2008 Woodie Awards
Striving Black Brothers
Khaliq, Jeremiah
Issue date: 5/10/07 Section: In Focus
The Striving Black Brothers Coalition of Chabot College used a motto on their East Coast Spring Break excursion once said by Ernest Gaines. "Words mean nothing…Action is the only thing…Doing. That's the only thing." Founder and Advisor Art Barboza, Outreach Specialist for EOPS, used that phrase many times in which he promised to show more with actions and do less talking when leading the Brothers on their excursion.
"This excursion should leave many positive memories to these young men…along, with looking at their future in academics and everyday life in a different light" said Barboza.
While the rest of Chabot College was on Spring break, Barboza led five young men across the East Coast to learn about U.S. history and African American culture in collegiate areas to broaden their horizons in a positive setting.
The young men traveled to New York University, Columbia University, Howard University, and Georgetown University. The majority of the men were impressed with Howard University. "I could see myself going here," said Bernard Caldwell, "It's unbelievable."
Ralph Hall, was convinced no place could compare to the University of San Diego, his previous school before attending Chabot, said, "as long as there is enough Starbucks I think I'm on my way to D.C."
Other notables that caught their attention were all the famous monuments and landmarks. Along with the college tours, Barboza took them to the site of the World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and the World famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. While in Washington, D.C., the coalition members were invited to tour the U.S. Capitol and have breakfast with California State Senator Dianne Feinstein. The coalition members also participated in a night tour in which they took pictures in front of the famous monument where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech.
To put icing on the cake, the members ran into several celebrities: Paul Mooney, Kelis, Remy Ma and Styles P of the Lox.
For many, the trip was mind blowing and a culture shock to see everything that they see on TV being brought to them in reality. Many of the members' had never seen so many professional African Americans holding prestigious degrees and professions.
The purpose of the educational excursion was to obtain and reinforce the members understanding of the transfer process and motivate them to continue their positive strides in their education and private lives.
"This excursion should leave many positive memories to these young men…along, with looking at their future in academics and everyday life in a different light" said Barboza.
While the rest of Chabot College was on Spring break, Barboza led five young men across the East Coast to learn about U.S. history and African American culture in collegiate areas to broaden their horizons in a positive setting.
The young men traveled to New York University, Columbia University, Howard University, and Georgetown University. The majority of the men were impressed with Howard University. "I could see myself going here," said Bernard Caldwell, "It's unbelievable."
Ralph Hall, was convinced no place could compare to the University of San Diego, his previous school before attending Chabot, said, "as long as there is enough Starbucks I think I'm on my way to D.C."
Other notables that caught their attention were all the famous monuments and landmarks. Along with the college tours, Barboza took them to the site of the World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, and the World famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. While in Washington, D.C., the coalition members were invited to tour the U.S. Capitol and have breakfast with California State Senator Dianne Feinstein. The coalition members also participated in a night tour in which they took pictures in front of the famous monument where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have A Dream" speech.
To put icing on the cake, the members ran into several celebrities: Paul Mooney, Kelis, Remy Ma and Styles P of the Lox.
For many, the trip was mind blowing and a culture shock to see everything that they see on TV being brought to them in reality. Many of the members' had never seen so many professional African Americans holding prestigious degrees and professions.
The purpose of the educational excursion was to obtain and reinforce the members understanding of the transfer process and motivate them to continue their positive strides in their education and private lives.
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