Hello Bulldogs. This will be a continuing forum for informing and discussing DISD issues especially as they affect the legacy of our alma mater Booker T. Washington. Announcements in this top blog box may change regularly as new meetings and pressing matters need 'now' action. Thanks in advance for all your input -- as wiser minds than mine have said, we will need to do this together as a vigilant alumni force for the forseeable future.
Thursday's DISD Board Meeting at 7pm Needs YOU THERE!!
The next to last big DISD Board meeting of the year 2011 will be held at 7:00 pm this Thursday, November 17th, in the Ada L. Williams Auditorium at the Dallas Independent School District Administration Building, 3700 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204, and IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU BE THERE IF POSSIBLE! Your being there can help insure justice and the best interests of our Alma Mater the historic Booker T. Washington High, Dallas schools and Dallas school students.
As reported before, the push to allow rich donators to essentially "buy a school to be named after them" continues, despite attempts to perpetrate that tragedy on Dear Old Booker T. in 2008, that was courageously protested and defeated in '08 by caring BTW alumni like you and citizen friends of what is right!
Important: Although this "buy a name" policy is NOT on Thursday's meeting agenda as it was at the Nov. 3rd Board briefing several bulldogs attended, Board insiders advise that it's important to let our voices be heard on this as a "non-agenda topic", which is a normal part of the board meeting.
The BTW world is blessed to have guiding information in our midst from long-time alumni DISD administration crusader Brenda Fields and other influential persons dedicated to fairness. This information tells us that strategies behind the REVIVING of this once defeated policy have led to too many board members wanting to support this sort of "Buy A School Renaming with big money donations", which will potentially exclude naming institutions for deserving pioneers and trailblazers whose genius created the excellent legacies of such schools as Booker T. Washington to begin with, as well as modern educational champions who are without such financial means!
PLEASE BE PRESENT AT THIS MEETING - either to speak or to show support!!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT ~ just speak your heart to the Board for 3 MINUTES (the speaking time limit) - to help insure that "what is right" has a fair chance to turn this "bow down to those who donate at any cost" runaway rule !!
You will find friends there with you. We hope to see you there.
If you don't want to speak, you can show support by just coming and standing with us to show the board you care about their decisions on diluting or erasing our school's heritage by renaming Booker T. Washington.
As reported before, the push to allow rich donators to essentially "buy a school to be named after them" continues, despite attempts to perpetrate that tragedy on Dear Old Booker T. in 2008, that was courageously protested and defeated in '08 by caring BTW alumni like you and citizen friends of what is right!
Important: Although this "buy a name" policy is NOT on Thursday's meeting agenda as it was at the Nov. 3rd Board briefing several bulldogs attended, Board insiders advise that it's important to let our voices be heard on this as a "non-agenda topic", which is a normal part of the board meeting.
The BTW world is blessed to have guiding information in our midst from long-time alumni DISD administration crusader Brenda Fields and other influential persons dedicated to fairness. This information tells us that strategies behind the REVIVING of this once defeated policy have led to too many board members wanting to support this sort of "Buy A School Renaming with big money donations", which will potentially exclude naming institutions for deserving pioneers and trailblazers whose genius created the excellent legacies of such schools as Booker T. Washington to begin with, as well as modern educational champions who are without such financial means!
PLEASE BE PRESENT AT THIS MEETING - either to speak or to show support!!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT ~ just speak your heart to the Board for 3 MINUTES (the speaking time limit) - to help insure that "what is right" has a fair chance to turn this "bow down to those who donate at any cost" runaway rule !!
Please plan to be there, and please take these important steps before the meeting day:
1. Call 972-925-3720 before 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 16th to register to speak at the Board meeting.
2. Say you want to speak on "Non-Agenda items" about Booker T. Washington High School.
1. Call 972-925-3720 before 5:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 16th to register to speak at the Board meeting.
2. Say you want to speak on "Non-Agenda items" about Booker T. Washington High School.
You will find friends there with you. We hope to see you there.
Comments
Awesome!
It appears that those present for the meeting, honorably represented the body of us not in attendance. I am so proud of all of you that characterized "the fruit" produced from THE BTW School. Having said that, my comments spill over even into this, our BTW Link. So, thank you Galen and any others that had the vision to accomplish this worthwhile forum. Thank you team for doing what you do!
The Dallas Examiner Reporter called me this morning and told me that the DISD newspaper MEETING COMMENTS made on (11-18-11) is now out...released and printed in their today's paper. I got a copy and the article is good. It brings us up to date of what happened at the October meeting and at November's meeting with comments from Brenda Fields, Louis Lamar, Buddy/Fred and myself...of some of our sentiments and concerns we had about the Re-naming of Booker T. As Brenda and I discussed...this agreement....of not re-naming Booker T....needs to be put down on paper, (in black and white)..because the current Board Members/Trustees may not be able to keep the promise that they are making to us today, due to their "limited" tenure on the Board. We need a "binding" contract...per se....so that we don't have to continue this crusade in 5 to 10 years later. We must get something "in writing" to support our decision(s ) and to solidify/confirm that this issue will not come back to their drawing board - DISD - in the future.
So we were heard...we were present...they were scared by us....we were powerful....we "made" them listen and take notice...and we showed them that we AIN'T GOING AWAY.
Here are some of the comments that were printed in the paper by some of our classmates:
Louis Lamar: "The school is a tremendous source of pride. A timeless resolution that would last beyond the rotating terms of board members and changing policies of DISD. We have lost all of our trophies that used to adorn the trophy cases...where are they? Where is our History?"
Fred Walker: A 1960 alumni and major alumni association organizer, said: "I played on the last basketball team to go to the state championship." Fred also said: "It's all we have left....is the name of Booker T. Washington.
Brenda Fields: A fellow 1961 graduate, noted: "that her father once served as the school's head coach. Brenda also said: "For 17 years, from 1922 to 1939, the school served all of Dallas African American high school students. We have been down this road before...many times and promised many things...and here we are again."
Deborah Young Love: "Years ago [with] our parents, it was your word tht counted. Now, everything has to go down on paper. The White man taught me that. Put it down in black and white. My memory may not be here tomorrow, but that paper will be. My parents' footprints are in that building."
Campus Family, they are agreeing with us TODAY...but there's still an inkling that I personally feel is still not "solid." We MUST get this legally written out/down...and signed by DISD... and posted in their "Policy" that this "fight" is ended.
As my brother Charles (Chuck) Wilson so plainly put it that night: "LEAVE THE NAME OF BOOKER T. WASHINGTON....A-L-O-N-E.
Fred, you told me Friday as I was driving from a day of tests at Parkland that you put this up -- but recovering from that Nuclear Cardiology tests and lost sleep after Thursday's meeting made the weekend a mandatory rest zone and I'm just getting to read it. In your usual eloquence you captured the spirit of the event admirably.
Ken Adams hit the door with a "BOOM" and Deborah Young Love was "DYNAMITE"!! Louis Lamar's crescendo from dynamic facts to a powerful wall-shaking fever-pitch was felt around the room. With the rest of us making a strong chorus, our big point was made in a big way!!! Thank God for the determination we all had to stand and deliver -- and to do the same when the future calls us again !!!
I am working on getting the video of it put up -- so far it's been difficult to download because of how DISD streams it. Stay tuned.
.... I... GLORIA D TOLIVER..... AM Soooooooooo VERY GLAD MY MOM HAD THE MOTHER WIT TO INSIST THAT I LEAVE LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL IN JANUARY 1954 SO THAT I COULD GRADUATE FROM THE SCHOOL WHERE HER FRIEND AND SCHOOL MATE WAS PRINCIPAL.... JOHN LESLIE PATTON, JR,.... SHE EXPRESSED HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS FOR ME TO ATTEND THIS WONDERFUL SCHOOL, THE FIRST BUILT ESPECIALLY FOR BLACK CHILDREN... NAMED AFTER ONE OF OUR FAMOUS BLACK INVENTOR/EDUCATORS, WHOSE OWN DAUGHTER WAS A STUDENT, AND LATER A MUSIC TEACHER.. AT BTW.... THEN SHE TOLD ME OF SOME OF THE GREAT PEOPLE SHE KNEW WHO WERE GRADUATES OF THIS DISTINGUISHED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING..... I WAS SO UNDONE, CAUSE MY BOYFRIEND WAS AT LINCOLN, AND I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE, BUT YOU ALREADY KNOW THERE WAS NO WAY I WOULD HAVE EXPRESSED THAT TO HER, ( LEST I FACED HAVING A BLOODY NOSE, BLACK EYE, NO FRONT TEETH, A HEAD FULL OF KNOTS) HAHAHAHAHAHA!! WHEN I GOT THERE, ALL MY FRIENDS I GREW UP WITH IN THE PROJECTS, AND CLASSMATES FROM 1st to 8th GRADE WERE THERE... AND EVERY DAY WAS LIKE BEING WITH MY OWN FAMILY... NOT ONLY WAS MOMMIE AND MR PATTON FRIENDS, SHE KNEW OVER HALF THE TEACHERS.... DID I HAVE A CHANCE TO GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING AT THIS SCHOOL..... NO WAY JOSE( PIANO MAN'S FRIEND).
BY THE TIME I WAS READY TO GRADUATE, I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO DO FOR MY FUTURE,, AND THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THE GREATEST TEACHERS IN THE WORLD, WHO CARED ENOUGH FOR EVERY ONE OF US, TO ENCOURAGE AND GUIDE US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION... AND WAS NOT AFRAID TO GIVE US HARSH DISCIPLINE WHEN WE DESERVED IT.... (THANK GOD)>>>>>>
AND THEN, FAST FORWARD... FIFTY YEARS LATER I RE-CONNECT WITH FRIENDS, CLASSMATES, SCHOOLMATES, FRIENDS FROM SHORT NORTH DALLAS (ROSELAND HOMES PROJECTS) THE BEST NEIGHBORHOOD IN THE WORLD EVER... AND IT'S ALMOST LIKE HIGH SCHOOL DAY'S ALL OVER AGAIN.... EACH OF US STILL HAS THE SAME SPIRIT, OF LOVE,SHARING, CARING, LENDING A HELPING HAND WHENEVER NEEDED... I COULDN'T ASK FOR A BETTER LIFE.... OR FRIENDS.. ALL BECAUSE OF BOOKER T WASHINGTON TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL, AN INSTITUTION THAT WE WILL ALWAYS LOVE, .... I PRAY THIS BOND LASTS FOREVER, AND EVERYONE WILL KNOW WE "BULLDOGS MEAN BUSINESS" AND THE STUDENTS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL KNOW HOW FIRM WE STOOD TO KEEP SOMETHING WE LOVE AND BELIEVE IN!!!!
I AM SO PROUD TO BE FRIENDS WITH THOSE OF YOU WHO SPOKE LAST NIGHT.... I ACTUALLY FELT CHILLS, AND BEGAN TO TEAR UP JUST READING FRED, AND DEB'S COMMENTS..... THANK YOU GUYS FOR REPRESENTING, AS WE ALL DO SO WELL<<<<<<
"FOREVER BULLDOGS" Goooooooooooooooooooooooo, GRAY AND CRIMSON WE ADORE, HAIL THE BULLDOGS EVERMORE!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BULLDOGS!!
Thanks and congratulations to all who stood and spoke, showed support and carried the staff in their hands at last nite's meeting. I only wish I could have been there in body rather than spirit. I also wish that it had been recorded so many of us could share in the thrill of the proud moments. But, reading the post reports and the blow by blow descriptions given, I can feel the spirit of the delivery. Im so proud to be a part of this great school and campus. I would love to have been a fly on the wall of that chamber after the meeting was over. From what I've read here, they don't know what hit 'em'. Great job guys, KUDOS, KUDOS AND GOD BLESS!!
Thank you Mr. Buddy On Time Reporter of the last night's meeting to our online classmates...who's bodies were not present, but their spirit was within the room of that auditorium. Brenda Fields called me the morning of the meeting to send her support for us to not back down and to show up. As I spoke to Brenda, I told her that they can try to "Wear us down" but they can't "Wait us out." Their strategy was to "discourage" us from coming down, but what they failed to know/understand is that they only gave us "fuel" for the fire that we all carried with us to that meeting. And when we left, the "fire" was still burning, but "not" burning in the manner that flames burn, but we burned them with: TRUTH, WORD, PICTURES, TEARS, DIALOGUE AND SCRIPTURE...and they couldn't stand it! They knew we were there for with a PLAN and we had a PURPOSE and we EXECUTED! We all gave them all some "Food for Thought." And I BET they are still EATING and THINKING on our words TODAY. But campus, WE all STOOD...and I mean that literally...all the Bulldogs STOOD on their feet...as each speaker came up to the mic. Can you imagine...oh but you can, can, can...imagine how each speaker must have felt, with all of that warmth around them from the bulldogs and their "uncontrollable" vocal hooray shout outs that echoed that auditorium! Our teachers and parents would have been so proud of us, because that was our soul purpose/plan for being there...to represent our school, our educators, and our parents, who all paved the way and left an Historical legacy for us...as well as for the City of Dallas and our community. The Boards Fund raising strategy or receiving donations from the highest bidder would not fly with us. (I said: Find Another Way.}
We showed up and we showed out! We let them know that 'WE WILL NOT BE BOUGHT.'
LaShonda Cooks from the Dallas Examiner called me just a moment ago...she was advised by Brenda Fields to contact speakers and get their concerns/comments, of what we said, and of the reactions from last nights meeting...so to avoid any misinterpretation of "my" spoken words/speech, I emailed her a "hard copy." hahahah...I wanted her to get it "RIGHT." Family, this discussion continues and the crusade continues...because it ain't over yet.
I was there as well as all of you , maybe you weren't there in person,but you were there in spirit and truth . I don't know where to start. I have never been so proud being a Bulldog.We were placed last on the agenda , we waited our turn , Although we were last to speak their first mistake ,was to have Deborah as one of the top speakers . After the first Bulldog set the stage Deborah got that baton and when she took her seat ,the stage was set ,decorated ,and curtain drawn. Deborah was so direct , in tune with the issues, an intelligent but intensify delivery,that she was not only heard but felt.It didn't seem fair to have Galen come up next. That baritone voice ringing out with the clarity , distinction, and intellect,designated to all with ears of understanding. The board had no ideal what was coming next, This mild manner gentleman name Louis Lamar came out smoking. Lamar brought all types of intangible . First he has the mind of a Professor and the mentality of a preacher .His love and passion for our great school was so strong that he had to take his seat before he became overwhelm with emotions . The good news is , his heart felt love for Booker T. made its way to every single person in the room,even the police . Amathullah show the board a copy of every Class Reunion Souvenir Book from the pass ten years. Just joking but she showed them enough books to let them know that we are active and in communication with each other.She made it clear that we stand together. Bill Betzen an ex school teachers with three children to graduate from Booker T.felt the need to speak out. Next we surprise them with a brother who never have problems with words , looking like a High Prince , Thabiti came with a hard right and finish with an uppercut to the jaw . .He knocked them all over the ring with words of truth and wisdom.Even telling them that they have lied to us before and we won't be lied to again because we will stay ready to defend our history. After Thabiti put them in their places ,we shower them with some smoothness, next was Mr always cool ,clam , and collected. This well manner gentleman name Charles Wilson spoke from the heart but there was a firmness in his voice when he repeated himself saying . I will keep it simple ,he said , leave the name Booker T. Washington alone. ,Leave the name Booker T. Washington alone . Our last speaker was Mrs McDaniel she brought our message home with the word of God. She let the board know that God is watching and not please with any wrong doing. Not knowing where to start but I know where to finish .I would like to finish where all our bulldogs speakers spoke from tonight THE HEART !
TWO DISD TRUSTEES HAVE BEEN FRANTICALLY CALLING US WHO ARE LISTED TO SPEAK TONIGHT AGAINST RENAMING BTW !!
(Nothing to worry about, they essentially say ...)
DON'T BUY IT...ALL IS NOT WELL on this issue in DISD Trustees-Land
-----------------------------------------------
KEEP YOUR PLAN TO SHOW UP AND SPEAK OR STAND WITH THOSE WHO DO !
(Dallas Tx - Nov. 17, 2011)
Dallas ISD Board Trustees Bernadette Nutall and Mike Morath 'took the time' last night and this morning to telephone those of us who have registered to speak at tonight's Board meeting at 3700 Ross Avenue at Washington, trying to assure us that there is no way the name of Booker T. Washington High School will be changed. Implicit in those calls seems to be the hope to soften or eliminate our speakings.
Speakers registered are strongly encouraged to show up and speak as planned with no weakening of our messages.
Careful listening to words of the 2 trustees' calls reveals an "if I can prevent it" aftertone, and no definitive declaration that it won't happen.
That is the same thing I'm sure most felt when people showed up at 2501 Flora one day in 2005 and "Voila!" -- the name had been changed with no pre-announcement ... all done "behind the scenes" by self-serving political and financial parties! Our speaking out with decorum at every possible meeting keeps in front of trustees that we are vigilant against that happening again.
Board policy "CW (LOCAL)" introduced recently by trustee Mike Morath reopens a door of opportunity for 2005 to repeat itself, and other things of concern. Long-time civic stragetists watching Board actions tell us speaking on this at every meeting is a must while that policy goes through a prescribed process to get to a 'final vote' stage.
Bernadette Nutall
Mike Morath
They can't "Wear" us down! But we can "Wait" them out. We've come to far by FAITH. We will "come"....we will "speak out," we will be "peaceful" and we will "Triumph" on 11-17-11...tonight.
Stalling can't hurt us, because we have a PLAN. WE HAVE A PLAN...and we will follow it wherever it leads us! The "Journey" continues, because our Ancestors "Started" it. Never forget where you came from, because the "Seed" was planted on solid ground...Booker T. Washington High School. If WE don't "Nurture" it...it will die. Don't let our school Name die! We have plenty of water (students) who are willing to do their fair share to keep our Historical school's NAME flourishing.
This potential change in naming policy points to the moral dangers our nation is facing. Do we really want to move a normal statement of respect or honor, the naming of a school, so that it is available for purchase by the highest bidder?
We need to really think long and hard about the message we are sending our students before such a change in policy is allowed.
I have been calling the 972-925-3720 number to register to speak since 11 AM and continue to get a very strange message indicating the voice mail is not yet set up. Nobody is answering the phone.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next