What’s Next for Hidden Figures In The Future

What’s Next for Hidden Figures In  The Future
by William Jackson

Congratulations to Latanya Richardson and her daughter
Taylor Richardson for the success of showing Hidden
Figures in Jacksonville, Florida to over 200 girls.
The awesome story of how African American women
helped NASA to put astronauts into space and bring
them back to earth.
Girls and women from around Jacksonville, Florida
attended representing groups and schools from
around the city. As a teacher I had the honor to bring
several students from Venetia Elementary School a
Medical Magnet STEM that teaches grade K to 5^th 
and a Lee High School student. My only regret is
that I could not bring more.

The emotional and psychological inspiration of
this movie demands to ask what is next to keep
the seriousness and the historical value of this
movie moving forward. STEM and STEAM that
are being applied in the educational cultures of
schools is seen as not only career necessary, but
has scientific, business and commerce influences
in this country and on a global scale.
The movie brilliantly showed not just the struggles
of women in the NASA Space Program, but showed
the value and application of their education.
The reason why educational degrees are important,
the value of visiting the library to learn new things
and applying them to real world situations, and the
personal responsibility to prepare for the future.

There were many scenes where the women were called
“computers” as their analytical abilities where recognized,
but only later were they respected after showing and
demanding equality through leadership opportunities and
promotions that were withheld only because of their color.
Working with many types of math and integrating
mathematical equations that sometimes had to be created.
This shows that girls and women have the skill sets and
analytical abilities to function in complex and STEAM
areas that demand creativity and innovation.

Hidden Figures addressed several civil rights issues in the
areas of political and educational equality that in some cases
are still being addressed for Blacks, Hispanics and others of
color, the struggle still continues and there
have been many successes.

Girls and women will take away many lessons from the
movie and see how history was changed not just by
protests, by going to school to earn advanced degrees,
learning the laws of the nation, how to speak properly
without using profanity, the importance of family unity
and support and setting goals that everyone works towards.
Another important key is to carry or act like there is
self-pride, cultural respect and intelligence.  A key lesson
shared is that children  learned early that education is
the ticket to a better life even when there are struggles
and challenges to be overcome.

Even seeing the implementation of “new” technologies
at the time when early computers where not as easy to
use, but there was continued learning in programming
languages that demanded studying and forward thinking.
The movement to gaining educational parity and equality
is a great value for boys and girls of color, this movie is
worth seeing again and applied to the learning initiatives
in all schools to allow students to see the why they
need to be serious about their education and the vision
for their dreams of success.

Seeing the new IBM computers being used, but it
took a woman to learn the programming language to
make it work sends a message that women are as smart
and intelligent as men, even if those men are Black
or white.
There are no barriers than can stop girls and women
from gaining leadership skill-sets and applying the
intelligence to make positive and historical changes.
Parents, mothers, fathers, and grandparents if you
have not seen Hidden Figures take your children and
other children if possible to see this movie that not
only shows the historical application of education
and cultural  pride and respect, that gender is not
a liability, color is not a curse, there is a blending of
historical successes and  global influence.

Hidden Figures opens the mind’s eye that anything is
possible, that dreams can be achieved, and intelligence
is Dope and Lit.
What is next is up to parents, schools, churches and
communities to support children, youth and teens.
Time will tell, graduations rates from high school
and college will tell and the growing number of girls
and boys of color in  STEM careers will tell.

 

There Are More Hidden Figures Around Us

Dr. Mae Jemison and Taylor Richardson

There Are More Hidden Figures Around Us
by Prof. William Jackson @wmjackson
Edward Waters College

“I’m just amazed at the shoulders that I’m standing
on to allow me to work to achieve my dreams.”
Taylor Richardson, attending “Hidden Figures”
premiere at the White House 2016

Dedicated to the past Hidden Figures that allowed
girls and boys to embrace STEM – STEAM – STREAM
and grasp new opportunities to fulfill dreams from the
depths of the sea, to the height of the clouds to the
deepest of space.
The movie ”Hidden Figures” 2016 is inspiring thousands
of girls and women to eliminate the fear of learning,
to understand the fun of exploration, embrace artistic
creativity, develop themselves as “thought leaders” and
“smart creatives.” To understand that it is ok to be smart,
gifted, talented and special. The perceived glass ceiling of
career limitations has been shattered by the flames of
curiosity to explore not just the limitations of earth’s
atmosphere and her seas, but has moved into the air less,
weightless and limitless expanse of space and time.

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE of Jacksonville, Florida

The emergence of STEM – Science Technology Engineering
Math is looking good to girls and women as careers explode
in diversity in the embracing of girls and women into areas
at one time exclusively open to men, white men.
The irony of “Hidden Figures” is that research has proven
that women are more analytical and able to comprehend
and apply mathematics skills faster than men. They are more
detailed oriented and specific about applying learning to
real world situations.

African Americans and others of color have been involved
with most if not all space agencies, this involvement is not
just as custodians, cooks, maintenance and other support
personnel. These positions are important, they help the
people do the jobs they to do and service this country.
The other aspect is not just as service personnel, but the
intellectual abilities that allow for NASA and other agencies
to meet with success and build a legacy through the
intelligence of everyone that contributes. People of color
have always and will continue to contribute, they have not
received the recognition they deserve.

STEM / STEAM are the hottest sectors in the U.S. job market
and has grown to international levels. Even before it became
a commonly used word the elements of STEM have been
important. Because of movies like “Hidden Figures” and others
doors of imagination and dreams are growing for girls,
women, boys and men of color and culture.

STEM does not start in high school or higher education, it
starts in elementary education labs, classrooms and weekend
competitions and events. It starts in after school programs and
new curriculum’s that teachers have a passion to apply new
and exciting ways to engage students that were once thought
slow or different, but were actually higher order and critical
thinkers, just bored with cookie cutter teaching strategies
dated from the 1950s and 1970s. Today’s students need to
be engaged and active learners.

William Jackson teaching a STEAMS
class – Science Technology Engineering
Math Sports – engaging studnets.

When I taught STEAM at an elementary Magnet it is important
that learning is relevant and students can apply their past
learning to new learning and integrate it to everyday life.
If students are not engaged mentally, actively involved, have
hands on activities and allowed to explore environments there
are lost opportunities to build the excitement to allow future
scientists, mathematicians, engineers, innovators and even
technical expertise in computers and robotics.

HBCUs are important in the education
of future STEM employees.

Many people still do not realize that STEAM and STEM run the
U.S. economy, look at the growth of careers that not only require
a college degree, but certifications. “The future of the economy
is in STEM,” says James Brown, the executive director
of the STEM Education Coalition in Washington, D.C. Even
President and Mrs. Obama have encourage STEM education
through grants and national programs.

Parents must understand as well that their children’s employment
are influenced by STEM. Employment in occupations related to
STEM science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is
projected to grow to more than 9 million jobs by 2022
nationally and internationally. Children now may now have to
find jobs in the U.S. and have to travel overseas, they must be
prepared to keep this nation competitive.

U.S. relationships with the world are important because if the
U.S. does not have friendly relationships globally then research
opportunities, international collaborations, joint projects and even
educational research will be at jeopardy. We cannot afford to be
secluded because the world is diversified in economic and social
diversity.
Students should be asking what their STEM futures are and how is
their current educational instruction preparing them for the future?
Parents should be asking are their children being prepared to be
employed or setup to be under or un – employed.

“One of the things that I’ve been focused on as President is how
we create an all-hands-on-deck approach to science, technology,
engineering, and math… We need to make this a priority to train
an army of new teachers in these subject areas, and to make sure
that all of us as a country are lifting up these subjects for the
respect that they deserve.”
President Barack Obama, Third Annual White House Science Fair,
April 2013

Events like the FIRST LEGO LEAGUE by Mark Douglas McCombs
are foundations to engage youth, teens and young adults into
robotics, programming, design, innovation and as developers.
There are hundreds if not thousands of “Hidden Figures” in homes,
schools, communities, cites and this nation. They should be
encouraged, mentored and provided role models to spread their
wings to take flight to be unHidden…

Mark Douglas McCombs, center celebrating the
FIRST LEGO LEAGUE competition at The Bolles
School

Parents your child may be the scientist to discover a cure for cancer,
diabetes, heart disease; your child may be the next deep sea
explorer or engineer to develop light speed, force fields or even
new fuels to power the world. Uncover the hidden talent in your child
by supporting their education, their thirst for exploration and their
gifted abilities.

Resouces:
Statistics uses data from Occupational Employment Statistics
https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2017/science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-occupations-past-present-and-future/home.htm

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
http://www.firstinspires.org/

Jacksonville Florida FIRST LEGO LEAGUE
https://www.facebook.com/markdmccombs

The Office of Science and Technology Policy
https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/women

Hidden Figures – Taraji P. Henson
https://m.facebook.com/amightygirl/posts/1222453677790943:0

Photos:

 

Want To Be A Cool Blogger, Then Attend FlBlogCon

Want To Be A Cool Blogger, Then Attend FlBlogCon
by William Jackson, M.Ed @wmjackson
Daddy Blogger – Social Media Safety and SWAG Blogger
Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention Blogger
Mental Health Blogger Community Activist Blogger

FlBlogCon – http://flblogcon.gottagetblogging.com/

Blogging allows you to be your own
Editor – Publisher – Writer – Content Creator
Thought Leader – Influencer – Brand

Want to grow in your blogging skills and knowledge,
the opportunity is here at the upcoming
Florida Blogging Conference in Orlando, Florida
at Full Sail University http://flblogcon14.flblogcon.com/
Saturday, September 24^th

So much  to learn and the networking is great.
Come prepared to learn, share, and network;
connect with experts, creatives and innovators that
share energy and passions for building and creating
diverse content. The FlBlogCon is a great opportunity
to put aside your fears, apprehension and self-esteem
issues with your Blogging and Social Media journey.
Want to know how to do it in Social Media?
The FlBlogCon will teach you not only how, but
why.

In the 21st century you cannot question your ability
to create meaningful content, you do yourself damage
if you doubt that you are a “thought leader” or even an
“influencer.” You must have the passion, determination
and confidence in “your” ability to attract an audience
to share your ideas, dreams, talents, abilities and
apply your skills as a creator.

What better way to magnify and quantify your ability
to share information across dynamic Social Media
platforms than to attend and be engaged at the
Florida Blogging Conference

As a veteran in attendance and participation in
conversations, discussions and dialogues make sure
you’re bringing your business cards.
Update your Social Media platforms with working
email addresses, active hashtags, web sites that are
not “404 in your face.” Renew that domain name and
be prepared to pick up plenty of tips, tricks, cues,
shortcuts, strategies, tools and Apps.

Make sure you bring that power strip to share an
outlet with a potential customer or collaboration.
Charge that Tablet, Smartphone, Watch, Recorder and
other digital devices to capture those million dollar ideas
that you will be exposed to.

Wm Jackson 

Be prepared to take those “selfies” with business
leaders, and those special people you have seen on
television, YouTube, SnapChat and other sites that
digital celebrity’s hangout on. Rub elbows with
the creator Bess Auer and her awesome team.
http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/print-edition/2014/02/07/meet-the-influencers-bess-auer.html
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bess_Auer

Blogging suggestions that I share with my Educational
Technology and Social Media class at Edward Waters
College provide the encouragement and vision to stay
engaged and active in the ever changing world of Social
Media and Technology. These can be applied to the
Florida Blogging Conference

William’s suggestions to grow in your journey
as a “content creator” and “thought leader.”

1. Write as if the world is going to read your blogs,
   view your videos and download your Podcast.
   When people hear, read or view your content they
   should see, feel, hear or taste the passion for what
   your creating content about.
   2. When blogging take the time to review, rewrite,
   revise, what you have written, sometimes you have to
   come back to what you started to see a new direction.
   Don’t be afraid to re-record a Podcast or a Video Blog.
   Your content represents you!!!!
   3. Don’t trust anyone that tells you your blogs are
   “great” all the time. Have a critical eye and humility
   about your content. Ask diverse people to read your
   blogs you’re going to get different opinions, ideas,
   likes and even dislikes and perspectives.
   4. Have a hard skin and look at certain criticisms
   as room to grow. One bad opinion should not stop
   you from writing.
   5. Embrace the diversity of the world. Your blogs should
   be able to reach out to diverse audiences unless you are
   specific about who or whom you’re writing to.

   6. Don’t always write about sunshine, branch off and
   challenge your abilities to write outside your box of
   understanding and expertise. What is perplexing,
   what is disturbing, what is scary. Expand your
   abilities and challenge your skill level.
   7. When writing, write as if telling a story to a friend,
   relationships are important, building a relationship
   brings connectivity and long standing.
   8. Read other writers that you respect and admire,
   this inspires your creativity and literary growth.
   9. Storytelling paints a picture, so use words that
   encourage the imagination and tickle the senses.
   10. When writing determine if there are characters,
   challenges, conflicts that need to be overcome.
   Learn from situations and circumstances that toss
   you on your literary butt. That promotes growth.

   11. Don’t be afraid to submit your blogs to
   multiple sites. You never know who will publish
   your works. Even if you are rejected 100 times
   101 might be the one that gets you an awesome gig.
   12. Keep your passion and excitement about your
   writing, it is an extension of who you are. Don’t stress
   or over extend your writing. Some people plan,
   others just take flight. Find out what works for you.
   13. Figure out who or whom you’re writing to, leave
   opportunities to receive feedback and comments.
   14. Your writing is an important part of who you are,
   what you are growing into and how to expand  your voice.
   15. Bloggers must continue to grow in their fields, you
   may start off in a traditional blog, but be willing to
   incorporate Microblogging, Podcasting, Vblogging and
   other technologies that reach diverse audiences.

   16. Watch YouTube videos to learn, attend conferences,
   Meetups, and EdCamps, if you’re in education. Even if
   you’re not an educator attend EdCamps to learn from
   experienced educators who may own businesses and
   work as entrepreneurs.
   17. Be mindful of your content, your Brand is a
   representation of your promise for what you’re working
   to accomplish.
   18. Never assume you’re invisible, just because no one
   leaves a comment, provides feedback does not mean no
   one is watching, reading, listening or studying who
   you are.
   19. Expand your Brand by volunteering to speak at
   schools, churches, community centers to expand your
   circle and take the chance to mentor others.
   20. Blogging is a life-long journey and should be a
   life-long adventure, have fun with it.

   

   Resources on:
   FlBlogCon Facebook
   https://www.facebook.com/FLBlogCon/

   What I Learned from the Florida Blogging Conference 2015
   http://www.hypeorlando.com/my-quest-swag/2015/09/28/what-i-learned-from-florida-blogging-conference/

   What You Need for the FlBlogCon
   http://www.hypeorlando.com/my-quest-swag/2015/09/22/what-you-need-for-the-florida-blogging-conference/

   William Jackson Social Media Platforms
   Instagram:  http://instagram.com/williamdjackson
   Twitter: @Wmjackson
   Tumblr: http://Tumblr.com/WilliamDJackson
   About Me: About.me/WilliamDJackson
   WordPress: http://MyQuestToTeach.WordPress.com

   

Fatherhood from the First Day of School

Fatherhood from the First Day of School To The Last
William Jackson, M.Ed.
Educator of 27 years, Teacher of the Year,
Instructor with Edward Waters College
Parent of 2 college students

William and Sean

Each school year is an opportunity to begin anew not just for
kid, but for parents as well. To start off on a great foundation of
learning and discovery. It is also another opportunity to encourage
fathers, grandfathers, uncles, stepfathers and surrogate fathers to
mentor and volunteer in schools.
Fathers must understand they do have an impact in schools and
the need to be involved and engaged.
To be involved in making their children’s lives a better opportunity
to grow and to be better than their parents.
Fathers have to understand they leave a legacy with their children.

Nationally through the Million Father March the first day of school
is important to set the foundation for a academic year of 180 days
for learning. To improve reading and develop comprehension. To
celebrate the creatives, the innovators, the intellectuals and the
students that are not athletes nor are they entertainers. They are
the “smart” kids that sometimes to do not get recognized,
they do not get noticed and sometimes even picked on and bullied.

A father presence can stop bullying, they can stop harassment,
they can build self-esteem and self-confidence. In this mission
fathers are key to motivating, encouraging, and making learning
exciting and even protecting and guiding their and other kids.

No matter the educational level of the father, data shows how
important fathers are. Dads, stepdads and male figures
do account for success in the classroom and school environment.
Not to mention active fathers improve communities.

School districts if they are not should accept
fathers and use them as a motivational tool
and role models to help students see other
options in careers and success.
In many school districts fathers are welcomed
and encouraged to attend PTA meetings,
join School Advisory Councils and even
encouraged to attend school board meetings
contributing in school improvement discussions.
Fathers have a different perspective and need
to be used for their wisdom and knowledge.

Men don’t let a potential background issues
keep you from registering to volunteer for
your child’s educational success. Children need
the support and value that men show for education.

My daughter and I when she was in elementary
school, I visited her school once a month with
my son and daughter.
Took off work and made that sacrifice. Still
picked up my son and daughter every other weekend.
It was not easy and many miles of travel.

Support should not be just on the first day,
it should be every day, every week and every
month. What would happen if parents decided
they do not want to be parents for a week or
a month. That is the case in some situations
in schools.

Many schools started after the Labor Day
weekend. Fathers should know their children’s
teachers, the Principal, Vice Principal, who
the Guidance Counselor is.
Father should know or have a copy of the lunch
schedule and even locked in their phones
the schools number.
Fathers should know what the school start time
and end time is as well so they can pickup their
kids or be able to attend parent / teacher
conferences.

Tag yourself through the year in the hashtag
#BackToSchool, #MillionFatherMarch on Twitter,
Facebook and other Social Media platforms to
show your support and involvement in the
schools this year in your community and in your city.

Keep  up to date on school events and activities,
stay connected and engaged.

Everyone wins and everyone benefits when
fathers and concerned men are part of the
educational process for children.

William and Sean Social Media

A Fathers Role

Father and Children

Mayor Alvin Brown with William Jackson and The Crew he mentors

All fathers have a responsibility to be engaged and active in their
communities. You never know who you influence and how you can
help children grow. #MyQuestToTeach

Resources:

The Alphabet of Fatherhood
http://thyblackman.com/2016/09/03/the-alphabet-of-fatherhood-can-be-awesome/

The role of being a father
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTdmfBeWlKU

Change the Discussion on Black Fathers
http://www.quirkybrownlove.com/2015/05/change-discussion-on-black-fathers.html

GetConnectDAD @GetConnectDad

Dad 2.0 Summit @dad2summit

Daddydaddydaddy @daddydaddydadus

Melanin Bloggers @MelaninBloggers

The Father Effect @thefathereffect

Dad Summit
https://twitter.com/dad2summit

New Fathers Chronicles on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZoaoWgTo61BNTquePdHGu