Disrupting the Miseducation of African American Youth: Kwame Shaka Opare at TEDxChesterRiver

[@gerrie720]

Miseducation of African American Youth. I need to be back in the classroom. I was not a teacher but a parent. I spent many hours observing. Given the chance and the right teacher these children can be successful. Hats off to you teacher.

[@jameshettich9925]

there is none african american. you are american period. there is no African american. stop listening to the democrats. we are the same from all where we came from we are american. period. end of story.

[@morningcolossus]

@@jameshettich9925 it does no one any good to pretend as if we don't all have unique cultural histories. even children are aware of this. pretending we are all the same works great, as long as you only see people who resemble or are like you, which, for many minority people, particularly as represented within the curriculum, is simply not the norm.

[@changeaheart]

"Teach them to fish and not just give them a fish." Thank you for caring about your young students as a teaching artist! All children can do wonderful things just as you say. Go get 'em!

[@paulasuniverse5029]

I know Kwame Opare. He is a great man. Certainly, he is a fabulous dancer and choreographer (Ex: Broadway - “Stomp”) but he is also a dedicated EDUCATOR. He is a man of compassion and knowledge that strives to uplift and expand people’s minds. 🎭📚

[@patrickhelmuth3709]

This is one of the best TED TALKS I have ever experienced. I say experienced because I did not just sit and listen. I learned. Though the title was "Disrupting the Miseducation of African American Youth" I think this man's message is more about self-respect through respecting what ever your cultural experiences have been, and merging that respect with other cultures for a better understanding and respect of each other. It's certainly naive for any one culture, or heritage, to think the curriculum taught in schools should be based solely on their own, or that that curriculum would then harvest a society of peace, understanding and respect.

[@Knowledgeseeker567]

I like your interpretation

[@mujahidabdulbari8521]

Look up John Taylor Gatto; the purpose of the USA's public education system's curriculum is not and never was to "harvest a society of peace, understanding and respect." Ask the Cheyenne.

[@angelaaho6223]

Patrick Helmuth - well said and very true. I agree with you

[@michellelove34]

Very well said!

[@iyamamamari]

Thanks Kwame for awakening the minds and freeing the spirit.

[@petec5935]

your mind and sprit will be free when you give up the victim mentality. when renouncing the party of hate you vote for the party of the KKK the democrat party Only you can advance yourself only you can keep yourself down! You were born here in America! you are American first your heritage is American! quit living in the past or you will stay there with a leash around your neck held by your plantation master a democrat!

[@deborah5531]

The black community needs more people like this speaker, they should be proud of their heritage!

[@tonywilliams2164]

We are proud to be AfRaKan, but someone or thing keeps trying to erase our illustrious past.

[@patrickhelmuth3709]

Christina, I agree 100%, yet add that ALL communities would benefit by this man's presentation and ideas. Though he utilized traditional African dance, as a 55+ Anglo the understanding I took away was that of our respecting ourselves, no matter our heritage, and proud fully honoring and respecting such, will lead to greater opportunities for accomplishment and happiness in life. One of the best TED TALK experiences I have ever had.

[@mujahidabdulbari8521]

Had we not been captured and enslaved, we would be.

[@chimakalu41]

Agreed.

[@petec5935]

yes, they should and that heritage is American, not African!

[@iolandaribeiro6297]

WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN. What a beautiful man, my God !!

[@jhousey12]

Intellectually he's amazing. I could listen to him articulate this subject all day. His prescence is amazing and i pray he continues to stimulate these young minds as much as possible.

[@roxiet7016]

jhousey12 .. Yess.. he’s masterfully magnetic 🎉✨ Highly identifiable for our youth 😊.. he understands and cares and has perspective..🖤

[@chuckstertv]

Thank you for tying culture to education. I feel like this is the missing link that our people need. It will show people of all ages the value and power that lies within themselves.

[@chuckstertv]

I agree 100%

[@rachelmcinnes]

Im from the UK and Scottish. The UK is Celtic land but we didnt learn about the celts or the Moors who helped bring on the renaissance in Eurpoe. I learnt this by my parents and by myself and I can say that has helped me know who I am, what my ancestors did and achieved. This gives me so much pride. Children all around the world MUST have this education. Its powerful.

[@elmervanmierlo1572]

correct.

[@jameshettich9925]

the culture is american. thats all that matters

[@rosalindmartin4469]

🤗🤗🤗

[@gabriellemccollins9551]

Parents also have to play a significant role in their child's education as well as knowledge of their history and not just depend on the school system. Please make sure as a parent you stay involved with what is happening at your child's school.

[@mineforfree]

Congratulations Kwame. Speak to power - so so important that you care. And that you use your voice to get others to care.

[@moneyfletch5571]

As a former Teacher in Philadelphia, Camden and Pittsburgh I had some of the same issues and I fought everyday to fill in the gap of years of mis and non- education. The struggle is real

[@UNITANCOMMUNICATIONS]

God Bless you Mr. Kwame for the message.

[@MoonLightMandM]

whoo hoo! This is a must see for any educator, parent, or just person who talks to people! Powerful tools. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world!!

[@ashburnconnecttv7860]

Mr. Opare is on the right track of connecting what the students learn to their culture. America needs more educators who teach beyond the status quo! Excellent! Ciao!

[@clwitness]

Waking up minds! That is what a great Teacher does.

[@mickymouse2445]

That is so true!!!

[@byanyothername-1]

Beautiful... It's people like this that seek to inspire young African-Americans and give them a hunger for learning that is never sated, what a gift.

[@veronicacobb3036]

Thank you for giving back and making a positive impact on lives that are so precious!

[@errollowe7603]

This really needs to be seen by so many people. This is about truth and knowledge.

[@venomous513]

+Errol Lowe agreed

[@jameshettich9925]

no the truth is the democrat lies that is told. we all have the same passions the same wants., but this is distorted by our leaders, yes distorted by those that claim they have our needs in thier hearts. its a lie.

[@doreathaannhighsmith2808]

I am so grateful to have seen this. You are amazing. When my daughter was a child, I would read of our people's greatness . I have always strived to engage her in knowing of our people's mastery of intelligence. Because of this, she does the same with her child.

[@harolddixonjr3554]

Lord of The Flies meets Boyz n the Hood...priceless description

[@battfamily435]

This man speaks so much sense. These kids, which are our kids, deserve to know their history didn't start with slavery. They had tribes, families, cultural traditions, languages, good and bad and it needs to be taught to them and all of us. This man opened up my mind and perspective and I'm grateful he is using his talent and gift to help these young kids see their connection to their ancestors (not just the history of slavery). What a thought provoking TedTalk. What a deeply good person. We need more teachers with this gift. Thank you sir.

[@vincienthines4372]

⁹ 9

[@Ms-yv5li]

I Love You And Thank You For Being Here Peace Love And Prosperity

[@KaBaMimiKm]

Amazing works here, my brother Kwame....

[@tyahtyah3848]

TEDx Talks...Tx U for allowing our HEAVENLY MOST HIGH FATHER YAH GREATER I AM THAT I AM TO. Help spread this GOOD KNOWLEDGE to the PEOPLE. You R Truly BLESS. Shalom Family

[@TheZuluman7]

Amazing teaching technique brother Kwame .. Proud of you bro!

[@meccaparker4808]

As a former resident of Baltimore city East&West sides independent organizations is where I learned abt Great forgotten Blacks who built a astounding legacy not only in Baltimore but impacted the world & allowed me to share & teach my children the importance of Cultural knowledge & differences in This America

[@shl9560]

This reminds me, as a teacher, WHY. Why I put myself out there day in & day out when I feel like I'm breaking. We can conduct this symphony as long as we continue to recognize each voice. Thank you, Kwame Shaka Opare!

[@maamebamfua5093]

I'm a Ghanaian and I kept smiling watching them do Kyekye kule.

[@a.k.walker7429]

Blessings to you my brother. I appreciate your contribution and dedication to our children.

[@writersblock26]

Thank you for posting this, TEDx Talks.

[@growden100]

This was great! I am working on my teaching certification and I now have some ideas to take into my classroom. Love it.

[@nextgenfatherhood7757]

Its great to see mentors like us teach functionality to the youth. Our community needs us .

[@avontmorganjr7505]

Thanks for posting this solution focused TedTalk.

[@shawn-hillaryschwartz2060]

That's AMAZING!!! THANK YOU, BROTHER!

[@glennsuddler6018]

Excellent !! God bless you Kwame, and all who are doing what you do. A perfect example of what happens when our children, youth, and even adults are educated by the culturally relevant. Long live our HBCUs !! Long live our Motherland !!

[@otilium7503]

Thank you so much! This is an amazing teaching technique. The song in fact goes like this: tche-tche ku lele (2); tche tche kifisa (2), kofisalanga(2); laga tilanga(2), zu, woleke (2) . Here the audience copies and follows the movement of the teacher or perfomer as he goes through different positions. It's a way used mostly by boy scouts to stretch out. They usually end up having a good stretch out with this song " tche tche kulele"

[@michaelwimberly8]

This was awesome and gave me some ideas on how to reach youth and young adults. I still have that last part of the dancing and chant in my head. Blessings on you

[@Ebonylong1982]

Loved this, just adored this. Your very smart and very handsome too. Thank you for this.

[@conniegrant939]

Yes. Thank you for doing what you did and continue to do for people so deprived and look down upon it gives hope to their future and there’s beyond

[@donnadbrown5]

Most FAVORITE video on KZbin!!!

[@fioreej4853]

Thank you sir! I've heard too many times "They listened to you because you are the administrator" hummm? That's not it!!! It is what comes from the ❤. EDUCATORS & COMMUNITY, we need to make real connections. Connections from the ❤!

[@ebrownjadebug]

I've been saying what this gentleman is saying and I'm going to make a difference.

[@Lindokzn]

Am taking the song !!!!!! I've learned one to my Senegalese friend while we were in Canada - Vancouver called Wamba Fiya. I love this "Che che kule" song. Go Kwame!!!!!

[@shl9560]

Can we clone him? So much love, Sir!

[@Lindokzn]

Wow! Am in South Africa and finding this equally important to school kids here.

[@angelaaho6223]

Lindo Mbatha -even more in Africa. I agree. I was raised in Zambia and in Kenya.

[@petec5935]

Angela Aho let me ask you an honest question. Those born in Africa are African correct? those born in America are American correct? so they are American Africans first correct? 2 or 3 generations born in America their heritage is American then African correct.

[@RouletteRider]

Pete C No. Those born in Africa call themselves African in a general aspect usually just to be receptive of a point or idea. We just call ourselves from whatever country we come from. Westerners usually group African countries to just Africa as a whole as if Africa itself is a country, but its a continent. So people from Ghana will say they’re Ghanaian, people from Zimbabwe will call themselves Zimbabweans etc. Usually we’ll say we’re African in a sense of associating ourselves with the continent but we’re proud of our country.

[@docmechanic]

The education system is working exactly as it was designed, to maintain a potential exploitable population for uncompensated labor in the people with the curliest hair.

[@SuperWinnie2009]

Great energy!

[@christhewritingjester3164]

Amen. Teach kids that they can be more than they are and they'll begin to see the possibilities. Don't let anyone think that they're only capable of the bare minimum.

[@stevenmoore4610]

Thank you!

[@Raykibb1]

This talk is timelessly well done.

[@ronniecaudle6188]

That was amazing! Thank you!

[@heavenlyturnip]

Amazing work Kwame

[@GrowingGarrisLLC]

❤️ this kind of teaching!

[@finitewonder4978]

Useful talk. If we can get our people to respect each other, we have laid the foundation. Gotta stop putting each other down.

[@annael-elyon9984]

We need our men to lead the way especially with our male children who are often harmed!

[@melreal7881]

This video had to be saved, shared, liked and re watched. Bravo 👏🏽

[@mikecastaing3781]

Thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom.

[@lamename4]

This is excellent. and I loved the "lord of the flies meets boyz in the hood" metaphor

[@stevep5408]

And what do you have, a man expressing care for these children. Nothing the government, nothing the state, nothing the school can do will change a 70% single parenthood rate in poor neighborhoods. This is just proof what a man caring about these children can accomplish. Jobs so that men can earn a living wage to support a family are the answer. Poor men care just as much about their kids as anyone else! It is about a whole cycle.

[@mujahidabdulbari8521]

Yep, but there is a little Moore [!] to the Solution than that

[@Ang.0910]

My son needs a role model like Mr. Opare.

[@mujahidabdulbari8521]

Look around in your county.

[@ObiShawnKenobi1]

Everything he is saying is correct. That is why history has been changed, so that certain groups of people never see themselves in positions of greatness.

[@AliciaAmun]

Carter G Woodson said basically the same about the Phillipines. When he arrived the kids were doing poorly in school, but they were learning about George Washington and Western culture. He switched the curriculum to include their local leaders, politicians, and military heroes and the kids starting doing very well. All they need is a sense of Relevance

[@deed5049]

You are the second person to reference Paulo Freire since my introduction to his mind in 2002.

[@m.h.w.2081]

Thank you for coming forward in truth.

[@breathnstop]

love this, now they know the greatness within them.

[@TAHSIYN]

Beautiful information!!

[@Aj936882]

Yes absolutely right!! Great talk!

[@erose516]

Very fun, very cool... first I've had hope for our educational system in a long time.

[@mujahidabdulbari8521]

Look into John Taylor Gatto.

[@wardatkins1320]

Appreciate your input " we need more of this in order to give kids more of an option " I will share to help put the word out .

[@robinfreeman2696]

I was blessed with history teachers that look like me and knew who they were, historically and culturally. One teacher taught African dance after school in junior high. This propelled me into African dance later on in life and also other forms of dance.

[@cityshots]

bravo! thanks for sharing!

[@LilSuperOG]

Koom adende ' 😂😂😂 the dance class at the end made me smile

[@mamatoto5387]

Loving it!! He can really dance!!

[@AlexiLex41102]

“The moment they realize that their people have done something is the moment they realize that they can do something. And that is when you get ‘em.” Never been a truer statement. I was one of those kids who didn’t care all that much about school until I learned about my African peoples well before slavery. I was and still am blown away and knowing the identity of my people filled that question of “Who am I?”

[@ExpatEntrepreneur]

King Kwame u are awesome!!!!!!!!

[@MariaBarbosaGAIN]

Go Kwame!

[@briandonatien8348]

wan the light are out you feal confartent that are an Elactrocan in the House

[@esjay2322]

Thank you.

[@Melanated4ever]

GB this men and don't stop talking the truth.

[@marioantoniolawrencesr.8371]

Good job brother!!!

[@KP-zm1bo]

I remember learning this song be I never knew the meaning. I'm Afrolatino and this song is still sung in the diaspora of Latin America.

[@kwamezulushabazz]

K P - Fascinating. Where in Latin America?

[@KP-zm1bo]

@@kwamezulushabazz Panama and all over the Spanish speaking Caribbean

[@yoyomorena]

I was blown away when he started singing. I'm like wait a minute" I know that song. Its sung by Willie Colon who is a salsa singer n master on the trombone. Thanks for translating it. I hope this get a many more views n we can see n acknowledge more the positive African influence here in America

[@pamelabean7364]

Loved this

[@chimakalu41]

Awesome man!!!👍👍👍

[@johnkeithrobinson7399]

good job brother keep up the good work

[@SoySigno]

Great! Great! Great!

[@dannyhughes9874]

Need lots lots more like you, Bro.

[@williewaset]

Excellent!

[@janellestarks8357]

This was really good!

[@GrantFamily2009]

Amen

[@nathanhicks2000]

Good job kwame because personally i believe the biggest opposition! that most people face is being told to be their self when they have absolutely no idea! of who or what that is.

[@patricebarrett5845]

This is a problem and you are right there is so much work to be done.

[@arnoldpolin5426]

Look into afro mexicans..dancing their way back to their roots...they speak spanish... but it's very beautiful....you'll love it...as a dancer you know the experience...I love to dance....the afro mexicans....come from africa.. I hope you recieve this..

[@hastaloha]

INGENIOUS!!

[@kingjaysteve3376]

Great teacher!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sOnlight67]

I am an educator. He is speaking my thoughts.

[@Joezeph592]

Brilliant!

[@Hypocricy_rules_supreme]

How many blacks do you see in the audience?

[@mujahidabdulbari8521]

Remember the Forum

[@coollock5912]

I was thinking the same thing.....smh so sad.

[@jaysteve4442]

HBT ⭐️

[@kwameshakaopare925]

4ever!

[@shatterpointgames]

He makes good points, I think even better than simply teaching African history (which I think we should learn some of it) we need to remove the divide between the races. If they can look at George Washington and not see him as a white man, but simply see him as a man like them there is where the solution has been found.

[@javajive01]

Excellent talk!

[@sarahscheyerle4284]

This is really good 😀😀☀️