Men of Distinction

From left front: Darnell Wells, Shannon Lyons; from left rear: Anthony Ralph III, Zechariah Haley
Missing: Gordon Williams, Kelvin Ferguson

The young men of the Reality:101 leadership mentoring program at Brown Middle School gather after school to discuss their fundraising strategy for the year-end "expedition" field-trip planned in May. At present Morehouse College,Walmart and the local PTA, have partnered with Ezra Project, Inc. in an effort to make the trip a reality.

The program is wholly funded from the generous donations of those who want to make a difference in a child's life. Ezra Project, Inc. is a proud partner with Atlanta Public Schools (APS). If you want to know more about the organization, or a method to donate, feel free to visit http://ezraproject.yolasite.com/ Ezra Project, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) organization, your donations are tax deductible.

Won't you partner with us today?

PTA: Student Advocacy Day was a hit

Students in session

The PTA - Parent Teachers Association - sponsored Student Advocacy Day was a smashing success, with the students and teachers alike.

Students from many school's throughout the Metro Atlanta School system were on hand.

Beginning at the Floyd Room, the students learned about educational issues that are currently on the legislative floor for approval or otherwise; issues that may impact them directly.

Next - see picture - they were rustled over to the Capitol building for a bird's-eye view at lawmakers in action. The purpose being to provoke student's interest in the politics that make a difference in their lives...and the lives of those to come.

Lastly, a luncheon at the Georgia Freight Depot was scheduled for a opportunity for individuals to meet and network with their legislators; as well as a means to arrange meeting to present concerns or requests.

Personally being asked very interesting questions by some students, I had a genuine opportunity to be able to see the benefit of the event.

The PTA has, again, revealed its purpose for being. We thank you Georgia PTA for your work and concern.

Atlanta Public Schools: Produces quality results

As a testament to the level of production the Atlanta Public School system (APS) produces Jasmine Guy, a APS proud graduate of North Atlanta High, came to give back to her alma mater, speaking to the Center for the Arts  students about her experiences throughout the yrs., as a student, actor and theater performer.

This is strong indication not only of the level of alumnus that the APS system has produced over the span of many years, but right until today.

When attending Atlanta High, Ms. Guy spoke of her stage fright when called upon by one of the theater directors to audition for a part in West Side Story school production. The highlight being when one of the students asked her what she did when she was faced for an audition against someone she perceived as better than her. Ms Guy stated she would "go to the bathroom."

Atlanta school system's current direction with its High School Transformation initiative, is making great inroads into producing not only quality education, but attracting and cultivating quality teachers. 


We applaud you Atlanta Public Schools for your attention and tenacity in your desire to produce quality education...making a better society.   

Parent's Action Day 2011

Parents Action Day at the state capitol was a smashing success. Parents and partners from throughout the Metro Atlanta area converged on the Capitol in support of what was an amazing testament to the power of people, who care, in the lives of children. The forum was the 3rd annual. An event brought about for the purpose of rallying and celebrating parents who care enough to make a tangible difference in a student's life, and making the concerns of the parents of Atlanta-area students known to those that can most dramatically affect their lives: lawmakers.
 Pilot Program, a youth leadership organization, presented middle and high school students who eloquently placed their own concerns before the feet of those who have the power to address their agendas.

Vernetta Nuridden with Pilot Leadership Program Students 

Parent Action Team co-founder Vernetta Nuriddin, ever so finessefully, made quite a compelling case regarding the cuts that affect the education of our children, and ultimately the condition of our country. I look forward to Parent Action Day 2012.

2010 - 2011 Atlanta Public Schools Teacher of the Year

Belita Hamilton of the Brown Middle School earned the coveted spot through not only tenacious fortitude, but a newfound compassion for educating. Both Ms Hamilton's parents were educators, who instilled in her a desire to impact with a passion.

Originally beginning as a athletic trainer, working with collegiate sports at University of Georgia, she had a change of heart that the administration and students in the Atlanta School system are so thankful came about. Her new direction caused her to be offered Tutorial Coordinator for the McGhee King Tutorial Center at the Sickle Cell foundation of Georgia. It was then her passion was fully realized, channeling her focus and direction on obtaining certification to teach math and science....the rest is history!

Congratulations Ms Hamilton on behalf of Atlanta Public Schools, parents and students alike! We thank you for all you do!

Beverly Hall: From acclaim to disgrace

The year 1999 was the beginning of a bright future for Atlanta Public Schools. In rushed the advent of Beverly Hall, a successful educator who believing, as does the writer of this article, that though socio-elements have merit, they do not have to conclusively determine an individuals educational outcome. 


With focus and deliberation, Ms Hall set out to prove her ideals were not only real, but pragmatic with the right collaboration and conviction. 


As a testament to her theory, in 2009  Ms Hall was awarded National Superintendent of the Year by the American Association of School Administrators, the country’s top professional honor for a K-12 education leader. 


However, also simultaneously, Ms. Hall's administration was alleged by an Atlanta Constitution - Journal [ AJC] investigative team, for involvement in CRCT standardized test cheating; citing teacher participation, of which, they allege, as commander-in-chief, Ms Hall should have been privy to. 


Now, after a independent Blue Ribbon Commission report, that produced no conclusive evidence that the AJC claim was substantiated upon further review, those who once praised the heroine, implore her immediate resignation. 


It seems this fiasco has a close semblance to the overall character of humanity: The righteousness of an individual is fleeting; totally held hostage to the subjective interpretation of those concerned. 

Proper Procedures

Brown Middle School is following proper procedures to ensure their students are being lead by reputable outside agencies; who have no issues of moral turpitude.

 Ezra Project, Inc personnel today will go through extensive background checking at the superintendent's office. This is an SOP that shouldn't ever be overlooked.  On behalf of the students at Brown Middle School,  we at Ezra Project extend a warms thanks!