Publisher's Synopsis
Growing up in a poor neighborhood significantly reduces the chances that a child will graduate from High School; this is according to a study published in an issue of the American Sociological Review. It details that the longer a child lives in an economically depressed neighborhood, the more harmful the impact will be. Because of this erroneous depiction, of living in an economically depressed state, many have already speculated that our students have a running head start towards prison. "Because of Them, We Can(c)" was started by Eunique Jones Gibson in February 2013 as a 28-day photo campaign where children appeared as iconic Black History figures of the past and present. I adopted the idea as a black history project of African American leaders that were born, currently living in, and/or those that made a mark in the Saint Louis Metropolitan area - including East Saint Louis. This book is filled with individuals; most born in Saint Louis - just like you. The majority of them were dealt bad hands growing up. Some of them were introduced to violence, drugs, one parent homes and so much more. Which each bio that you read, you will be encouraged and your faith strengthen. Because some kind of way, regardless of the odds, each one of them found the strength and determination to create a change. Habakkuk 2: 2 says, "Write the vision and make it plain." Each student was labored with the task of listing a future high school to graduate from, a college they hope to attend, places to visit/travel and something new that they want to learn. Turning each page you will value the gratitude, appreciation, ambition and dreams of each students; with the resolution, that one day each student will look back and either measure their progress or monitor their procrastination. It is the hope that these words of affirmations, unknowingly written by each student, will denounce the stereotype that has unfortunately crippled the mindset of our future. As you read this book, please do so with an open heart. During a time when black youth are so negatively characterized by society, this collection of leaders, proves ever so clearly that there is still hope for our youth!
