Over 30 years ago....Helen typing stories...the journey continues... Greetings to those of you that already know me and to those I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet. I am a black woman, mother, grandmother, educator, artist, and fighter for children…still a work in progress. In this particular “conversation” I want you to have some sense of who I am and what I am about. I raised 4 children (now adults at various stages in their development) and I am a Grandma of 5. I have been blessed to work with children for over 30 years in various ways…and there are unbelievable stories from that journey ― some that hurt you and scar you to the core and others that warm and touch your heart. Tonight when I came home from work, spirit told me to write and send this particular blog out ― immediately, with urgency! I have no idea why I felt this tremendous sense of urgency to write this tonight. But I listen to the voice of the Creator. I have learned through many hard lessons that when the Creator tells me to do something ― not to question it, but to obey. So I am obeying the message I was given. My original intent of this blog was to focus on health, and holistic healing. Tonight the conversation is about Black families and public education. However, in reality any aspect of our life has to do with holistic healing – be it physical, mental, emotional, education, family, survival, etc. Folks, I have been working on a book about the stories of Black families in public education for a while. For me, it will be one way of sharing the stories I have been blessed to experience first hand as a mother, teacher, woman, neighbor and friend. I find that when people hear stories of diverse families, different situations and various experiences, that they get a better understanding of what people go through which can make us all more sensitive to the plight of others ― if we care. Over the years I have also spent many nights in meetings and on the phone talking with relatives and friends about public school drama that they and I were dealing with as parents and teachers. I raised 4 children in the public schools of New Jersey and I could go on an on about my families experiences. But, I want to hear from you. I want you to share with me the stories you have lived, the experiences you have gone through both good and bad as parents, students, teachers, school staff, friends, neighbors, etc. I want to include your stories in this book by sharing “real life” experiences of Black folks, from across the country. It is important that we share and publicly reveal our stories, because some people go through certain experiences with teachers, schools and programs and think it is them alone. They sometimes suffer in silence, and other times celebrate in isolation. It is important to describe and expose the reality of what is happening to Black students in public schools and to also look at how to change an inherently flawed system. If you are interested in sharing a story or experience with us, please send it as a comment or as an attachment to this blog. We will protect your privacy if you choose to share your story with us. Your name, child's name and school name will not be shared. We need to include diverse experiences in the book to show the challenges Black children are facing in public schools on a national level. We also want to focus on ways to bring about positive and productive change! We look forward to your stories. Thank you. Helen Tinsley CommentsThad Govan 04/15/2010 08:33
Shalena Laiz 04/16/2010 07:29
hi Im a student at Crotona Academy and also of Mr. Cruz. I will be sending you some poems that i wrote and i will appricate feedback and i would like to be on your mailing list. i am 18years old and looking forward to graduate in january 2011. rj hampton 04/23/2010 18:28
Aloha mai Helen Michele 04/28/2010 10:42
Helen, you're a gifted, talented visionary in our times. Your presence on this earth is signigicant. Be blessed as you seek to empower the world. MIchele Mariola 01/15/2012 21:14
My dear Helen, I can't believed you had four kids & five grandchildren just like me! OMG I am very old. I meet u as a little girl & as I read today 1/15/2012 I am so proud of you, Helen. I also love to write. The Lord put you in my path this week that I am going through the agony of slowly but surely, losing my 91 years old mother besides that; I already lost my four kids & my five grandkids. But I still standing on the Lord who is sustaining me & in the middle of my actual situation....I FIND YOU, Helen Tinsley!! Thank You Jesus Helen 01/15/2012 21:30
Mariola...I am thankful that my words and life can be helpful to you at this time. I am humbled that one of the adults who knew me early on my journey is now proud of me.Wow! I am so sorry for all your losses. Did your Mom recently pass? Also, All your children and grands pass or become distant to you? My email is imaniinstitute@gmail.com Leave a Reply | Helen TinsleyHelen Tinsley is an educator, writer and artist who is committed to health, wellness and quality education for all. ArchivesApril 2010 CategoriesAll |
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