By Godfrey J. Dillard Sr. Esq.
Is there any more intractable problem facing America than urban education? Detroit does not have to look far to see how difficult the challenge is, how high the mountain, and how devastating the fall. Our recent experience with the state takeover of the Detroit’s public school system wounded and burned deeply the identity of Detroit as a proud city. Stigmas of incompetence, mismanagement and kickbacks were everywhere. In its wake, lost pensions, and worse, a possible loss of a generation of underserved children.
Education, no doubt, is the hope for the future. Without a quality educational system, a city is not likely to deliver the high-energy environment that the tech-savvy generation of the twenty-first century is searching for. The internet is of limited economic opportunity value; if you only have minimal reading, writing, comprehension and analytical skills. Education is the engine that drives capitalism, innovation, manufacturing and the global economy.
I believe President-elect Biden understands the necessity for a quality education; is committed to uplifting all children in America’s urban cities; and to give them a chance to obtain the American Dream of self-sufficiency, liberty and happiness. The Democratic Party Platform gives further promise of educational policies and reforms that may make a difference.
However, more will be needed than written policies and lofty ideas. President-elect Biden needs to find a Secretary of Education who has the experience, the character, and the proven track record of success, to explain the vision, to inspire and to deliver the goods. I say, Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, Chancellor of Wayne County Community College District is that person, that educator, that leader.
We who live in Detroit, know Dr. Ivery. There is no need to list his accomplishments, awards, books, and community service. We know this family man, who became a Detroiter. Who promised change to a dysfunctional Wayne County Community College District and delivered change. A man who opened the doors of WCCCD to thousands of people of all demographics to the transformational power of education. A nationally acclaimed educator who created a transparent, ethnically diverse and competent administration team. A business leader who created workforce partnerships with educational, governmental and business entities, which created jobs and the promise of increased wages, knowledge, experience and self-respect for graduates of WCCCD. And let us not forget, before coming to Detroit, in Arkansas, he led a major state agency under former-President Clinton.
It is no secret that Michigan was key to Biden’s winning the Presidency. Likewise, it was the historic voter turnout of Wayne County that made the difference in winning Michigan’s Electoral College votes. I think President-elect Biden owes Michigan and Wayne County
something.
Wayne County electors raised the bar by voting for candidate Biden. Now President- elect Biden can raise the bar even higher by appointing Dr. Curtis L. Ivery as our next Secretary of the United States Department of Education.
Get on the phone or write Senators Stabenow and Peters, Congresspersons Lawrence and Talib, Governor Whitmer, Lavore Barnes, Michigan Democratic Party, and other influential political leaders. The selection process for Cabinet members is currently underway in the new administration. Now is another moment in time to make again our voice be heard, our voice respected. We can make this happen.
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