This post was written by Octavius Blount, Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement
The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement (OBME) is committed to redefining the image of Black males from the cradle to the cane. Representation has the power to show us our true potential. Images help us learn, images grab attention, images explain tough concepts, and inspire. Here at OBME we want to recognize hard working, inspiring, and narrative-changing Black males in the City of Philadelphia.
This year the Spotlight Series on Community Schools: Joy. Impact. Support. was created to amplify the voices, the work, and the impact of Community Schools on our young Black male ecosystems. Ultimately, we want to showcase and raise the visibility of positive Black men in Philadelphia. We believe positive representation has the power to show young Black males their own potential. Our intention is to broaden and deepen the dimensions in which Black men and boys are seen, heard, and loved.
Community Schools are a partnership between the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and school communities to remove barriers to learning and support the success of each student. The long-term goal of Community Schools is to ensure that every student graduates college-, career-, and community-ready. They also ensure communities are healthy, safe, hopeful, and supportive. In each Community School, a Community School Coordinator supports strategic partnerships and programs that promote wellness, stability, and learning opportunities for students, families, and neighbors. There are currently 17 City-designated Community Schools, serving nearly 10,000 students.
Philadelphia Community Schools focus on:
- School climate: Attendance supports, school events, and resource fairs
- Authentic family and community engagement: Facilitation of family forum events, arts and culture events, adult education classes, and parent cafes
- Integrated health and social services: Connection to behavioral and social services, emergency funds, food access, and resource distributions
- Expanded learning time and opportunities: Quality out-of-school time programs, youth summer employment, and career exploration
In collaboration with the Office of Children and Families (Community Schools), the Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement, and the Office of Innovation & Technology, OBME will be highlighting the amazing work of Community Schools and four amazing Black male Community School Coordinators.
Community School Coordinators Spotlighted for their work and impact:
Charles Reyes, Murrell Dobbins CTE High School
Charles Reyes is a lifelong Philadelphia resident and advocate for the members of his community. His life’s work is centered around making a difference for others and connecting individuals to the resources that allow them to thrive. Charles comes from a family that instilled from a young age the value of service and its impact. He seeks out work that helps others, whether it be in his community, volunteer work with his church, or as a crisis specialist. In his latest role with the City of Philadelphia, Charles’ work has been locally and nationally recognized. The greatest honor for him, however, still lies ahead in the work Charles continues to do.
Gregory Wright, Edward Gideon Elementary School
Gregory Wright was born and raised in West Philadelphia. As a product of the Philadelphia public school system he is excited for this opportunity to serve the communities that helped his educational development. Gregory obtained his Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Temple University in 2011. For the last five years he has worked in youth development and food access issues in Philadelphia, and is eager to bring this knowledge to community schools.
Jared Beck, Alain Locke School
Jared Beck is the Community Schools Coordinator at The Alain Locke School. Jared has spent the past 10 years working in crisis intervention for alternative and special education classroom settings. Nearing his 4th year living in Philadelphia, he fell in love with the city while attending Widener University.
Rennie Parker, Samuel Gompers Elementary school
Rennie Parker is a West Philadelphia native and a proud product of the public school system. Upon graduating from Overbrook High School, Rennie attended Pennsylvania State University receiving his bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice. Over the course of 19 years, Rennie has worked with various organizations and programs serving children in the public and private sectors. Rennie is an active advocate in his community. He’s served as a Block Captain, volunteers for Wynnefield Overbrook Revitalization Corp (WORC), Wynnefield Business Association (WBA), and is a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
