2012: Demand for Excellence in Education Empowerment

Written by Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. | 05 December 2011

The best quality education is one of the most important issues that will determine ones future life, prosperity and destiny. But for Black American parents and students, this is the single most important issue that will affect not only our overall quality of life, but also will determine how we will achieve to the fullest extent actual freedom, justice, equality and empowerment. Excellence in education should not be just a matter for national political debate and dialogue; it should be the cause for urgent grassroots social action, protest and demand.

Widespread ‘Skills Gap’ Leaves Jobs on the Table

Written by Chris Levister, Special to the NNPA from Black Voice News | 21 October 2011

As President Obama turns up the heat on Congress to pass his $447 billion dollar job bill, a growing number of employers, unions, educators and employment experts are grappling with a related and urgent imperative: A widespread “skills gap,” which leaves many employers struggling to fill job openings even as millions of Americans search for work.

President Obama Visits the Triad Job Creation Plan Discussed

Written by Afrique I. Kilimanjaro | 21 October 2011

On a bus tour covering parts of North Carolina and Virginia, President Barack Obama paid a visit to Jamestown after spending the previous night in Greensboro. The purpose of these appearances is to discuss The American Jobs Act with local residents. Although this official visit by the president was billed as being closed to the public, more than 500 tickets were distributed to local residents, politicians and dignitaries to hear the president speak.

The Disparity in Teacher Pay: A Civil Rights Issue

Written by Kenneth J. Cooper Special to the NNPA | 14 October 2011

New federal research shows that African American and Hispanic students are being shortchanged, literally, when it comes to school budgets, in most districts with diverse enrollments. The U.S. Education Department study found that teachers in schools with more Latino and African American enrollment get paid an average of $2,500 less than teachers in the whole district.