Since age 5, I have secretly dreamed of a school located on
an isolated 100-acre farm next to a body of water where Bright Black Boys are
laughing while learning. On the way to being "Somebody" their eyes beam during
heated discussions at morning "Family Talks" on topics like Afrocentric history
and Ancient African Tradition. After each boy eagerly advocates his opinion,
then with an intense desire for learning and for fair-play he argues for the
opposite. Instead of finding fault, everyone supports each other and offers
constructive comments. Several buildings provide housing and classrooms. The
school's approaches and methods for these residential middle and high schoolers
are based on the African Age-set system (Bailey, Manhood). On the farm each boy
cleans up the grounds, takes care of his own animals, cultivates his own
garden, and gains practical experience in leading, following, and active
participation. Physical fitness emphasizes self-discipline and self-control
cultivation through martial arts. Non-work time is spent meditating or quietly
flowing with, listening to, and enjoying nature; watching TV only 3 hours a
week; and helping the elderly and the poor.
The general curriculum includes : (1) Afrocentric academia;
(2) life-skills in good health, Ancient African philosophy (for inner stability
and mental toughness), home maintenance, cooking, and parenting; (3) business,
public speaking, and computer skills; (4) interpersonal skills in breaking up mind enslavements (e.g.
intra-Black social disharmony), in manners and respect, in listening without an
opinion, in honoring parents and women, and in choosing a mate and marriage
partner; (5) personal skills-grooming (e.g. haircuts, clothes, eye glasses),
shedding delusions and anger, self-mastery (personal problems, bad emotions,
criticisms and defeats), and developing a free mind, "pure" feelings,
concentration, curiosity, creativity, rational and poetic thinking, wit and
humor; and (6) career and legacy life purpose counseling and courses designed
to develop and find a niche for each youth's Secret Dream and talent.
Specific attention is given to good character, math, art,
music, dance, poetry, the humanities, a weekly reading contest, and bi-monthly
field trips. Common sense is grounded in discussing daily a new word--for
vocabulary building; for acquiring the broadest scope, the most interesting,
and the greatest amount of information in the fastest way; and for taking a
magic carpet ride to wonderful places and cultures inside various nations
throughout the ages. Publishing articles opens each student to self expression,
to research, and to the free and effective exchange of ideas.
Working in top gear-whether alone during tough times; as a
group to increase cooperation and fun; in helping the slowest catch up; and
doing it enthusiastically and urgently--allows a boy time to help others do
their job. Exposure to other's problems and paying attention to detail improves
decision/solution skills. Marketplace success focuses on creating and
setting-up jobs and products for sale as well as how to get paid and manage
money. With profits from selling vegetables, flowers, and dairy products, 60%
goes for each boy's college education; 30% to help support him in school; and
10% for spending. Big business is invited to establish contact with a youth and
pay for his college education. In exchange, the youth works five years
post-college for them. Once established in life, each graduate is obliged to
set up programs to help other struggling youth. The over all objective is to
make excellence routine so as to prepare students for the most outstanding
colleges, for the toughest careers, and for being the best family man.
Joseph A. Bailey, II, M.D.
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