Beyond The Bricks, a new documentary that explores the continued low performance of Black males in public schools is making it’s way into the national conscience. The documentary takes a closer look at this troubling issue through the eyes of two young men in Newark, New Jersey as they attempt to complete their public school educations. Also featured in the documentary are New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker, Schott Foundation for Public Education President/CEO Dr. John Jackson and Dr. Adelaide L. Sandford of the New York State Board of Regents.

Though the film focuses primarily on Newark, NJ, the issues addressed extend to urban areas throughout the nation. Beyond the Bricks is launching town hall events in 10 communities that have been identified primarily by their struggling graduation rates for black males: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Jackson, MS, Milwaukee, New Orleans, Oakland, and Philadelphia.

The events will consist of a screening and panel discussion that presents a platform for educators, community leaders, policymakers, parents and students to engage in positive communication, and create possible solutions.  

Through a series of PSAs, celebrities such as Lyfe Jennings, Bilal and MTV’s Sway; are bringing attention and awareness to the events happening across the country. Check out the latest PSA below and Oakland residents don’t forget to attend the October 2nd meeting at Allen Temple Baptist Church.

October 2, 2010
Oakland, CA
Allen Temple Baptist Church
8501 International Boulevard • Oakland, CA 94621

October 9, 2010
Baltimore, MD
Morgan State University
1700 East Cold Spring Lane • Baltimore, MD 21251

October 16, 2010
Atlanta, GA
Morehouse College
830 Westview DR, SW • Atlanta, GA 30314

October 23, 2010
Detroit, MI
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Avenue • Detroit, MI 48202

October 30, 2010
Chicago, IL
University of Chicago
International House
1414 East 59th Street • Chicago, IL 60637

November 6, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Community College of Philadelphia
1700 Spring Garden Street • Philadelphia, PA 19130

November 13, 2010
Milwaukee, WI
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee TBC

November 20, 2010
Boston, MA
Wheelock College
Family Theatre
200 The Riverway • Boston, MA 02215

TAGS: Allen Temple Baptist Church, Atlanta, Baltimore, Beyond The Bricks, Bilal, Boston, Chicago, Cory Booker, Detroit, Dr. Adelaide L. Sandford, Dr. John Jackson, Jackson, Lyfe Jennings, Milwaukee, MS, NEW JERSEY, New Orleans, New York State Board of Regents, NEWARK, Oakland, Philadelphia, Schott Foundation for Public Education, Sway