Summer Ponderings
July 2004
Eric Cooper

I was listening to poignant Senate presentations on a bill related to adolescent suicide sponsored by the Senators of Oregon and Nevada, with support by a number of other Senators including Christopher Dodd.  The Senator from Connecticut spoke eloquently and persuasively about the nation's attention on issues of early childhood and higher education, and with oblique reference about other issues that teenagers struggle, e.g., mental health. Dodd spoke passionately about the need to do more also for adolescents in the United States. 

Listening to the C-SPAN exchanges, I reflected about the conceptual connection to these Senate speeches and those recently spoken by Cosby.  Those in the Senate were proactive, Cosby was reactive (though there might be some who feel he has triggered attention to an important issue).  I was heartened by the NYT July 8, 2004, piece written by Barbara Ehrenreich who wrote, "...that younger black America today is struggling admirably against massive disinvestments in schools, terrible unemployment, harsh policing and degrading prejudices, and they're succeeding amazingly well.  They deserve respect, not grown-up tantrums."

As we have written there are those in America, as Cosby, who seem to be taking their frustrations out only on the "...children, youth and parents most in need of a helping hand in our nation."  Quite possibly there might be opportunities in the Congress where issues of suicide (and one might argue as passionately that street gang violence is a form of suicide, where the young person of color has internalized the racism directed against them, have become traumatized and act as such, are suicidal in the face of societal labels of being one of the incorrigibles), can converge in recognition that improvements led by adults in education and social service are the most important, most personal and most influential mission facing the Congress and our nation.  This continues to suggest the importance of social-justice missions and statewide education reform initiatives being planned or underway in Minnesota, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Indiana, Illinois, California, Texas, Rhode Island, and Florida (to name a few).  Those who work with the NUA and CGCS know thousands of stories where students and schools, in the face of depression, in the face of low expectations, in the face of social/educational/financial challenges have succeeded with mediated support from caring teachers and adults in many urban and metropolitan school systems.  These programs and initiatives which are succeeding deserve similar attention as the attention received by individuals who give voice to their frustrations. 

Senate and congressional leaders, celebrities such as Cosby should help the nation see past the surface to "...the spirit of America's youth, and to find ways to help families who fall short...," and who also could succeed if we reach out a hand.  As I write, this C-SPAN exchange gives me hope that the heart, mind and hand can come together in America to lift those most in need. 

Eric Cooper
NUA President

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