Three hundred young men are still reeling from Dream Now: The Transformation.
Hosted by the Gary Community School Corporation in collaboration with Ivy Tech Community College (Gary), Purdue University Calumet (PUC) and the Institute for Leadership and Performance Improvement, Dr. Cheryl Pruitt, Superintendent of the Gary Community School Corporation, said the event was overwhelmingly successful.
Now the Gary Community School Corporation will host part two featuring Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the keynote speaker from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2016 in the East Chicago Central High School Auditorium, 1100 W. Columbus Dr., East Chicago, IN.
“We’re elated at what Dream Now: The Transformation delivers,” said Pruitt. “As we work to restore justice in our children and empower them, it’s critical that we encourage them to dream, equip them with relevant tools, and stand beside them as a support.”
“That’s why I’m excited about Mr. Johnson’s appearance. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.” Pruitt added that the time spent with the boys is part of a larger vision that includes the American Promise Grad Nation event to be held on March 9, 2016 – an initiative focused on increasing the graduation rate nationwide.
“We’re in a critical hour as it relates to our youth and education especially our black males,” she said. “We’re dealing with issues we’ve never faced before; they are tough but not insurmountable. That’s what they learned from former NFL player Shawn Harper.”
Pruitt said none of this would’ve been possible without the collaboration between the school district, Ivy Tech Community College (Gary), Institute for Leadership and Performance Improvement, and Purdue University Calumet.
“When you discover this type of collaboration – one that pulls resources, talent, and time together with students at the forefront you can feel the excitement,” she said. “Knowing the mentorship and skills being instilled re-energizes me and gives our children a sense of hope and a brighter future. As this partnership continues, the momentum builds.”
Pruitt recalled Harper’s words: “You’re not born winners or losers, you’re born choosers.” She said, “That’s awesome for our children to hear. “However, it’s also words our community should embrace because no “one” person or “organization” or “business” can eradicate what’s eroding education and our families.”
Following the morning event, Johnson will be the keynote speaker at a 6:00 p.m. RSVP dinner that evening at “Centennial at 504”. Johnson was scheduled to appear November 30 but was unable to keep the commitment due to the historical announcement of the first minority manager, Dave Roberts, of the Los Angeles Dodgers where he is part owner.