Welcome to the website of the Friends of

The W. E. B. Du Bois Academy Charter School!

 

The W. E. B. DU BOIS ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL IS A SCHOOL DESIGNED TO EDUCATE 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH GRADERS AROUND THE THEME OF “SOCIAL JUSTICE”.

 

Do you believe that all students have the potential for greatness?

 

Are you concerned by the propensity toward pessimism and self-destruction among today's youth?

 

Are you distressed by the lack of academic achievement by our youngsters?

 

Do you believe that today's youth need to know about the transformation of human societies?

 

Do you want to help develop youngsters who are empowered, emboldened and enlivened by historic movements for social justice?

 

IF SO, YOU CAN HELP US TO CREATE A BOLD NEW EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION THAT WILL PRODUCE SUCH YOUNG PEOPLE.

 

Here is how you can help:

 

  • You can offer your expertise in developing curriculum for 6th, 7th and 8th graders around the theme of "Social Justice" as we are interested in infusing that theme into every discipline.

 

  • You can help with our fund raising efforts for this exciting school.

 

  • You can make a tax-deductible contribution to support our future school.

 

  • You can, via this website, offer suggestions, prayers, comments and your thoughts in support of the attainment of our goal.

 

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The poem "The Rising" was written by Mr. Joel Willis. Joel Willis is a junior at Hofstra University majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing. He is a scholarship recipient at the University. His ambitions are to become a writer of short stories and poetry, and to teach at the collegiate level.

Mr. Willis captures exactly our pressing and burning need to be faithful to our magnificent ancestors and our dedication to our long tradition of social justice and human liberation. "The Rising" gives life to our urgings to create the W. E. B.
Du Bois Academy.

 

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THE IDEA OF A SCHOOL GERMINATES

 

 

Frank Whelan Smith, former Senior Assistant Provost and Affirmative Action Officer at Hofstra University, was the Director of the University's New Opportunities at Hofstra (NOAH) Program for over twenty years.  The NOAH Program was a pioneering effort designed to bring into Hofstra University students who did not meet the University's normal admission criteria.  These students had SAT scores and high school averages well below what was expected of the regularly admitted undergraduates.  Students in the Program were primarily African-American and Latino.  If not for the NOAH Program, many of them would not have had an opportunity for a college education.  These students were short on academic skills, but were not short on academic promise, potential, and a yearning to be successful. Inspired by a profound faith in each student, and through the use of supportive services and the inculcation of the values of self worth and human integrity, Frank Smith was able to transform these students into academic and community success stories.

 

Hundreds of students participated in the NOAH Program and are now successful lawyers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers, or are engaged in other professional endeavors.  These are the same types of students who currently fill our public schools.  These students are failing, and they appear to be impoverished of all hope.   They need our help. 

 

Frank Whelan Smith is deeply concerned about the future of our youngsters.  He was inspired to take what he learned from his NOAH Program experiences and create the

W. E. B. Du Bois Academy Charter School.  In recognition of his work with the Program and in solidarity and support of the W. E. B. Du Bois Academy, a group of his former students is sponsoring a Grand Reunion of NOAH Program Students on October 18, 2003.  Please show your solidarity for our children by joining us at this reunion in honor of an outstanding educational idealist and in support of his gallant educational objective.