4th Annual ‘Man the Shore Summit’ set to make big return, push for diversity in education
PRINCESS ANNE, Md.- “How do we create these experiences? How do we push education? How do we engage them? How do we get more educators of color in the classroom,” Dr. Warren said.
The 4th annual Man the Shore Summit is set for big a return. The event gives administrators, teachers, activists, and others an open space to dive into ways to provide young black men a better experience in the classroom. “It will at least give them basic skills for them to make decisions that will best impact their lives which in turn will impact communities here on the shore,” Dr. Warren said.
This year’s panelist come from a variety of sectors including school administration, community activists, juvenile services, and more.
UMES Men of Color in Education Program Director Dr. Richard Warren said one of the biggest challenges for boys of color in the classroom is lack of engagement, which in turn leads to behavior issues and even learning loss. “When students have issues with learning and behavior, they are more apt to be taken out of the classroom. They’re more apt to be disproportionately disciplined and suspended,” he said.
“That’s going to follow them throughout middle school, high school, and may lead to them even seeing someone like me who’s a parole agent,” Worcester County Parole/Probation Agent Jamaal Dennis Sr. said. “If a kid only knows to act out and the value of an education is not pushed, that child is only going to do what they know. They’re going to continue to get in trouble and not get an education.”
The hope is that those students can also see themselves as future educators. For 2020-2021 school year, 1.3% of U.S. public-school teachers were black men according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Despite that, organizers said that change could be on the horizon. “I have one student in particular who came to my program when he was just a freshman. He graduated the program and now he’s at UMES and wants to be a teacher. Why? He saw the possibility,” Dr. Warren said.
Dr. Warren said that if everyone who shows up looks like him, his job isn’t over. He told 47ABC that people from all backgrounds have to be a part of the fight to see real change.
Since the start of the event, organizers said many school district leaders and community members have provided much support.
The summit kicks off tomorrow, February 8th in the UMES Student Services Center Theater from 6-8p.m.
To register, click here
