GREAT SCHOOLS ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT:
Successful Learning Communities for Boys and Young Men of Color

By Ron Walker

On April 26-28, 2012, the 6th Annual Gathering of Leaders will take place in Durham, North Carolina. The event will be held on the campus of North Carolina Central University. I am pleased to announce the enthusiastic support from the Durham Public Schools under the leadership of Dr. Eric Becoats, North Carolina Central University under the leadership of Chancellor Charlie Nelms, and the Durham Association of Educators under the leadership of Kristy Moore. The Gathering has become a highly anticipated "must attend" event. Our goal is to continue to make this experience a unique one.

In an effort to build on the foundation set by our previous Gatherings, we have selected our 2012 theme "Great Schools Are Not an Accident: Successful Learning Communities for Boys and Young Men of Color." This is a powerful theme that will link the often misunderstood legacy of great schools during the segregation era with great schools today that successfully educate students of color.

Further, we are excited about this theme because it will serve as an introduction to our Inaugural COSEBOC School Awards. These awards will be presented to schools demonstrating success in terms of the academic outcomes and affirmative development of their male students of color. The selected schools will join us at the Gathering and will share their story and journey to success.
In addition to the School Awards, the 6th Annual Gathering will present high quality professional seminars, a "For Leaders Only" session, a Policy Forum and three compelling speakers: Dr. Pedro Noguera, Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, and Chris Broussard. Also, this year's gathering will feature a two-day empowerment seminar for middle and high school students.

Lastly, we will keep you updated as we continue to build a strong and robust program agenda.

See you in Durham.
Best regards,
Ron