Earlier this month, former Washington, D.C. schools chancellor Michelle Rhee announced her plans to launch Students First, a national movement to transform education.  You might remember Rhee's high profile work as receiving the praise of school reformers nationwide and the scorn of teacher unions.  Regardless of which side of the fence you sit, her message is startling.  Her comment alone that "the children in our schools today will be the first generation of Americans who will be less educated than the previous generation" should move us all to action.

One day before Rhee's announcement, Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank, appeared on 60 Minutes and said in his own way that unless we work to ensure that all children receive a fair and equitable Opportunity to Learn, we not only hurt their future but the future prosperity of our society.  When asked about the gap between rich and poor, Bernanke said that this gap, which has become the biggest income disparity of any industrialized country in the world, is based on educational differences.  It is these differences that lead to an unequal society.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and others have stated that public school reform is the civil rights issue of our generation.  As African Americans, we surely remember what it meant to be a part of the civil rights movement.  So whether you join the NAEAACLD's Stand Up! Campaign, Michelle Rhee's Students First, or another effort that you believe will lead to improving educational outcomes for our children, make a commitment during this season to give financially, become a volunteer, or simply lend your voice for our children, this country, and for all of us.

Visit the NAEAACLD website at http://www.aacld.org to become a member, make a donation, or join our mailing list to get involved. 

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season and the happiest of new years!