ABOVE PHOTO: Students of Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter Elementary School greeting members of Temple University’s Football Team
Group of over 100 professional men of color, including doctors, lawyers, politicians and many more, participate in a program designed to inspire students during Black History Month
The 100th day of school at Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter Elementary School was celebrated for the “Men of Frederick Douglass.” The event took place at Frederick Douglass Mastery Charter School on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
The school is located at 2118 W. Norris St.
A broad range of 100 professional men of color – athletes, businessmen, community leaders, doctors, educators, lawyers, musicians, politicians volunteered to participate in a morning of inspiration and support for the students. Among the participants was Philadelphia Police
Police Commissioner Richard Ross
Commissioner Richard Ross. The men shared their stories of how and why they chose their various career paths. They also instructed the students on what they should be doing to emulate their models of success.
“Our goal was to bring 100 Men of Color from various professions. We had over 113 registered volunteers.” said Yinnely Davidson, Assistant Principal of School Culture. “This started from a vision when I was guest lecturing with a friend at Harcum College. I was talking about having more men in our building. I thought since our 100th Day of School celebration was coming up we should bring in 100 men. We hit the ground running. Every month we’ll be bringing in different men to mentor our students and build within the community.”
The program started with an enthusiastic Pep Rally with the Temple University Cheerleaders and representatives from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Pi Rho Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Epsilon Chapter, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, Epsilon Chapter.
The rally was followed by Career Day discussions for children in grades 4 and 5. The morning was exceptionally inspirational for the children.
“Participating in events like this is vitally important to these children,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross. “We want to show them what they can attain in life and the success that a good education will bring them. There’s no substitute for inspiring children to reach for their dreams and goals.”
Mastery Charter Schools operates three charter public school models – Charters, Turnarounds and Renaissance. The charter is approved by the school district in which the charter school is located. Mastery Charter Schools currently operates 21 elementary, middle and high schools in Philadelphia and Camden.
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