Author Archive
Romal J. Tune
Is the Church Saving Souls and Losing Students?
Saturday, March 31st, 2012
Recent data suggest that African American and Hispanic males are the primary victims of the nation’s dropout crises. According to the Schott Foundation for Public Education, only 41% of Black males graduate from high school in the United States, and the Urban Institute reports that only 51% percent of Black females graduate. During recent trips to LA, Dallas, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, NY, and Atlanta, conversation with education professionals have centered on how can we best intervene to keep Black and Brown students in school. Strategies often include developing community partnerships and organizing programs utilizing proven dropout prevention methods.
In most cases the faith community is absent from the discussion. Typically when I ask why this is the case, the answer is simple: “We aren’t sure of what they can do. We know they have a role to play but it’s difficult to define.” Or, “We always invite the faith community but rarely do they show up.”
What Does Hip-Hop Tell Us About Faith and Society?
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
Last week, Rev. Michael Waters wrote a post entitled “An Odd Future for Faith In Hip-Hip.” In the piece Rev. Waters asserts that “I am increasingly troubled by certain contemporary moves in hip-hop culture that embrace the occult and make a mockery of faith.” I would agree with Rev. Waters that the lyrics in some hip-hop songs are vulgar, misogynistic and violent. But like Michael, I love hip-hop. Particularly, I love gangster rap. Not because I believe in the message of violence, but because as someone who grew up on the streets I can relate to the pain, anger, frustration and disappointment expressed in the lyrics.
