Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1060790
I H AV E A LWAYS S E E N M Y J O B A S E X T E N D I N G B E YO N D 3 O 'C LO C K W H E N T H E S C H O O L B E L L R I N G S. I T ' S J U S T PA R T O F W H O I A M A N D W H AT I ' V E A LWAYS D O N E ." Virginia Marshall Honoring black student achievement United Educators San Francisco irginia Marshall strongly believes that Black Grades Matter. When African-American students in San Francisco Unified School District make honor roll, she singles them out for special recognition, with a celebration attended by their families. Last year's ceremony was a joyous and heartfelt event that included hundreds of attendees at St. Mary's Cathedral. The African American Honor Roll (AAHR) has strong sup- port from faith-based organizations, corporate sponsors, the school district and local unions including United Educators San Francisco (UESF), to which Marshall belongs. In fact, UESF has contributed funding, gifts and handed out awards at ceremonies. Last year, after a decade of organizing this awards ceremony, Marshall was honored herself. She received the Ida B. Wells Risk Taker award for her hard work organizing the AAHR, which was presented to her at the National Alliance of Black School Educa- tors conference. When asked why black students deserve a celebration of their own, she explains that she wants their achievements to stand out — and inspire other African-American children to do well, including their siblings. "Unfortunately, the target population for improving student achievement has been the African-American child," says Mar- shall. "Years ago, our district was the focus of a lawsuit over the achievement of African-American children, so I feel that it's important to showcase the talents of our students and let the world know there are many talented, young black people with an academic focus that earns them a 3.0 or above." It also sends a message that academic success is some- thing to be proud of. Honor roll students mentor other students, and are told to pay it forward by bringing someone back with them next year. Her work is having an impact. When the program started more than a decade ago there were 1,000 students honored. Last year there were 1,400. As more black families are pushed out of San Francisco due to rising housing costs and gentrifica- tion, it's wonderful to see the number of black scholars on the upswing, says Marshall. Her goal is to see many of these students be the first in their families to graduate from college. Marshall, one of 11 siblings born to a mother with an eighth- grade education and a father who never finished elementary school, was a first-generation family member to graduate from college, along with nine of her siblings, who grew up on a farm in Ten- nessee. Her parents instilled in their children the importance of education. "The day of our honor roll celebration is such an amazing day. It captivates the hearts of our com- munity. Many of our parents didn't graduate from high school or have a positive experience in school, so they are delighted and proud to see these honor roll students receive the recognition they deserve." It's a one-day celebration, but there is a huge amount of work involved over the school year, because the event encompasses students attending 100 schools. Each student receives an award medallion and honor roll certificate, and all attendees receive a printed program and can attend a reception afterward. Students with a 4.0 GPA receive a Kente cloth from Africa. There are no district funds for the event, so she engages in community fundraising, too. "I don't mind the work," she says. "I would much rather do volunteer work to help students rather than attend a funeral for a student who V 30 cta.org the Innovation issue the Innovation issue I T I N O I N N E O S S V U A Innovation Issue 2018 I I 2018 Innovation issue the 2018