Education is the key to Trenton’s revitalization
NBA star Kevin Durant produced intrigue while sporting a backpack during his early days with Oklahoma City.
In May 2011, Durant revealed his satchel contained an iPad, a Bible, his headphones and his cell phone charger.
The revelation ended a hope that Durant, a superstar who could establish a platform, would some day unzip his backpack and hold up works by Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, Alice Walker, James Baldwin, W.E.B. DuBois, Zora Neale Hurston, Octavia Butler, Maya Angelou or other authors.
Such exposure would have served as catalyst for a reading revolution in African-American society, alerting descendants to fictional and non-fictional life perspectives offered by black writers.
Despite numerous calls for required summer reading for Trenton public school students, education leaders hold fast to antiquated dummying down months of July and August. Studies show that a reading achievement gap exists between low-income students and middle-income students.
Putting away books for and dismissing education for 10 weeks actually produces summer learning loss or summer slide, a retreat from learned math skills and reading potential.
Yet, even those accepted results cause no change in this city that needs a successful education system more than any other initiative. Trenton insiders hang onto this sad notion that gentrification will eventually save this capital city in spite of ingrained violence and blight. It’s a dream attached to the nothingness that fills all these backpacks handed out before school begins.
Backpacks are the opiate of city residents who act as if some magical remedies exist inside those nylon pouches.
If only, If Beale Street Could Talk waited for each student entering middle school. If only I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings distributed to every student at Trenton High School West.
If only a Native Son or daughter could open The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness and further understand The Souls of Black Folk need education, especially about black history, in order to embrace power for upward mobility, racial pride and unity.
While a Trenton Literacy Movement initiative presses to improve reading skills, and apparently succeeding as thirdgrade students display proficiency in meeting reading standards, discussions about education do not exist. Wise people know that systems should extend school days and years.
Leaders talk about public safety, law enforcement and winning wars against criminal elements, disregarding the real solution to crime and social deterioration involves a substantial investment in education.
Effective learning means employment and honest work attached to well-paying jobs which calculates to reduced need for criminal activity.
Educational achievements include the pursuits of trade union employment, provided that these groups move toward significant integration. Lives as plumbers, painters, electricians, mechanics and other employment provide lucrative salaries.
Mercer County underscores education importance as suburbs enjoy residues connected to quality education — greater wealth, less violence, better health, etc.
Trenton demands a push of many educational envelopes for real revitalization to occur. Education remains an investment that delivers a fantastic return.
Want a better Trenton? Then let’s talk and continue talking about education.