Comments on: Against All Odds: A Story of Tenacity, Hard Work, and Higher Education

By: Artise Hardy

Artise Hardy — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 01:08:20 +0000

Congratulations ladies!! You are an inspiration to your families, communities and other young women…

I found this article after reading today’s NYT’s article on black college graduation rates and stumbling upon JBHE’s 2007 article. My heart is full of joy at your tenacity, perseverance, and accomplishments…

Artise Hardy

By: D.Patton

D.Patton — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:21:36 +0000

Congrats, ladies! Remarkable accomplishments!

By: Molly M. Penny

Molly M. Penny — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:51:26 +0000

I am very gratified and pleased to actually learn about the path which these young women took in order to achieve success as I personally know of or have been acquainted with their families. My husband, Julian and I have watched some of these young women grow from childhood to maturity, and have been friends with either their Grandparents, parents, or siblings for the past 30 or more years. It is amazing that they continued to persevere with the help of family, friends, college counselors, and faculty advisors and administrative assistance. Having grown up, attended Northern IL University and taught in Waukegan Public Schools for 40 years, I am so very proud to know of the many successes of our young people as opposed to the failures which most frequently are publicized.
Sincerely,
Molly M. Penny

By: STEPHEN PAUL DELSOL

STEPHEN PAUL DELSOL — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:10:10 +0000

Georginia, the story of these four young ladies is an inspiration for females as well as males. Seventeen percent of children in America are raised in male-headed single-parent households.

Over two-thirds of black children in America, the Caribbean and Britain are born and raised in single-parent households.

It is absolutely important that the story of Kenya Hicks, Tashea Stanley-Dixon, Khadija Darr, and Kenji Kuykendall is shared and reproduced millions of times locally, nationally, and internationally.

By: STEPHEN PAUL DELSOL

STEPHEN PAUL DELSOL — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:52:11 +0000

Exter, you will agree that these young ladies are in one accord in their experiences, mind, soul, and spirit. They have the unity and power to do whatever they want to do. If they want to be millionaires there is absolutely nothing and no one that can stop them. That’s the secret of their success.

By: Georgia I. Hesse

Georgia I. Hesse — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:05:58 +0000

These are terrific American success stories. I am indebted to Melody Fuller for knowledge of these stories. As a former travel editor of a major newspaper, I am well aware of the difficulties suffered by many would-be students, especially from minority groups and especially in third-world countries. If we want the United States to continue to be a force for good in the world, we MUST each make the most of her opportunities. You women are doing that and you will help change the world and, certainly, your own worlds. CONGRATULATIONS!

By: Exter Baskerville-Johansson

Exter Baskerville-Johansson — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:08:05 +0000

As a former teacher and higher ed financial aid professional, I had the opportunity to work with many young people facing huge obstacles. It was so easy for them to lose their way or take the easy way out. These young ladies have proven that with faith, family and their focus on a positive vision, they are totally Women of Quality. Big!Big!Big!

By: Doris Hankins

Doris Hankins — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:37:25 +0000

The four of you are remarkable women. You have beat the odds. You are wonderful examples for your children, family, and each of you have become role models to other women within your community.

By: Yvette Roundtree

Yvette Roundtree — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:29:15 +0000

What an absolutely inspiring article! I get so tired of reading and hearing about how terrible our children are doing. Its nice for a change to read something uplifting. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you!

By: STEPHEN PAUL DELSOL

STEPHEN PAUL DELSOL — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:24:26 +0000

Francene, as a principal you know about the power of role models. After all, you and the teachers in your school are positive role models.

The power of a role model to influence others depends upon many interacting variables. Gender and race are two factors that influence attitudes and behaviors, whether positively or negatively.

Research show that females are more powerful role models for other females, and males for males. Likewise, African-Americans are more powerful role models for other African-Americans. When gender and race combine the impact of the two is more powerful!

If it was possible for Kenya Hicks, Tashea Stanley-Dixon, Khadija Darr, and Kenji Kuykendall to run workshops and seminars in your school, and urban schools across this nation, I have no doubt that they would have a major impact on the attitudes and behaviors of girls, and boys, alike.