Bird’s Eye: Black Males & Bermuda’s Education

August 26, 2014

1-Fullscreen capture 08252014 41524 PMCKC Books has announced the release of A Bird’s Eye View [Black Males and Bermuda’s Education System] by Dr. Vincent Williams, Jr., which they describe as a “profound study of the perceptions, philosophies, purpose, and effectiveness of public education in Bermuda.”

A spokesperson said, “The study looks at how history has affected the evolution of today’s education in Bermuda and its effect on local boys, specifically black males.

“The quotes are direct from past and present decision-makers who offer their views on the realities of Bermuda’s education system and how it may influence the island’s future.

“Through this study, Dr. Williams successfully completed a doctorate in Education [Educational Leadership] from East Tennessee State University and he hopes that it will provide guidance for leaders, teachers, parents and community stakeholders.

“With powerful quotes by private and public school principals, Dr. Williams is able to demonstrate truthful concerns on how Blacks were perceived through Education and the possibility of a very well-designed plan to dictate the roles of women and men in society.

“He looks at why new systems and processes were implemented and how Education in Bermuda has moved towards institutionalizing a small community instead of empowering young leaders. The book is not an attack on White policymakers as there are quotes from Black and White leaders.

“It is a true look at how race and classicism has affected Education in Bermuda and the long-lasting effects of powerful decisions, such as the close of the Technical Institute, the introduction of private schooling and the implementation of curricula designed for specific careers.

“The book is powerful in its own right as it allows the public an inside view of the education system of a small island from the eyes of the island’s community, political and educational leaders.

“By gaining a true understanding of a small island education system, Dr. Williams offers a piece of treasure that can be a great tool for change and improvement for education around the world! It is a book for parents, educators, community activists and stakeholders and people who view education as a top priority and with strong interest.

“Dr. Williams completed a doctorate in Education [Education Leadership and Policy Analysis] from East Tennessee State University. His passion for education has been evident in his own academics through receiving academics through attaining a certificate in Philosophy from [New Battle Abby, Dalkeith, Scotland] and two degrees in History. Experience teaching at Devonshire Academy and Warwick Secondary prepared him for the role of Principal at Bermuda Christian Academy from 1996 to present.

A Bird’s Eye View [Black Males and Bermuda’s Education System] is available now for purchase at Bermuda Bookstore in Hamilton, The Book Cellar in St. George and online at ckcbooks.com. Stay tuned for information on the book reading and signing events.”

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  1. Mike says:

    Wherever you look in the world, politicians have always “meddled” with education. Meddled, because they don’t really know what they are doing.

    Add to that, that when a Govt changes, the Govt coming in has it’s own views that are often different to the outgoing, then it amazes me that teachers can actually keep up with – and effectively implement – quality education.

    It’s one side of the coin on what is wrong with education; there are other sides to the problem.

    • Kunta says:

      From Slavery to Segregation to Social Acceptance, there has been a lot of psychological damage, especially on de Black Male and de hurting part is most of us have bought into it, not knowing that our lineage traces back to Ancient Nubia(now Egypt, yes where de Pyramids are built and Archaeologist and Architects today still don’t have a clue how they where built) and Timbuktu (the Learning Center of Mathematics, Science, Astrology and Medicine.
      Don’t forget your History and Know your Destiny !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. mj says:

    This book should be mandatory reading for present leaders..So much has been written and discussed about the “black males in Bermuda and so little has been done to actually change it.. The only way it will be changed is when the entire ” history” of Blacks in Bermuda is revealed, before slavery and acknowledgement of the contribution of Black males to ALL societies has never been recognised by the people that are responsible for the lack of progression.. Black people have been labeled, after they worked diligently and forceably for other people who do not view them as people but “cattle” or stock, for the purpose of exchange.. This needs to be addressed and why haven’t the “slaves” of Bermuda to date been paid for services rendered!!!!Even when blacks have rebuilt, it was only to be torn down through jealousy this is a constant problem… How do we fix it!Please release documents that will assist in the freedom of a people oppressed by elements that will not survive if blacks are revived!That is the issue…

  3. watchfuleyes says:

    Will take a read, sounds interesting and right up my alley.

  4. Tough Love says:

    Sounds like a great book. I will be buying!

    I recently watched Hidden Colours and they mentioned a black male child who was deemed mentally retarded by the system, but he was perfectly fine. They also mentioned how black children, boys in particular, were being pushed out of the school systems and into the judicial/criminal system.

    I’m hoping that this book sheds light on the Bermuda perspective and we can see how our island fairs in comparison.

  5. ShortSight says:

    I’m sure the author left out any comments by educators that contradicted the points he wanted to highlight.

    • TD says:

      How could you be sure and you haven’t even read the book? An ignorant comment.

  6. KING JAMES says:

    My education started when I left school.

    • Tough Love says:

      That’s sad.

    • Build a Better Bermuda says:

      The realization of the full usefulness of an education came after I left school. I would emphasis the importance taking full advantage of any education system to learn as much was you can, however, a standard education does not always work for everyone, but in such cases, professional certifications outside of education can and should be sought to advance oneself.

  7. Truth is killin' me... says:

    Your own will often do more damage to you than outsiders through jealousy, bitterness and hate.

  8. Hmmm says:

    How many students at the Bermuda Christian Academy? It’s a home school thing. I’ve never heard of it until a just now google.

    I’m curious, because the writer must value this system above private and public education, hence the book and where he places his resource.

    Are leaders created at the Bermudian Christian Academy? If so, who has it created?

    • Sad says:

      Wow! So, a Bermudian educator (who has experience teaching in the public system, I may add) chooses to focus on the island for his doctorate dissertation, interviews numerous political and educational leaders, social activists, teachers of public and private schools, historians and students. He finds that many people in those positions are outraged and concerned about the public not knowing pertinent information that has and still is affecting the community and the response that you give is to criticize his school and question its value and validity? Unfortunately, that is so typical of a closed-minded individual (please don’t be a Bermudian) who would rather turn a blind eye, point fingers at the person trying to help others and hide behind your own issues, insecurities and denial. Wouldn’t it be better to read the book and see if there is any truth and value in the publication? I’m just saying, hmmmm… That’s why Bermudians struggle so much! People aren’t supportive of positive things. They would rather defend those who are doing wrong and for what? Were you promised something? There are generations suffering due to poor decisions within education and you would prefer to focus on the author instead of the problem? Males who would have benefited from the Bermuda Technical Institute but were forced into mainstream high school, studying topics that they struggled through… Sad, bie!

  9. Ace Girl says:

    Just one time please, could someone research the success of the young black femal particularly in Bermuda. Just look around and see how prominent and successful the young black female is in Business, Education, the Medical Field, Reinsurance etc., etc,. They were nurtured by the same parents, lived in the same families and educated in the same system. Maybe it is time for the young black male to look at their female counterparts and get some success pointers. Look at Bermuda College as a case study, how come there are far more female graduates?

    • Lizbeth says:

      Ace Girl, know the history of how the two sexes have been treated in our society and you would most likely draw a different conclusion. Learn what has caused the disparity, then the solution will be evident. I hope the history has been thoroughly addressed in this book.

  10. REAL UNITY IS NOT COLOR BLIND says:

    Black this, black that. Black colleges, black magazines, black cable networks, black history month, black book sections….. why is it only blacks who have this exclusivity? What about whites and others? If whites had any of these things exclusive, then it would be violently labelled as racist white supremacism. Why is it okay to continually enforce divisions between races? Stop singling out a race, and START TREATING US ALL AS ONE.
    Anyone who labels whites as supremacist is a racist, and I am sick and tired of the biased racism going on in this country and the world on a whole. The whole world is color blind.
    Whites don’t deserve anything? Why? Because we are all rich and privileged? That is not only utterly racist, it is blind and totally retarded to think. 99% of whites are poor.

    If you single out a colour, you are color blind. Why? BECAUSE REALITY IS ALL COLOURS TOGETHER, NOT SEPARATE!

    Until we wipe out this colour blindess, we will only DIVIDE OUR SOCIETIES FURTHER. You may all think what you are doing is innocent, but wake up and be real, folks. Look at the affects this has on children, who are growing up convinced of the “evil rich white man.”

    • Lizbeth says:

      Real Unity is not Color Blind, I agree, we are all one in truth but in the real world something else is happening and it has to be addressed. If everyone knew that we are one, we would still need to address the damage that has been done. Serious damage has occurred on all sides. When one group of people or an individual harms others they harm themselves. So rather than resist the trend of Black people healing themselves through education why not applaud it. Whites need to heal themselves also. They need to do the work for themselves and support others in doing their healing work. Your support is needed in creating that wholeness and oneness you seem to believe in.

  11. Hmmm says:

    3 words: Read the book. Book Cellar in St Georges has it and I saw on FB that the signing is on Saturday at 4. Go ask the author your questions instead of discussing it without him.