Young people today and maybe even their parents may not have heard much about scientist James E. West, but he co-invented a type of microphone that is in daily use around the world. His interests besides research included fostering diversity in the lab and encouraging youth interest in science. Click here to read an article about him and maybe you will see why Board of Education member Rasheed Abdul-Haqq has suggested that Plainfield High School be renamed in West's honor.
At present it is only a notion, but just talking about it serves as a reminder of the need for more advocates such as James E. West to help open doors in the science community for people of color.
Copy and paste these links to find out why we should all know more about this Plainfielder.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Edward_Maceo_West
http://www.blackinventor.com/pages/james-west.html
http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/westsessler.html
http://blogs.adobe.com/educationleaders/2008/10/mindrap_real_local_media.html
--Bernice
Rather than renaming the High School with such a proud history to something anonymous, how about we just invest in better science education programs? Or create a magnet high school named after him if that's the aim, but...let's not get into ceremonial naming just for the sake of a history lesson.
ReplyDeletePlainfield HS has a proud history, means a lot to a lot of people and changing the name changes nothing.
With all due regard for Mr. West and his accomplishments, as well as noting the importance of role models, this idea still appears to be grasping at straws.
ReplyDeleteThe fellow is not a native-son of Plainfield, did not attend the high school, and did not invent the electrotet microphone on his own.
Name a science room for him if it is imperative that he receive an honor. But changing the name of the school which has served generations of Plainfield children of all backgrounds is a stretch.
There are many pioneers from various ethnic and religious backgrounds in America's scientific and professional fields today that are a tribute to what good educational opportunities are now available when provided. Changing the name of the school will not solve our educational problems. Better yet the BOE select a good superintendent and give him/her support and time to develop that system. The answer would lie in multi-tract curriculums from some level in K5-8-12 to even perhaps splitting thehigh school into smaller diverse schools with different education goals that would fill the needs of all students.
ReplyDeleteBernice:
ReplyDeleteLet's see if I can dredge up the words from long ago, although not that far away:
"Plainfield we revere thee,
We honor thy name,
Years passing endear thee,
And add to thy fame.
Wherever thou leadest,
We'll follow thee true,
/////////////////
Noble red and blue....
What ere be the conflict,
We'll follow thee true."
I guess not any more. Boy Scouts. Muhlenberg. Red Cross. PHS. What's next?
You have to be kidding? This is the stupidest thing to come out of the BOE in years, and they have done some stupid things. I agree with others that maybe we should invest in better science and math classes and less on stupid things, like renaming the school.
ReplyDeleteI know MR. West, went to school with his son who attend PPS and have a great regard for him. The Idea is noble and was not introduce as a panacea to our educational issues. As a PHS alumni I wouldn't want the name changed but certainly developing a science and math wing within our HS has potential. Sad -- people took such a harsh leap, especially given they were not even there to hear the recommendation, which by the way was purely a Haaq idea. Really should not have garnered so much vitriol. But that's to be expected from the transplanted Plainfielders.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea thrown out about a Science or Math Wing named and dedicated to him! Changing the name of the school ?? I guess if the BOE has solved the major issues regarding the education of the youth of Plainfield and has nothing else to do..go for it.
ReplyDeleteIf the BOE is going to consider renaming the high school, then it should be put before the citizens.
ReplyDeleteWhy not a latin inventor? Why not a woman inventor? How about a disabled inventor?
It seems to be a narrow choice.
Since Plainfield is a diverse community, how will making choices primarily relevant to the black community "inspire" the rest of us? Or -- do we not matter?
I say leave it Plainfield High School? Nothing divisive about that. We all live here in Plainfield - the name applies to everyone.
Why not bring individuals who have done great things to the school to inspire the kids? How about the parents and community inspiring the kids with our accomplishments?
Great posts!
ReplyDeleteCan the BOE please focus on developing a better curriculum and overall strategy for providing our students with a quality education, and have qualified teachers leading the way. Perhaps, then, we might be able to name a school in this city honoring one of our own students for their grand achievement.
1:14 are you kidding. Cook, Maxson, Barlow, Emerson, etc... are all named after Europeans. What in the WORLD! Propose a name or shut the up!
ReplyDeleteAll the things that were talked about that night and this is what this community is discussing. And Oddly enough none were even there so they are going on pure hearsay.
ReplyDelete