Change I can believe in...

[aunt_deen]

... for at least a week.

For those of you who don't know, the student body of the school where I teach is 99% African American.

A student who is chronically tardy came flying in the classroom door ten seconds before the bell. I made a mildly-sarcastic comment on it and he headed for his seat, shaking his head. "I can't be late today. I got a black

Comments

[marymary]

I LOVE THAT! That is so adorable. *hugs him*

[aunt_deen]

Yeah, I had to laugh. Of course, right after that the kid expressed shock and outrage that we have a vocab test coming up, even though it's been written in huge letters on the board for a week.

Baby steps.

[tuesday_suit]

"I can't be late today. I got a black president."

I love that story. And I bet the President-Elect would, too. :-)

[aunt_deen]

I confess, I've been joking with the kids whenever they misbehave or whine about something by saying, "What would Barack say?"

[tomfoolery815]

That's great, Deen!

[aunt_deen]

Yeah, my colleagues have been getting a kick out of it, too.

[tomfoolery815]

I'm sure! :-)

I sincerely hope that Obama's election inspires the kids at your school, and all American kids of color, to realize that more is possible and to expect more of themselves.

The title of this piece by Toure makes me laugh, but it's also thought-provoking and on topic:

Can We Still Say 'Fuck Whitey' If the President Is Black?

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-11-05/the-end-of-fuck-whitey-1/

[jennetj]

And really, that's what this is all about. Letting that young man see possibilities.

[aunt_deen]

No kidding. I really do think this will have a slow but profound effect on our African American population.

[misreall]

I am sure that means he will be perpetually on time for the next four years.

Absolutely.

[aunt_deen]

If he makes it through the week I'll be shocked.