was their idea comes in handy but I understand and agree with what you are saying.
Sorry, let me explain.
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 15:56 — HJ2ss2Sorry, let me explain. Parents that post on this blog seem to be educated, successful individuals who care very much for their children and want the best for them. I've seen too many students, trying to meet and exceed the expectation of their parents ending up being miserable or worse clinically depressed or seeking alcohol or drugs in order to relax. I always hated talking with parents about their child having problems because these were parents who cared and subsequently were devastated by the news.
I also know that children of good, caring parents turn out well. That without any additional expectations from us they assimilate our values and set higher goals for themselves in order to be successful and (as an aside) please us.
That's why I was curious about how important they felt gifted and AP was.
If gifted in elementary school is still "enrichment", I suspect you will find you offer your children much more enrichment than they could ever get in school.
I suspect all the parents who contribute to this blog are aware of the consequences of too much pressure.
My oldest just started his
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:38 — jeffrey1My oldest just started his sophomore year. We have not put any pressure on him to take any advanced courses. We have always taken the approach that he should be well rounded, rather than an academic genius.
So he joined the Cary Teen Council, and helps senior citizens play bingo on Friday nights, volunteers as a linesman for Cary tennis tournaments, etc.
He's interested in Sports Journalism, so he is in his 2nd year as an intern with the Durham Bulls television broadcasting program, where he has done everything from camera operation to graphics to directing.
He continues to play recreational sports and decided on his own to join a gym so that he can work out and stay healthy. He's also interested in photography, and his application to join the high school newspaper was accepted. Newspaper will be one of his classes this year.
And he managed to take 5 honors level classes his freshman year, and will take another 6 this year - classes which he decided on his own to take. He wants to take AP Calc his junior year, and AP Stat his senior year, but has not expressed any real interest in other AP classes. He has set his own personal goal of finishing high school with a GPA between 4.5 and 5.0, despite the fact that Mrs. Jeffrey1 and I have urged him to lower that target a bit.
If all this sounds too much like a proud dad, well ... you got me.
But everything I have read about college admissions emphasizes that there's more to getting into a good school than a transcript loaded with AP classes and a high GPA. I'd much rather my kids be exposed to a broad range of things than have their nose stuck in a book for 4 years of high school.
Jeffrey... I agree with
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 20:52 — zandeJeffrey... I agree with you..... There is so much more to getting into a good college than just good grades and AP courses. Your son has also shown that he has good social skills, ambition, good time management, and a solid work ethic. Not only will this help him get into a good college, it will help him stay in that good college and succeed in life.You should be proud.
Thank you
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 21:15 — jeffrey1Thank you HJ2ss2 and zande!
Both you and your wife
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 20:48 — HJ2ss2Both you and your wife should be proud of your son.
Think challenged not
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 16:42 — user12345Think challenged not pressured ... many honor classes are watered down and kids find them boring ... I think kids understand if they want to go to a top college they need to max out on APs. It seems like everything has shifted down ... Most college bound kids have mostly AP classes their junior and senior years now... it is the new norm ... personally, I would like to see Wake pay for the AP test and kids only get the AP quality points if they pass the AP test to maintain the quality of the program and verify the teachers are actually teaching at an AP level.
Hmm....
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:09 — Bob_SconceI would like to see Wake pay for the AP test and kids only get the AP quality points if they pass the AP test to maintain the quality of the program and verify the teachers are actually teaching at an AP level.
That's an interesting idea that I could get behind. I suggest it would work best with dropping Block-Scheduling, which really has a negative impact on AP classes.
As to paying for the AP test, I'd be happy enough if only F&R students had the AP test paid for. It's $87/test, which isn't so expensive that it would break a budget. (unless, that is, you have very intelligent triplets or something.)
Interesting bit of
Thu, 08/26/2010 - 01:51 — HJ2ss2Interesting bit of information. Block was tried and dropped in several school systems around the Country because it was not in the best interest of the students. Then, guess what? Wake County decided to implement it. I don't understand the details, (because I was never involved in scheduling) but it provided students who failed classes the opportunity to make them up within 4 yrs.
Sounds reasonable ... so, if
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:22 — user12345Sounds reasonable ... so, if you want quality points, cough up the $87 ... except for F&Rs ... still, I worry about the quality of the AP offerings and without a test there is no benchmark. This can get quite expensive ....
The AP bulletin/info guide
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 20:00 — DrActualFactualThe AP bulletin/info guide from last year mentions a fee reduction from $86 to $56 per exam for students with acute financial needs and refers you to your AP Coordinator for info on fee reductions and state and district subsidies. I wonder if every state/county/district takes advantage of these subsidies or if they still exist with the current economy. I was surprised to hear a couple years back that each AP teacher made their own syllabus for each course (I would have thought that since AP's are college level courses there would be some sort of standard/core subject matter covered which most teachers couldn't deviate from. Some of the parents I have spoken with indicate a wide spectrum of outcomes in AP courses--some have had A's from the teacher exams yet 1's and 2's on the AP exam and much of the subject matter not even covered.) Teacher experience, classroom composition, group projects, etc. makes a huge difference. I would hope that after a year of PLC's perhaps some uniformity was achieved in many courses. It would get very expensive to pick up the tab for all AP courses but if most universities specify that you need or they will accept 3 or 4 courses (whatever the standard maximum is) we should consider picking up the tab for that.
Sounds like Wake may have
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 16:51 — HJ2ss2Sounds like Wake may have "dumbed down" their honors classes.
Or ... it could be kids are
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 17:26 — user12345Or ... it could be kids are getting smarter and the old curricula is not keeping up with them .... I know my kids are at least a grade ahead of where I was in school (e.g. Calculus a year before I took it) at the same age ...
In a prior post, I made
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 12:08 — zandeIn a prior post, I made reference to the Bob Herbert column in the NYT on Aug. 20. He touches on some of the same issues.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/21/opinion/21herbert.html?ref=bobherbert
If Ms. Peyton happens to be
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 10:02 — user12345If Ms. Peyton happens to be black and has an different view than 95% of blacks she may be a conservative darling but will need more to affect change. What ever she is saying (e.g. personal responsibility, values, character) is what you want to hear but not resonating in her community yet.
Just because it is not yet
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 10:51 — shearertwJust because it is not yet resonating with her community doesn't mean she is not 100% correct. I believe I said it was this kind of thinking that will one day affect change in her community. One of these days, I fully expect this community to wake up and see the Rev Barbar's of their community for the publicity seeking and self-interest motivated individuals that they are and the dead end road they are leading them down.
Have you been polling the
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 10:08 — CaryCurmudgeonHave you been polling the black community? What makes you think 95% of these folks have a different view than Venita?
What make you think the
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 11:42 — user12345What makes you think the Black community looks to Venita as their spokesperson and leader? What is the percent of Blacks who are registered Republicans in Wake like Venita?
I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 21:43 — Apexter"What makes you think the Black community looks to Venita as their spokesperson and leader?"
You know, I've never heard anyone claim "I am the spokesperson for white people." I think that perhaps the greatest burden that blacks face is the false prophets who CLAIM to "speak for the black people."
The blacks I know have minds of their own, and are quite capable of speaking for themselves. The problem is, they have to push the loudmouths standing in front of them out of the way to get a word in edgewise.
I do not have statistics.
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 13:29 — HJ2ss2I do not have statistics. (Think I will leave the generalizations to Ruby Payne). I do have extensive experience working with the Black Community. First of all not all the African American people I know are poor. There are actually successful professionals among them and, except for the color of their skin, are just like my White friends. There are those in the low income housing areas who have been trained by our welfare system to expect it will support them, feed them, etc. Some of them have also entered in to the lucrative drug business. (sacasm but true) There are also those in the low income areas who are working toward improving their conditions and want something better for their children. They attend school, have jobs, etc.
...
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 09:43 — SideburnsWell said. Thumbs up.
she has faith in her community
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 07:28 — snordoneWhen I first met Venita it was last year, she was applying for the vacant district 4 seat (now filled by Keith Sutton) and wanted to know if I thought Kevin Hill would be willing to have coffee with her (he could not, he thought it was not right to meet candidates one-on-one). I was curious about her because most members of the African american community held the opposite opinion of hers. But when we got a chance to talk more I understood WHY her opinion was different - she has tremendous faith in the people of her community. She actually believes in them. She sees their strength, their intelligence, and their capacity to do better for their kids. The only problem she sees is with their leadership.
Clarifying my earlier comment ....
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 23:58 — AgentPierceFollowing up my earlier comment, I think its wonderful that Venita would speak up and that it has been amplified by the N&O ..... regardless of their motives for doing so.
Venita is well-known as perhaps Raleigh's "best known" Black Conservative and she has made enemies within the black community for her opinions. I'm sure she can handle whatever comes her way from this. ..... I hope.
These are scary times in America. I receive threats routinely for my opinions in a parallel universe totally unrelated to WCPSS and Raleigh issues.
AP
Finally, a fresh new leader
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 22:55 — ladebakNThanks for posting Venita's piece. We in the Black community need more leaders like her. Enough of the throwbacks to the 50's who are out of touch with modern time and want to blame others . I've been thinking what she said for a long time. I hope she runs for something so I can vote for her. Shame on the governor for awarding negative behavior.
Venita hit the nail on the
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 20:37 — aquaman4life68Venita hit the nail on the head. She just has the gutts to say it, and deep down we all know that's the truth.
Keung why do you always blog
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 20:47 — zandeKeung why do you always blog about what these conservative board majority supporters have to say. Everytime I read this blog you seem to echo something from Civatis, John Locke or some other right wing group or new board supporter. Or you report stuff that is embarassing to diversity supporters like Margiota buttons. It seems like there are about 4 times as many majority supporters commenting on this blog than diversity supporters. Clearly you are taking sides and are very biased against diversity supporters and this makes me want to cancel my subscription to this right wing blog and not send you another penny of my hard earned dollars....... lol! (sarcasm font intended.)
What Don't You Agree With?
Tue, 08/24/2010 - 21:14 — JanisTangoYou must be opposed to something Ms. Peyton wrote. What was it? It seems to me she has once again hit the nail squarely on the head once again!
Janis.... My post was placed
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 07:48 — zandeJanis.... My post was placed with tongue firmly in cheek. It seems that lately there have been complaints from the (IMO overly sensitive) right wing contingent on this blog regarding what they perceive to be an anti-board majority slant. I was merely pointing out the other side of that argument in a somewhat facetious way.
Thank You!
Wed, 08/25/2010 - 11:17 — JanisTangoThank you for the response. I agree with you that there are two sides of this issue. I personally don't like to see the negativity we continue to see (for example the anit-Margiotta buttons).