Profile: Geoffrey Canada and the Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ)

For more information about the HCZ, visit its website and/or its Facebook page, as well as view its videos on YouTube.

Official biography of Geoffrey Canada

While he is a major proponent of the education reform tactics that I am somewhat against, I will make an exception for this man. His project, HCZ, has years of data and experiences to show the success of many of these education reform tactics that are being rush into mainstream public schools. With HCZ, Mr. Canada has taken a more holistic approach in educating children; not only providing high-quality education via its charter schools, but also considering and striving to meet the overall needs of these children. From parenting seminars for young parents to free medical services to after school programs for all children, HCZ is addressing the needs of the children where the community is lacking; it is doing so by making long-term investment into children from birth to college graduation. HCZ comprises a nearly 100-block area of Harlem, serving over 10,000 children, where poverty, drugs, and crime have ruled and ruined this once-vibrant community.



One of the first high-prolific reports on HCZ was done by the late Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes. Currently, Mr. Canada and HCZ will be profiled in the upcoming documentary Waiting for Superman. President Obama like HCZ so much, he has planned to invest in government funding to create "Promise Neighborhoods" similar to HCZ in other large poverty-stricken communities across America.



Unfortunately, according to this blog entry, Congress is stalling the process via budget cuts to the initiative. Hopefully, Congress will have a change of heart and re-consider investing in a promising program. But that's money being taken away from public schools? Perhaps. But the program works; there is no denying that. If you want the critics to buy into these education reform tactics, invest into something that works...and you have long-term data to prove it. To me, among other things, this is what separates HCZ from other charter school programs.

But, I do have to wonder...If HCZ had to adhere to federal mandates like public school do, would it have the same level of success? Good question...Nevertheless, kudos to Mr. Canada, a fellow educator and activist, who understand the importance of involving the village while educating and raising children.