On Fri., Feb. 15, Glenfield Middle School held its annual African American Career Day as part of the school’s African American History Month observances. This event is designed to expose students of all races to African Americans who have successfully pursued a variety of careers. Through the event, the hope is to counter the negative stereotypes that exist in some minds and to inspire new possibilities. Close to 40 professionals from the community gathered at Glenfield to head into classrooms to share stories with students of their successes, steps to achievement, obstacles they overcame and more.
This was Principal Cheryl Hopper’s first African American Career Day. She welcomed the presenters, saying, “I’m over the moon to have you all here. I’m excited to get to you know and I thank you for being here for our students.”
“I’m hoping to enlighten and inform students,” said media executive Dana Singleton-Kaplan (l). “My kids went to Glenfield,” added artist Philemona Williamson (r). “I just love the energy of the students.”
Former Montclair Board of Education President and Kean University Psychology Professor Dr. Franklin Dickerson Turner (l) and engineer Daniel Purefoy (r). “It’s a way to give back,” said Purefoy. “I’d like to tell them there is a whole world of opportunity out there. If you want something, you can achieve it.”
Criminal attorney/entertainment lawyer Xavier Donaldson (l) pictured with Olympic trainer Roosevelt Weaver (r) said he enjoys returning to the event year after year, “I like the kids and I like the program. They are always engaged, interactive and smart.”
Actor Frankie Faison (l) and Weaver
Montclair Fire Department’s Anthony Virgil (l) and James Firebrace (r)
Executive director of the National Cares Mentoring Movement Stephen Powell (l) and entrepreneur Chike Uzoka (r) were excited to meet students. “I’m going to share with them the power of mentorship and the community,” said Powell.
Doctors Tyra Manso (l) and Kurt Jackson (r) were looking forward to talking about their professions. “I’m a pediatric dentist in town and I’m likely the first African American dentist they’ve ever seen,” said Manso. “It’s important for students to see African American professionals.” Jackson, an ophthalmologist said, “My daughter is a 7th grade students. I’m going to talk to them about what it’s like to get into medicine.”
Montclair Police Department's Tyrone Williams (l) and Will Young (r)
Hair esthetician AhavaFelicidad (l) and Montclair Education Association President Petal Robertson (r)
Montclair Fire Department's Deputy Chief Robert Duncan (l) and veterinarian Dr. David Wellington (r)
Journalist Nicole Gray (l) and author Ylanda Gault (r)
