Bumblebees Can Fly! (eBook)

Despite its heavy and large body, the bumblebee is able to fly - defyingthe law of aerodynamics. The bumblebee flies because its inherent poweris greater than its challenges, aerodynamics included. Like the bumblebee,all young men of color - and all individuals - have the inherent power toovercome challenges and do the seemingly impossible.In Bumblebees Can Fly: Empowering Young Men of Color, Dr. Dowdell-Underwood uses natural and social science research to explain the relationshipbetween marginalization, perceptions of mattering, and achievementamong young men of color. He then proffers person-centric strategies ofengaging personal Inherent Power for the poor, and young men of color inorder to overcome the effects of marginalization and maximize their humanpotential; thereby, preventing the societal loss that results when brilliantyoung men of color fail to constructively employ their inherent power, thatis, their skill, ability, talent, will, and intellect to fulfill their burden of hope.Strategies for parents, educators, government, policymakers, communityleaders, and nonprofit organizations are also discussed.In 1998, Dr. Dowdell-Underwood testified before the United StatesCongressional Committee on Small Businesses regarding his educationstrategies for maximizing achievement among all youth, including the poorand young men and women of color. Dr. Dowdell-Underwood challenges allvestiges of society and particularly education to maximize not only scholasticachievement of young men of color, but also personal empowerment byengaging their inherent power and their need and desire to achieve ineducation and to succeed in life.He is also politically active - challenging educational policies thatmarginalize students, particularly poor and minority students. He believesthat all children deserve the dignity of being recognized as the Agents ofLearning and not the objects of it. His unyielding commitment to educationand human development has made an unparalleled positive impact onthe numerous students who affectionately refer to him as Doc or as theeducator who changed my life.