I am writing to announce that I will be stepping away from the ongoing leadership of COSEBOC as of September 30, 2023.
For 16 years I have been blessed to lead this noble organization dedicated to the affirmative social, emotional, cultural, and academic development of boys and young men of color. COSEBOC has been the joy of my five decades as an educator ever since our first convening in 2007 during which 17 schools met in Boston to discuss their efforts to educate Black youth and to develop collegiality amongst these somewhat isolated leaders. This meeting became the first Gathering of Leaders. Since that time, COSEBOC has achieved a great deal in service of the education of boys and young men of color. Though I leave the leadership, I will not leave my commitment to quality, equity, and healing work for all students, especially boys and young men of color.
From the design and implementation of its signature COSEBOC Gathering of Leaders to the development of three new professional development courses, D.R.U.M. (Developing Rituals Understanding Manhood), Footprints and Footsteps, and the Standards Course, all of which complement our core document, Standards: The Uncommon Core for Schools Educating Boys of Color, the COSEBOC brand thrives and shines brightly.
I also want to underscore that COSEBOC is on strong footing. We have been, and continue to be, supported by grantors such as the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Hewlett Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative as well as a growing number of schools and districts that have contacted us for professional development services. I salute the creative and talented facilitators of our professional services as well as the amazing support provided to me by the COSEBOC Board of Directors.
Though this decision is bittersweet for me, I also know that it is the right one to make at this time. I will remain committed to the bold work of COSEBOC, and I can assure you that the Board and I will ensure a successful transition of leadership. As I close this letter to you, I want to thank everyone who supported me over the years. You have been the wings that carried me through the challenges faced. You have been the spark and inspiration that brought enthusiasm and determination to advance our mission. As I step back, I encourage you to step forward as we continue to advance on behalf of boys and young men of color. Onward and upward!
Respectfully,
Ron Walker
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Dear COSEBOC Friends and Family, |
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As Chair of the COSEBOC Board of Directors (BOD), I am honored to have served alongside a stellar group of advisors in support of Ron, COSEBOC staff and consultants in efforts to advance the social, emotional, academic, and cultural development of boys and young men of color. Ron has not only been an inspirational leader, but he has become a treasured friend. Reflecting on the impending transition I feel many things- pride in all that has been fought for and achieved, excitement about the next chapter of Ron’s journey, but most of all, deep gratitude for Ron’s exceptional dedication, passion, wisdom, and persistence to champion the needs and strengths of our nation’s boys. He made COSEBOC a trusted and reliable partner to schools and districts across the country aligning in the fight for equity and social justice for overlooked students.
Rest assured that all board members are involved in thorough deliberations about how to responsibly shepherd COSEBOC through this transition and maintain educators’ access to its effective programs and services. We have embarked on a comprehensive and rigorous process to explore the best path forward for COSEBOC, ably led by BOD members Drs. Terri Wright and Lionel Allen. The BOD remains diligent in our commitment that COSEBOC continues making valuable contributions to help us realize the success of all boys and young men of color.
I also want to bring to your attention to two Gratitude events being planned for October in Boston, MA and Philadelphia, PA. The aim of these gatherings is to celebrate Ron and the many indelible marks he has left on our lives. Please stay tuned for more details about logistics, as well as ways you can participate and/or contribute to these joyful events. Finally, heartfelt thanks to our funders, collaborators, and COSEBOC members for your steadfast support and encouragement throughout the years. We look forward to our ongoing partnership.
Sincerely,
Olga Acosta Price, PhD,
Chair, COSEBOC Board of Directors
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COSEBOC | Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color
255 Main Street, 8th Floor
Cambridge, MA 02142
855-267-3262
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