Michelle Phillips
Dba K Phillips & Company
P.O. Box 26255
Tempe, AZ 85285
Office: 262:325-0660
Fax: 480-994-1618
Since race is an uncomfortable subject to talk about, I’ll do it for you. My book that I use in my presentations, not only inform educators on specific cultural patterns among Black adolescents, I also teach how to counter stereotypes while leaving the “offender” with his or her dignity intact.
I want to move organizations and schools to the next level by assisting them in providing effective culturally competent services. My presentations are exciting, interactive and informative.
Why is this important you may ask, because stereotypes still exists. My presentations will give teachers the knowledge to become effective change agents in the way the world sees race. If European American educators are not familiar with the culture of the youth in which he or she serves, he or she cannot effectively work with these youth, this can be a disservice. Hale-Benson (1986) supports this position he said, “Black children grow up in a distinct culture that gives rise to a distinct language system in addition to distinct behavioral characteristics that are often ignored in the educative process…what they need is an educational system that first recognizestheir abilities and their culture that draws upon these strengths and that incorporates them into the teaching process” (p. 21).
European American educators can learn how to effectively work with African American youths by becoming informed on specific cultural pattern. This will give students a sense of self-worth, afeeling of being valued, respected and accepted by their teachers, this in turn can improve test scores, negative behaviors, and possibly end racial violence in schools. Erik Erickson, a developmental theorist notes, “Appreciation for each group’s history, culture, and the values that they hold to be true,...