We might have a Black president, but that doesn't mean that systems of oppression are not still firmly in place, especially here in Boston.  The mainstream media would still have us think that, with the exception of a few shining hip-hop artists, athletes, and, well, one Commander in Chief, black people are largely incapable of succeeding in the professional world.  If, as allies, we are are going to help dismantle the stereotypes and remove the stigmas holding down our brothers and sisters, we must support them in holding up the role models and leaders within the community who are rewriting the story every day.

The Massachusetts Green Jobs Coalition (MAGJC) is dedicated to supporting this work, and we are happy to be here today at a special meeting of "Black People for Better Schools," to "honor the 11 of Boston's Black Male Educators and their commitment and passion to serve the youth in our communities."  These headmasters of Boston Public Schools have so often done so much with so few resources. It is so important to highlight their steadfast efforts and successes.

We are in the Piedmonte Room at Boston City Hall, filled with some of the strongest leaders in the Boston Public School system and the local Black community.  We are so very honored to be able to attend this event in solidarity and mutual support.  Spirits are high as a few of the honored headmasters address the crowd. "Fools have called this a thankless job," proclaimed Winston Cox, Director of the Social Justice Academy, "but we are reminded how important it is, every single day."

These men continue to work diligently in what was today referred to as "the trenches of education," to provide critical role models for so many young people in the Boston Public School system. As Headmaster Cox tells his students, "You can see us, so you can be us."

This special event was organized by Horace Small, Director of the Union of Minority Neighborhoods, and sponsored by The Black Men's Leadership Group, The Women's Network, and The National Black College Alliance. In attendance were several Boston City Councilors, including City Council President Mike Ross, and Councilors Chuck Turner, Ayana Pressly.

The following 11 Headmasters were honored at tonight's event:

Winston Cox

Social Justice Academy

Frederick McDowell

Brighton High school

Charles (Chuck) McAfee

Madison Park Technical Vocational High School

Rasheed Meadows

Urban Science Academy

Kwesi Moody

Dorchester Academy

Dr. Sito Narcisse

English High School

Rodney Peterson

Odyssey High School

Michael Rubin

East Boston High School

Steven Sullivan

John. D. O'Bryant High School of Math and Science

Rudolph (Rudy) Weekes

Media Communications Technology High School

Mweusi Willingham

The Engineering School

Black People for Better Schools is "a broad-based civic engagement campaign that brings together all segments of the Black community. Our message is clear: we are outraged by the lack of quality education for our children and we want change now. For more invormation, visit www.unionofminorityneighborhoods.org