Some call me "Flem"
- Dr. Stephen R. Flemming
- I'm an elementary school teacher turned high school English teacher, School-Based Teacher Leader (SBTL), and adjunct professor here in Philly. These posts are the views, as I see them, from room 105, my first classroom number. Enjoy, engage, and share!
Showing posts with label male. Show all posts
Showing posts with label male. Show all posts
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Re: The Suburban Station Violinist
In an earlier blog post, I ranted and raved about this kid who I have seen for a couple of years now playing, very skillfully, his violin on the concourse of Suburban Station.
Since SEPTA is my primary form of transportation ( I have a car but with all this teacher money I make, I cannot afford to fix my baby up...story for another day) I frequently happen upon many "writeable" events. Riding the 13 trolley, moments ago, through Southwest Philly Mr. Violinist himself, Sean Bennett, boarded with a female companion.
I looked around the trolley to see if any of the other passengers' faces revealed that they knew who this young man was. No revelatory faces. With that, I really wanted become a "writeable" moment myself and stand to give this young man his props before the entire trolley, but decided against it. Instead I resolved to give him what we call in church, a Holy Ghost handshake (dropping a few dollars in his hand then walking away).
Why am I hype? As I stated before, he is a young, black male with a gift! If we were to undergo a psychological exercise and I were to say, "black teenage boy", what would immediately come to mind? Pants saggin', snap back wearin thug? Criminal? Jail? No good? Waste? SMH? Sean, among many other young black males, who aren't the "top story" on the 5pm newscasts, create the contrasting and alternative images that we all need to have of the black male.
As a teacher, I see my students for what they will become! Sean is like one of my students and I am excited for his future!! Sean could very well have been my student a few years back.
I really want him to get his own special report on one of the local networks. Searching the internet, I did find this philly.com article. Click, read, and enjoy:
http://articles.philly.com/2011-02-01/news/27092982_1_young-musicians-tina-davidson-rehearsal
There are many Seans out there! Some sit in our classrooms and many are pants-saggin, snap-back wearin thugs who have been to jail! They're just waiting for someone to tap into their untapped potential, waiting for that metaphoric "Holy Ghost" handshake!!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Young, black, male, and plays classical!!
Anyone who frequents SEPTA's Suburban Station in downtown Philadelphia would undoubtedly happen upon a young man who plays his violin with such skill and finesse, that you could easily miss your train listening to him go!!
There are many performers stationed throughout SEPTA's underground market place and main regional rail train station which spans several city blocks, but this kid takes the cake!
I briefly engaged him in a short conversation once in between performances. He goes to the High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) in South Philly. Note: CAPA is a PUBLIC high school!!!!
Though he goes to CAPA, he doesn't necessarily attribute his love of classical music and violin playing to CAPA. The environment, however, nurtures and promotes arts love with majors such as: Creative Writing, Instrumental Music, Visual Arts, Theater, Dance, and Vocal Music.
When I asked him what his gaols were, where he sees himself in the future, he responded that he definitely saw himself with a career in classical music.
Every single opportunity I get, including the one I had this past weekend, I drop a few dollars in the violin case that he has out.
There are times when he is accompanied by other youth who are also skillful with their instruments. But he is the constant.
What I really like is that this is an alternative image that hundreds, if not thousands, are getting of a young black male. His presence at Suburban Station is strategic! White collars pass through the station in droves and hear him play!! His pants don't sag, he doesn't wear a snap back and he is well spoken. The inverse of the aforementioned have their place somewhere, but the image that he portrays, gives many a reason to pause and reassess the first thing that comes to mind when "young black male" is mentioned!
I forget his name, unfortunately, but I'm sure a google or youtube search would assist with that. If I see it, it'll strike a "chord" and I'll post a follow-up!
There are many performers stationed throughout SEPTA's underground market place and main regional rail train station which spans several city blocks, but this kid takes the cake!
I briefly engaged him in a short conversation once in between performances. He goes to the High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) in South Philly. Note: CAPA is a PUBLIC high school!!!!
Though he goes to CAPA, he doesn't necessarily attribute his love of classical music and violin playing to CAPA. The environment, however, nurtures and promotes arts love with majors such as: Creative Writing, Instrumental Music, Visual Arts, Theater, Dance, and Vocal Music.
When I asked him what his gaols were, where he sees himself in the future, he responded that he definitely saw himself with a career in classical music.
Every single opportunity I get, including the one I had this past weekend, I drop a few dollars in the violin case that he has out.
There are times when he is accompanied by other youth who are also skillful with their instruments. But he is the constant.
What I really like is that this is an alternative image that hundreds, if not thousands, are getting of a young black male. His presence at Suburban Station is strategic! White collars pass through the station in droves and hear him play!! His pants don't sag, he doesn't wear a snap back and he is well spoken. The inverse of the aforementioned have their place somewhere, but the image that he portrays, gives many a reason to pause and reassess the first thing that comes to mind when "young black male" is mentioned!
I forget his name, unfortunately, but I'm sure a google or youtube search would assist with that. If I see it, it'll strike a "chord" and I'll post a follow-up!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Fathers.Edu
Many times as teachers and school personnel, we assume (to no fault of our own) that many fathers are not active in the lives of the students we teach. Our frame of reference often is either our up-bringing, tradition, or what we actually seen and experienced over the years.
Unfortunately, in many cases this is true. Many men were simply there for that initial emotional experience that may have only lasted a few minutes and that was the extent of their involvement.
I, however, want to acknowledge the fathers and father-figures who are active in the lives of their children; men who are actively involved in their child's education and overall growth! Not every male, particularly those of African-American descent, is a high, dead-beat, strung out, pants-saggin', dirty draws showin, hustlin' drunk! There are still some good men out there who know how to respect and treat a lady and take care of their responsibilities at home and school.
Being on SEPTA a lot lately, I've seen in recent months, more and more young fathers pushing strollers, holding the hands of their children, and doing what appears to be right by their children!
As teachers we must be careful in our approach. In a field dominated by women, many fathers tend to feel "educationally intimidated", my terminology for not wanting to appear "stupid" in front of his child's teacher AND not wanting that teacher to think he lacks an education. It's the mother who tends to be the caretaker, the nurturer, the "one" who does the whole "school thing". Never assume, though, that the father is not involved and has no interest. Make it a point to get to know your students and their situation. Sometimes that student's "attitude" is the result of an absent mother and a father who works endless hours. The "lethargy" is the sum of that student caring for his/her siblings, while mom is out partying and dad is trying his best!
I have a unique perspective because I am a man and because I am African-American and because I am from and still reside in the inner city! My frame of reference is entrenched in a daily view both in and out of school of urban life. From this vantage point, I see many fathers who want to be even more involved but have gotten such a bad rap from the media and society that they feel the need to either give in to what's being portrayed or work all the more harder to prove they're different!
Happy Father's Day to all of the good fathers out there!
Unfortunately, in many cases this is true. Many men were simply there for that initial emotional experience that may have only lasted a few minutes and that was the extent of their involvement.
I, however, want to acknowledge the fathers and father-figures who are active in the lives of their children; men who are actively involved in their child's education and overall growth! Not every male, particularly those of African-American descent, is a high, dead-beat, strung out, pants-saggin', dirty draws showin, hustlin' drunk! There are still some good men out there who know how to respect and treat a lady and take care of their responsibilities at home and school.
Being on SEPTA a lot lately, I've seen in recent months, more and more young fathers pushing strollers, holding the hands of their children, and doing what appears to be right by their children!
As teachers we must be careful in our approach. In a field dominated by women, many fathers tend to feel "educationally intimidated", my terminology for not wanting to appear "stupid" in front of his child's teacher AND not wanting that teacher to think he lacks an education. It's the mother who tends to be the caretaker, the nurturer, the "one" who does the whole "school thing". Never assume, though, that the father is not involved and has no interest. Make it a point to get to know your students and their situation. Sometimes that student's "attitude" is the result of an absent mother and a father who works endless hours. The "lethargy" is the sum of that student caring for his/her siblings, while mom is out partying and dad is trying his best!
I have a unique perspective because I am a man and because I am African-American and because I am from and still reside in the inner city! My frame of reference is entrenched in a daily view both in and out of school of urban life. From this vantage point, I see many fathers who want to be even more involved but have gotten such a bad rap from the media and society that they feel the need to either give in to what's being portrayed or work all the more harder to prove they're different!
Happy Father's Day to all of the good fathers out there!
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