Statement by Council Member Letitia James to Reinforce the call for New York City Schools to hold a Special Assembly for President Obama’s Education Address
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2009
“That’s why today, I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them,” said President Barack Obama.
This week, over 1 million children returned to New York City schools. We have faith and trust that our daughters, sons, nieces, and nephews will receive the best education available.
Let’s support President Obama as he leads our country on the path back to good health by sharing the President’s Education Address with students, particularly those youth in Central Brooklyn. Encouraging our children to do their homework and pay attention at school, as well as to have long term educational goals provides the right direction needed for students in this country.
President Obama said: “So today, I want to ask you, what your contribution is going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make?”
The President’s words to the country’s youth are inspirational and motivational. I agree that encouraging students to learn, and also to respect adults are good messages. This is the advice I, and many others have heard from adult family members and friends while growing up.
The President simply challenged students to do their best, to stay focused and take pride in their education. His speech was a rich civics lesson. President Obama is a parent that cares; his positive message speaks to doing the right thing, and doing your absolute best regardless of one’s circumstances and background.
“So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it,” said President Obama.
Children are part of President Obama’s constituency – this week’s speech to students was a “state of the union” (for kids) to strive to be fully contributing members of a great country. A strong country requires strong people. President Obama knows that all eyes are on him and that today’s youth are connected and paying close attention. He delivered clear expectations for all school age children no matter the ethnicity.
This speech is a reality check for students in the United States to listen closely to their parents and schools. It is obvious that President Obama’s goal is to remind young people that they too can achieve greatness. The majority of the country voted for change last November… Now, President Obama is showing us the reasons why we elected him.
President Obama said: “Where you are right now doesn’t have to determine where you’ll end up. No one’s written your destiny for you. Here in America, you write your own destiny. You make your own future.”
Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191
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