Branch VP Lavonta Williams elected Vice-Mayor of the City of Wichita!!!

This morning, Lavonta Williams, who currently serves as the City Councilwoman for Wichita District 1, the Vice President of the Wichita Branch NAACP, the Secretary for the Kansas State Conference of the NAACP, and a host of other positions, was elected to her newest post. By a unanimous 7-0 vote, Lavonta Williams was elected to serve as the Vice Mayor for the City of Wichita! Her election was historic; already the first African American Woman elected to the City Council, she is now the first African American Woman to serve as Vice Mayor for the City. What's next for Vice Mayor Williams??? We'll keep you posted!

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The Wichita NAACP Partners with Sedgwick County to host Tonya Lewis Lee in Wichita to fight Infant Mortality

The Wichita Branch NAACP to partner with the Sedgwick County Health Department's Healthy Babies Program to host award-winning TV Producer, Tonya Lewis Lee, as she travels through Wichita on a three city tour throughout the State of Kansas. Ms. Lee’s visit is part of a statewide education campaign coordinated by the Kansas Blue Ribbon Panel on Infant Mortality in April, National Minority Health Awareness Month.

Researchers and health experts have sought unsuccessfully for years to determine why African American women suffer significantly higher infant mortality rates than their white counterparts. As the gap between black and white infant deaths continues to expand, it is time to address this paradox with new approaches. Over the past decade, the infant mortality rate for Kansas has remained relatively unchanged while the U.S. rate continued to decline. In 2008, Kansas’ rate of 7.25 infant deaths per 1,000 live births was higher than the national rate of 6.59 per 1,000 live births. (The national rate is based on preliminary death data published by the National Center for Vital Statistics).

According to the most recent annual summary published by the National Center for Vital Statistics (2007 data), Kansas ranked first (worst) among other states for black infant mortality. Reports from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Bureaus of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics indicate the following: From 2000 – 2009, a 33 percent increase in the infant mortality rate was observed for non-Hispanic black infants. The non-Hispanic black infant mortality rate in 2009 was 2.6 times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic white infants. In 2009, Non-Hispanic black babies represent 6.8 percent of births and 15.2 percent of deaths.

While the root causes of these disparities in infant mortality rates is not thoroughly understood, the operating theory has been that the high incidence of infant deaths among African Americans is attributed to higher teen pregnancy rates, single motherhood, lower education levels, poverty, stress, and–most recently suggested–genetic causes.

Clearly, however, the need for new approaches to understanding this phenomenon is underscored by research disclosing that high levels of infant mortality persist, even when most of these factors are controlled. Also consider that African Americans have higher infant mortality rates in every age category. Furthermore, the genetic theory is weakened by research that shows better birth outcomes among foreign–born black women. It seems that regardless of their socioeconomic status, native–born African American women fare worse in birth outcomes compared to white women at every income and education level.

Wichita, KS – Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Host Organization: Sedgwick County Health Department, Healthy Babies Program
Contact: Susan Wilson, Program Director – sewilson@sedgwick.gov

Topeka, KS – Thursday, April 21, 2011
Host Organization: The Kansas African American Affairs Commission
Contact: Mildred Edwards, Executive Director – mildred.edwards@ks.gov

Kansas City, KS – Friday, April 22, 2011
Host Organization: Mother & Child Health Coalition
Contact: Susan McLoughlin, Executive Director – smcloughlin@mchc.net



FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STATE OF KANSAS THREE-CITY TOUR, PLEASE CONTACT:

Aiko Allen, MS, Director
Center for Health Disparities
KDHE Division of Health
Email: AiAllen@kdheks.gov
Phone: 785-296-0781

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The Kansas African American Museum unveils new exhibit to promote Prematurity Awareness

The Wichita Branch NAACP, The Kansas African American Museum, The March of Dimes and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc and other collaborating organizations are working together to promote Prematurity Awareness.

Pre-term birth/low birth weight is one of the leading causes of infant deaths in Kansas. Across all races and ethnicities, infant deaths occur most often for young mothers under the age of 20, who are single parents, and who have less than a high school level of education.

According to the March of Dimes, “While the national infant mortality rate continues to decline, the Kansas rate is nearly 20 percent higher. While many states have made progress in closing the gap between white and black infant mortality, Kansas has not. Kansas ranks highest in the nation for black infant mortality.”

By coming together, we hope to ensure that every woman has a healthy pregnancy, gets early prenatal care and support services, learns about safe sleep, and makes choices that promote healthy lifestyles for a lifetime.

The Kansas African American Museum is now hosting a display entitled “Prematurity: A visual perspective”. An open house will be held tonight (November 29th) from 6-7pm, refreshments will be provided. Please join us in our efforts to address this important public health issue. For more information about the event please go contact J’Vonnah Maryman at 316-706-7776.


Every pregnant woman should be considered at risk of preterm birth. Around the 20th week of pregnancy, all pregnant women should learn the signs and symptoms of preterm labor and what they can do if they occur. To help prevent preterm birth, women should:

• Know the warning signs of preterm labor.
• Get regular prenatal checkups.
• Reduce stress.
• Quit smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs.
• Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Call a healthcare provider if she feels burning or pain when urinating (possible sign of an infection that can increase the risk of preterm birth).

To learn more please visit:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/kansas/
www.datacounts.net/infant_mortality/
www.kdheks.gov/bcyf/infant_mortality_campaign.htm

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City of Wichita to restructure and relaunch its Civilian Review Board

On Monday the 15th, Bob Layton (Wichita City Manager) announced the formation of a new citizen review board that will investigate major complaints against police and report to the City Manager's Office. The city has had a review board in place for years, but it had not met in a number of years.

The new board will meet quarterly and is intended to be more aggressive than its predecessor. The Review Board will review professional standards, allegations of excessive use of force, racial profiling and policies and procedures in the Police Department.

Its members are:

• Timothy L. Sims, pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
• Brian Carduff, president and owner of Baysinger Police Supply
• David Robbins, former president of Robbins Truck Trailer Sales and a former employee of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services
• Michael Ackerman Jr., president and owner of Michael's Complete Lawn Care
• Jason Watkins, director of government relations for the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce and a former state lawmaker
• Jaya Escobar, academic director at Hope Street Youth Development
• Sheila Officer, education and training coordinator with Goodwill Industries of Kansas
• Shala Jean Perez, who teaches administration of justice courses at Butler Community College and is project director of the Governor's Task Force on Racial Profiling.
• Kevin Myles, president of the Kansas State Conference of the NAACP and president of the Wichita Branch NAACP

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The Wichita NAACP to host a "Know Your Rights" summit - Saturday October 16th

Join us for an educational summit to help you understand your rights pertaining to: Employment, Legislation, Religion, Crime, Gangs, Education, Prison Reform, Taxes and the Economy, Laws and Youth Empowerment

When: Saturday October 16, 2010, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: McAdams Recreation Center, 1329 E. 16th St

Participants will include: State Legislators, District Representatives, WSU Economics Representative, Church Leaders, Legal Services Representatives, Gang/Drugs-Intervention-Prevention Representative, Young Ladies At Risk Counselor, Prison Reform Advocate, Department of Corrections Representative, Youth Groups, Wichita Crime Commission Representative, Educators, Judges, Law Enforcement Officers, Urban League, and Wichita Work Release Staff, and more...

Light refreshments and lunch provided

For more information contact:
Dr. Charles Coleman/NAACP Legal Redress Chair @ 390-0181
Mary Dean/NAACP Legal Redress Investigator @ 371-2253
BJ Mosley/NAACP Prison Reform Investigator @ 409-0513
Kevin Myles/NAACP President @ 219-6996

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Your input is needed - Wichita Public Rec Center Meetings Start Today!

Tonight is the kickoff of several open meetings which will help to determine which programs and services will be maintained in Wichita's public recreation facilities.

The Department of Park and Recreation is seeking feedback and public comment regarding future services in light of a one million dollar reduction to its recreation center budget.

All are encouraged to attend the meetings, which are listed below. The meetings will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. today, Tuesday and Oct. 14. Childcare will be provided.

The meetings will provide background information on each recreation facility and roundtable discussions about which recreation center services should be offered. Topics will include classes, building usage, fees, facility hours and new services. Organizers include officials from Wichita State University’s Hugo Wall School of Urban and Public Affairs.

 The scheduled meetings follow:

Thursday, Oct. 7 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
McAdams Recreation Center
1329 E. 17th

Osage Recreation Center
2121 W. 31st South

Linwood Recreation Center
1901 S. Kansas


Monday, Oct. 11 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Atwater/Lynette Woodard Neighborhood City Hall
2755 E. 19th North

Aley/Stanley Recreation Center
1749 S. Martinson

Colvin Recreation Center
2820 S. Roosevelt

Evergreen Recreation Center
2700 N. Woodland


Thursday, Oct. 14 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Edgemoor Recreation Center
5815 E. 9th

Boston Recreation Center
6655 E. Zimmerly

Orchard Recreation Center
4808 W. 9th

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The Restoring our Community Movement to develop a collaborative multi-organizational outreach for at-risk youth

After the "Restoring our Community" March on June 26th, the participating organizations were asked to subscribe to an eight point agenda. Within them being that each group would contribute one new initiative to reaching our most at-risk youth, and that each organization would commit to reconvening after a couple months so we could begin working towards some long term collaborative efforts.

On Saturday, September 4th, the "Restoring our Community" Movement reconvened during the Wichita Black Arts Festival. The turnout was WONDERFUL as each of the 35 organizations who came together during the June 26th march were represented in the work session and we were also joined by a couple new ones as well. We took time to go around the room so that each organization who had rolled out a new program or initiative had an opportunity to describe the excellent work they're doing in the community and that we could each familiarize ourselves with and appreciate the efforts of the various Organizations. We learned about new efforts and initiatives from the Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta, the Gentlemen of Alpha Phi Alpha, the Peace and Social Justice Center, the African American Coalition, 316TRZ, Justice Keepers, the Wichita NAACP, and many others...

We then turned our discussions towards building a multi-organizational collaborative effort. We proposed the creation of a large scale, long-term, rites of passage type program specifically targeted towards at-risk youth in our community. The program would be designed to help move them, via several steps and phases, away from negative behaviors and a negative social outlook into a pro-social and pro-educational outlook.

The plan would not require the creation of any new initiatives, organizations, or programs... Rather, it would "synchronize" the great efforts of our existing organizations, linking them together in a sequence that the youth would "pass through", allowing them to receive the best of the programs our community already has to offer. And while some of our existing programs seem inaccessible to many of our At-Risk youth who may not currently understand their relevance, the programs would be sequenced so that the benefits and lessons of each would open the doors to understanding the necessity of the next one, and the next one, and so on...

The outreach and recruitment would be managed by the Organizations currently doing Gang Intervention work (such as "do you want to live or die", 316TRZ, Justice Keepers, Sisterhood of Queens, etc). The youth would then go through their curriculum. This stage corresponds to the "Separation" stage in a tradition Rites of Passage program.

Next would be a curricular segment on "History and Context" which would not only address history, but would specifically deal with the context of struggle and sacrifice, and would impart an understanding and appreciation of Civic Responsibility. This segment will be provided by the Social and Civic Organizations who are currently doing this work.

Followed by a Curricular segment dealing with reconnecting the threads of family and community. This "rebuilding the village" phase would be provided by the many Churches and Religious organizations who are a part of this effort.

That would be followed by a curricular segment designed to broaden the youth's perspective beyond the narrow confines of the neighborhood. This segment will deal with diversity and cross-cultural issues, and will be provided by various cultural and interest group Organizations.

The final segment will deal with educational issues; from basic educational needs, to skill development, to reintroducing the idea of College and higher education as being a passport to a different and brighter future. This segment would be provided by the many educational and Greek Letter organizations participating in this effort.

And the thread that will tie all of these pieces together, is that when youth enter into the Rites of Passage program, each child will be assigned a Mentor from the groups who are currently providing Mentoring services to youth. This Mentor among other positive services, will also keep the child accountable for participating through all stages and will provide the necessary reinforcement and reaffirmation as needed.

There are still numerous issues to be resolved and questions to be answered, but the important thing is, we elected to move forward; to create work groups, and to begin meeting on a monthly basis to put this project together and get it off the ground! The first meeting will be in October!

Don't ever let anyone say that we 'can't' come together or work together. We most certainly can and the "Restoring our Community" movement is proving it! ~ I'll keep you all posted as new developments occur...

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Save the Date: NAACP Chair Roslyn Brock to address the Wichita NAACP Legacy Awards Banquet 10-30-10

On October 30th, NAACP National Chairman Roslyn McCallister Brock will address the Wichita Branch NAACP's 90th Anniversary Legacy Awards Banquet. This is the first time a sitting NAACP Chairman has visited our city in the 90 year history of the Branch.

Roslyn M. Brock made history in February 2010 when she became the youngest ever and fourth woman to serve as Chairman of the National Board of Directors.

Over the past twenty five years, Brock has served the NAACP in several leadership roles. She is a Diamond Life Member of NAACP and joined the Association as a freshman at Virginia Union University where she was elected President of the Youth and College Division from the Commonwealth of Virginia. One year later, she was elected as a Youth Board Member from Region 7 - representing the District of Columbia, Maryland and the Commonwealth of Virginia. During her tenure as a Youth Board Member and Vice Chairman of the NAACP Board Health Committee, Brock led the policy debate to recognize access to quality health care as a civil rights issue that resulted in the National Board's ratification and inclusion of a Health Committee as a Standing Committee in its Constitution.

In 1989, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Benjamin Lawson Hooks, Brock wrote her Master's Thesis on "Developing a NAACP Health Outreach Program for Minorities." Brock is a skilled grant writer and has secured more than $2.7 million dollars in grants since 1991 for NAACP programs that initiated the Health Symposiums held annually at NAACP National Conventions; publication of more than 200,000 copies of "HIV/AIDS and You" educational materials distributed to NAACP Units; research and media work associated with documenting the history of the NAACP; support for ACT-SO and the NAACP Law Fellows programs; and commissioned the 2007 NAACP Perceptions Survey just to name a few.

In 1999, Brock was appointed Chair of the Board Convention Planning Committee. In this role, she led the Committee to institute fiscal policies that resulted in the Convention becoming a profit center for the Association with average net revenues of $1 million dollars a year.

In 2005, Brock created the Leadership 500 Summit with several other young adult members of the NAACP. The Summit's goal is to recruit, train and retain a new generation of civil rights leaders aged 30 - 50 to the NAACP. Since its inception, Leadership 500 has contributed more than $650,000 to the NAACP National Treasury to support 2009 Centennial activities.

As Chairman of the Board Centennial Committee, Brock provides oversight for publication of Centennial calendars and paraphernalia; commission of Centennial artwork; and creation of the Centennial logo and theme for marketing and public relations.

Brock is member of the Board of Trustees for the Catholic Health Association of the United States of America and the NAACP Special Contributions Fund Board of Trustees. She's served on the boards of community mental health; family and children's services; senior services and faith based community ministries. She's also a member of several professional and civic organizations including the American Public Health Association; American College of Health Services Executives; American Hospital Association's Disparities in Healthcare Task group; Association of Healthcare Philanthropy; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and The LINKS, Inc.

A recipient of numerous healthcare, community service and leadership awards, Brock's leadership skills have been recognized by several national publications and organizations. In April 2008, Brock participated in the United States Department of Defense's 75th Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) reserved for American leaders interested in expanding their knowledge of the military and national defense. She toured U.S. Southern Command, responsible for providing contingency planning, operations and security cooperation for Central and South America, the Caribbean, Cuba and the Bahamas, and their territorial waters.

She was a guest lecturer on "Alleviating Global Poverty" in Rome, Italy at the 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Conflict Resolution Conference co-sponsored by the Lott Carey Foreign Missions and the Baptist Union of Italy.

From 2003-2005, Brock served as a Young Leaders Fellow for the National Committee on U.S. - China Relations to build cross-cultural understanding and professional networks with young Chinese leaders while exploring substantive issues and developing enduring friendships.

Other highlights include: Wrote the Foreword for the 2008 Edition of Who's Who Among African-Americans Directory; Featured in December 2007 Forbes Magazine article on Diversity and Economic Parity for African Americans; Recipient of the Network Journal's "40 Under Forty Achievement Award"; Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal for Human Rights, the George Washington University; Outstanding Alumna, Virginia Union University; Honorary Chairperson, National Black Family Summit; Ebony magazine's "Future Leader Award"; and Good Housekeeping's "100 Young Women of Promise."

Brock is employed as Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations for Bon Secours Health System, Inc., in Marriottsville, Maryland. Prior to working at Bon Secours, Brock worked 10 years in Health Programs at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan.

She graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Union University; earned a master's degree in health services administration from George Washington University, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Theology at Virginia Union University.

Brock's goal in life is embodied in an African proverb "Care more than others think is wise, Risk more than others think is safe, Dream more than others think is practical and Expect more than others think is possible."

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Ok, so we've marched... Now what?

On April 14th, our community was hit by a senseless act of violence. A drive-by shooting occurred near 18th and Volutsia, in the middle of the day, taking the life of yet another one of our young people. The crime was especially tragic because there were a number of small children who were outside playing at the time, who not only witnessed the crime, but were also potential victims. This wasn't the first such crime of the year, and certainly wouldn't be the last. And all indications were, that as a city, we were in for a long hot summer...

The Restoring our Community March was held on June 26th through the heart of the Wichita African American Community. The march united 34 Civic and Social organizations to focus increased attention and effort on addressing at-risk youth within our community. Fraternities, Sororities, Churches, Politicians, City Leaders, Social Groups, Community Activists, families of homicide victims, and concerned citizens all came together and marched, 4 miles, at 12 noon, in 98 degree weather, to call for an end top the violence. We marched right through our own community. And as we marched, we passed the bullhorn from Pastor to Pastor and we prayed, loudly and collectively for peace in our neighborhoods. We talked to the people we encountered along the route. We called out to the people still in their homes. And we challenged everyone, ourselves included, to do more...

Each of the organizations who participated in the march were asked to contribute a new initiative specifically designed to address the needs and issues surrounding our at-risk youth. We asked each organization to find new ways to reach out to youth beyond the pool of the best and brightest who many of our efforts often serve.

Yesterday, the front page of the Wichita Eagle featured a story on the drop in crime our city has recently experienced. And while the city-wide drop has been only 1.5%, the story says that the drop has been spurred by a more precipitous drop in the 'core of the city'. And while there are certainly any number of inter-related factors that contributed to this drop in crime and violence, I think it worthy of note that when we as a community come together we absolutely CAN make a difference!

Next Steps:
After the march, we also asked each of the organizations to commit to coming together again to talk about some specific ways that we can increase and strengthen our collaborative efforts. That meeting will take place on Saturday, September 4th, at 2:00pm in the McAdams Center (in McAdams Park). Immediately following the Black Arts Festival Parade, we  would like to have representatives from each of the participating organizations gather in the McAdams Rec Center for a brief meeting during which we will discuss each of the Organizations efforts to reach at-risk youth, and discuss some specific long-term projects that we could collaborate on that would really increase our collective efficacy.

So please, join us as we move into phase II of the 'Restoring our Community' Movement

The Restoring our Community Movement
Phase II: "Bridging the Gaps through strategic collaborations"

Saturday September 4th @ 2:00pm
(following the Black Arts Festival Parade)
McAdams Recreation Center

Participating Organizations
The Wichita Ministerial League, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Urban League of Kansas, the Peace and Social Justice Center, Sunflower Community Action, the African American Coalition, Real Men Inc, the Council of Elders, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Iota Phi Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities, The Wichita Chapter of the National Organization for Women, the Wichita Black Nurses Association, the Center for Heath and Wellness, the Universalist Unitarian Church, the Kansas African American Museum, 316 the Rescue Zone, "Do you want to Live or Die" , Woman to Woman, the Justice Keepers, the Advocacy Coalition of Kansas, Bigelow Bethea, Rice Services, the Boys and Girls Club, Real Men Real Heroes, the Kappa Leadership League, the Optimist Club, and the City of Wichita.  - AND YOU!!


If you would like to be a part of this effort, just plan to be in attendance on September 4th!!!

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Black, Brown, and Beyond...

Last night, the Wichita NAACP and Sunflower Community Action hosted a forum to discuss commonalities between racial and cultural lines. The purpose of the event was to gain a better understanding and sense of community particularly between black and brown communities. There are many issues that face both communities for example, gang violence, discrimination and unsafe neighborhoods just to name a few. The goal was show that if we have a better understanding of one another then we can start to break down the barriers that keep us from moving forward together to address these issues.

I spoke to the mostly Latino and African American audience about how race and racism are used as mechanisms of control. I talked about how we are all manipulated by a system designed to ensure that the wealthy and powerful are able to safeguard their wealth and influence. While laws are being rewritten, banks are being bailed out, homes are being foreclosed, jobs are being lost, prisons are being filled, schools are being underfunded, history is being altered, promised reforms are being gutted, and the rich are getting richer, we the people are being fed a steady stream of divisiveness and distractions.

The situation is best summarized by perhaps my favorite quote from Chris Palahniuk who said,

"Old George Orwell got it backward. Big Brother isn't watching. He's singing and dancing. He's pulling rabbits out of a hat. Big Brother's busy holding your attention every moment you're awake. He's making sure you're always distracted. He's making sure you're fully absorbed.

He's making sure your imagination withers. Until it's as useful as your appendix. He's making sure your attention is always filled.

And this being fed, it's worse than being watched. With the world always filling you, no one has to worry about what's in your mind. With everyone's imagination atrophied, no one will ever be a threat to the world."

Last night’s meeting was the first in a three part series to unite communities of color and to make it clear that we are all in this together. Stay tuned for more information on the next two sessions...

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The "Restoring our Community" March - 6/26/10

The weather man said it was 98 degrees out there... But still we marched. Not a short walk, not downhill, and not even down shaded streets. We marched 4 miles, at 12 noon, in the blazing sun, for nearly 2 hours, right through the heart of our community. We marched to send a message; that we are ready to make a change. That we are ready to be the change we want to see... Young folks and seniors, walking together, praying together, singing together as we called for an end to the violence that has plagued our community for too long.

It was beautiful...

I would like to personally thank the Wichita Ministerial League, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Urban League of Kansas, the Peace and Social Justice Center, Sunflower Community Action, the African American Coalition, Real Men Inc, the Council of Elders, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Sigma Gamma Rho, and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Iota Phi Theta, Phi Beta Sigma, and Omega Psi Phi Fraternities, The Wichita Chapter of the National Organization for Women, the Wichita Black Nurses Association, the Center for Heath and Wellness, the Universalist Unitarian Church, the Kansas African American Museum, 316 the Rescue Zone, "Do you want to Live or Die" , Woman to Woman, the Justice Keepers, the Advocacy Coalition of Kansas, Bigelow Bethea, Rice Services, the Boys and Girls Club, Real Men Real Heroes, the Kappa Leadership League, the Optimist Club, and the City of Wichita.

I would also like to offer a special word of thanks to David and Lynne Gilkey, Pastor Reuben Eckels, Pastor Lincoln Montgomery, Pastor Cynthia Wolford, Carl Kirkendal, Cindi Donaldson, Prisca Barnes, Leah George, Frankie Brown, Reverend Peggy Elliott, Pastor Titus James, and the Reverend Michael Tyson for helping to carry the vision...

Thanks to Reverends Wade, Steele, and Sims, who offered up their Church buses and vans to make sure that those who were tired or who needed a rest could get on the bus for a while and continue on the path. Thank you to Fire Chief Blackwell for analyzing the route and having the fire department open several of the hydrants as we approached to provide a cooling mist as we marched by. Thank you to McDonalds and Youthville for providing water and ice. And thank you to Maaskelah Thomas for being my sounding board...

I'd like to also recognize those who sacrificed to be a part of this event. Folks such as Wanda Hunt who came just after a home-going celebration, Lanora Nolan who 'literally' walked until her feet bled, Superintendent Mark Gilkey who had an event going on at his own church but still found a moment to slip away and march with us, Mayor Carl Brewer whose schedule was full but found a way to make it over and join in the march and stayed through the program to speak to the community as well.

And last but certainly not least, my heartfelt thanks to my "team". Elaine Guillory, Kenya Cox, Kenyal Lattimore, Lavonta Williams, VJ Sessions, Sandra Rankins, Mary Dean, Charles Coleman... you guys helped take the "pictures" in my head and formulate the vision... I know I sometimes work y'all to death, but I love you all for letting me...

And another very special thanks to the Wichita NAACP Youth Council. You guys created the facebook and my space pages, sent out over 2,000 personal notices and invitations, stayed down at the office until 10pm making signs, carried the banners, and did everything we could ask, and things we didn't even know to ask... So to Amani, Kyron, Jesyka, Isaiah, AJ, Ronnell, Andrew, Carl Jr, Kendall, Jowonia, Aaron, Shelby, Mya, Jordon, Sharell, and all of the rest of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart...

And lastly a special word of thanks to Candice Reed who helped keep us focused on why this is so very important...

---

That said, this was only the beginning. The march and meeting were the "kick-off" events for what will be a long but rewarding process of transformation. Be clear, we will make some mis-steps, there will be a few gaffes and disappointments along the way, but if we stay focused and stay committed, we can do something that will serve as an example for cities across this Country.

The next step will be a facilitated session in August (we're still finalizing the venue). At that meeting we will work to design some multi-faceted and multi-disciplined collaborative initiatives that will maximize the shared resources and talents of the Organizations that have come to the table... How much more could we accomplish if we all strategically worked together? - In August, we'll see if we can't answer that question...

...but in the interim, yesterday we talked about 7 points that we can implement right now to begin the process of community restoration and transformation.

1. BELIEVE IT - The first thing we must do to begin the process of transforming our community is we must BELIEVE that we can. There are a Million detractors out there who will offer us reasons why we can't. We even have a million voices inside our own heads that will tell us that we're too flawed, too broken, or to self-centered to ever truly come together.. But conquering the haters and our doubts is the first step in this effort. It is a pre-requisite for the other steps. Believe that we CAN rebuild our community and SPEAK it to all those who will listen.

2. PRACTICE FORGIVENESS - We must all take the difficult step of forgiving one another. Within our community we have held on to far too many old grievances, hurts and disappointments. We too often listen to one another, not to hear the message we're trying to convey, but rather to validate our distrusts and disdains. By holding on to our grudges we deprive our youth of the opportunity to experience the healthy and nurturing communities we knew as children. If we as a community are to become like a shining city upon a hill, it will not begin with bricks and mortar, it will not begin with a summer jobs initiative, or a great new grant funded program. It will begin with us... It will begin with us FORGIVING one another and deciding that we are willing to leave our hurts and anger and mistrust in the past; Stand with one another (flaws and all) and TRY AGAIN.

3.TAKE THE PLEDGE - We must each pledge to place the interests of our Community above those of our respective organizations. This one is difficult... Those of you who know me, know that I love the NAACP. And my love is not passive; I will travel any distance and go to any length for my organization because I believe in its mission its purpose and its history. But I know that I was a member of our community before I'd ever heard of the NAACP, and I will remain a member of our community long after my NAACP days have ended... So my first loyalty MUST be to the community that nurtured me and that will serve as the home and foundation for my children and grandchildren. But the reality is that Grant Funding combined with Generations of "Willie Lynch" like conditioning have served to make natural colleagues into fierce competitors; willing to publicly tear each other down at a net-loss for the community. So we must pledge: If another Organization offers a service or program of greater benefit than what I can offer, I pledge that I will not compete with them. Rather, I will offer my services and talents to try and help them. I will make referrals as necessary and will offer my unqualified support, because in all our efforts the COMMUNITY must come first.

4. COMMIT to rolling out at least one new initiative specifically targeted to the at-risk youth in our community. We have no shortage of youth groups in our community and most of them are OUTSTANDING. We have any number of Excellent programs with great leadership and wonderful curriculums. But, if we are honest, many of our programs are serving the best and brightest. We take the great and make them excellent. But those of our children who have made poor choices, who have gotten into some trouble, or who are heading down the wrong paths, don't benefit from our programming. Once they're "out there" we tend to leave them "out there" and we rationalize it by saying that they have to 'want' to change... But we must not forget that they are children, and as children, how will they know the right way unless they are shown? These children on the margins have the same potential for excellence and their own unique gifts and abilities... often times they just need our attention, our concern, and our guidance. So we ask that each participating organization roll out one new initiative designed to reach these children and help them shine as well.

5. FULLY COMMIT the resources of your organization to support at least one effort or initiative of a different organization. We can't just talk about collaborating and working together, we have to make it happen.. After the March we distributed resource guides with contact information and a snapshot of the work of all of the participating organizations. We will continue to build that resource guide as we bring more and more organizations into this effort and as we edit, we will make the guide available online. Find something that you can support and lets start amplifying each others efforts!

6. COMMUNICATE - We are asking that each participating organization send a copy of your organizational calendar to the Community Voice Newspaper so that they can publish a Community Calendar. This will be a resource to help us support each others efforts and it will also help us to avoid scheduling competing events on the same days.

7. COMMIT to staying at the table. Our next event will be held in late August (details will be posted online).

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Branch member Mildred Edwards appointed to the Kansas Board of Regents

Gov. Mark Parkinson has appointed Wichita Branch NAACP member Mildred Edwards to the Kansas Board of Regents.

"This past legislative session we made a renewed commitment to our regents institutions, acknowledging that the Kansas economy is only as strong as the higher education opportunities that prepare our workforce for the future," Parkinson said. "These newest members of the Board of Regents share that belief and remain committed to seeing our universities and community colleges succeed."

Edwards, of Wichita, is the executive director of the Kansas African Americans Affairs Commission. Prior to her appointment, she was the project director for STAND TOGETHER Coalition at their Regional Prevention Center of Wichita/Sedgwick County. She holds a master's in public health and a doctorate in psychology from Wichita State University.

The Board of Regents is a nine-member body which governs the state's six universities, and supervises and coordinates 19 community colleges, six technical colleges, and Washburn University.

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"What's in in for you?": WSU to host a public panel discussion on the Affordable Care Act

The new Health Care Legislation is complex. Come and gain a new understanding of how it affects you, your family and your medical care!

When: Saturday, May 22, 2010 2pm-4pm
Where: Rhatighan Student Center (formerly the CAC) Room 203 on the WSU Campus

The panelists:

• Dr. Richard Skibba, M.D., Retired, Board Certified Gastroenterologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine
• Monica Flask, Director of Project Access, Central Plains Regional Health Care Foundation
• David Wilson, President of Kansas AARP
• Bev White, President and CEO the Center for Health and Wellness

Admission is FREE

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Get out your Walking shoes -- It's time to MARCH

It's time...
For too long we've dealt with the issues of violence, crime, under-achievement, and low expectations. For too long our community and organizations have been plagued by divisions and mistrust. For too long we've waited for solutions to come from the outside, when we have to power to change our reality right now if we would only come together...

It's time...
On June 26th, at 12:00 noon, the NAACP and the Ministerial League along with other community minded organizations, concerned citizens, families, and youth, will STAND TOGETHER. We will March through our neighborhood, walking past the sites where our young men and women have lost their lives to senseless violence. We are going to March, and sing, and Pray, and recall that spirit of the Community we Used to be... We are going to March together, arm-in-arm, and work together to bring about the Rebirth of our Community Spirit. We are going to March together, and teach our Young People about the beautiful People and Community that God intended us to be.

It's time...
We are going to stand together and say Goodbye to the Ego's, Goodbye to the Silo's, and Goodbye to the divisions that have kept us apart. We are going to stand together and say Goodbye to the violence, Goodbye to the crime, and Goodbye to the low expectations that have afflicted our community.

It's time...
We're going to Reclaim our community by reclaiming our Youth. We are not going to cast these young men aside -- We are going to reclaim them. These are our children - We are going to let them know that we love them, and we are going to bring them back into the fold. We're not going to lecture them about the way it was 'back in the day'... We going to talk to them about the way its 'going to be Tomorrow', and we're going to fight to bring our prodigal sons back home. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

It's time everybody... So get out your old walking shoes. And JOIN US on June 26th... More details will follow shortly through the blog, email, radio, newspaper, text, twitter, facebook, and flyers...

Be ready everybody - Start talking it up - Start praying and Stretching - because on June 26th, we're going to stand together and rebuild our community...

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Wichita NAACP Statement on the recent drive by shooting death near 18th and Chatauqua

A few moments ago, I received a call from City Councilwoman and NAACP Vice President Lavonta Williams, informing me of a drive by shooting that took place yesterday near 18th and Chatauqua. I am currently out of town but I felt it was important that we not wait, but rather that we speak to this tragic issue and to those who have been affected.

I speak on behalf of the Wichita Branch NAACP as an organization and myself personally when I say that we mourn the loss of life, and offer our prayers to the family. But we most also condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the senseless and reckless cycle of violence that has plagued our community for too long and has yet claimed another life. Equally tragic as the shooting itself was that fact that the act was witnessed by a group of small children who were outside playing in the neighborhood.

As an activist, and someone who volunteers between 25 and 30 hours per week to serve this community which I deeply love, I find myself racked with anger at those whose selfishness and disregard for human life threatens to destroy the very fabric of our community. You are robbing the childhood away from our children.

To my young brothers: There is no excuse for what you're doing. I know you tell me, "man, you don't understand..."; but that's simply not true. I do understand... it's you who seemingly do not. You don't seem to understand that in a world of infinite possibilities, failure is a choice. Each of you has a god-given potential that  is too often wasted on get rich quick schemes, "hustling", drugs, excuses, and violence... It is shameful and indefensible and it must stop...

When I get back to Wichita, I plan to sit down with brother David Gilkey, Pastor Michael Tyson, and others who are committed to ending this cycle of violence to develop some new strategies for reaching these youth. If you are interested in joining in this effort, we'll be posting updates and meeting info on our Facebook page... You can join the Wichita NAACP Facebook group by clicking the applet in the upper right section of this page...

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The South-Central Legislative Delegation holding a public forum Saturday at WSU

This Saturday at 9:00am, the South Central Legislative Delegation of the Kansas Legislature will hold a public forum in the Suderman Room of the Wichita State University Metroplex on the corner of 29th and Oliver. This is your opportunity to speak out and be heard by our State Legislators. Please, come out and join us as we call upon our Representatives to reject the onerous Kansas "Health Care Freedom" Amendment.

We will also be calling on our Legislators to adequately fund education here in the State - with a 1 cent sales tax if necessary. It is simply unconscionable that we would be faced with dramatic cuts to education, public safety, and basic services; not because it is genuinely unavoidable, but rather because our Legislature is wedded to a simplistic dogma that says that "all taxes are bad" so they refuse to take the necessary steps even in the face of a massive $500,000,000.00 shortfall. They are attempting to address our economic woes using a 'Holistic' approach; one that somehow presumes to solve a multi-million dollar budgetary shortfall without the use of money.

Now this is the point when some would cite the adage, "you don't raise taxes in a recession, blah blah shoobedoo". Spare me... An economy of this scale is infinitely more complex than the simple wisdom gleaned from the preface of an Econ 101 textbook or some crazy tele-pundit's chalkboard. If the "cuts create growth" mantra were anything more than a basic theory (false as often as true), then the tax cuts of 2003 should have mitigated our Iraqi military expenditures and forestalled the recession. BUT I DIGRESS...

We also offer our Public support to the following pieces of legislation:

(We support) H2533 – Kansas Act against Discrimination; this bill changes the language regarding disabilities, making it clearer and more concise.

(We support) H2628 – Directs the Boards of Education in each district to implement policies prohibiting bullying.

(We support) H2629 – Allows that whenever a child is taken into temporary custody, the parents should be allowed to submit the names of three people whom they would like to be considered for the granting of custody.

(We support) H5003 – A proposed Constitutional Amendment declaring the equal rights of Men and Women.

(We support) S0018 – Prohibits the deprivation of Rights under the color of law and establishes such deprivation as a Felony Offense.

(We support) S0054 – Would commission a mural depicting Brown Vs the Board of Education, be placed within the Capital building. The bill states that no public funds can be used for the creation or installation of the mural

(We support) S0109 – Amends the Grandparents as Caregivers Act and removes the age limit.

(We support) S0169 – Adds Sexual Orientation and Gender identity to the Kansas Act against Discrimination.

(We support***) S0179 – The Racial Profiling Bill, contains new definitions of Racial Profiling more consistent with the legislations original intent. We support the bill BUT we oppose the Racial Profiling Task Force’s recommendation for a moratorium.

(We support) S0191 – Requires that any new electronic voting machines also provide an auditable paper trail.

(We support) S0125 – Amends the Grandparents as Caregivers Act to strike the requirement for legal guardianship.

(We support) S0511 – Would create a Small and Disadvantaged Business program that would establish minority participation ‘goals’ for State contracts.

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The Wichita NAACP Debate Program gets underway in the Judge Riddel Boys Ranch Juvenile Detention Facility

Today was the first day of our new Debate Program within the Judge Riddel Boys Ranch Juvenile Detention Facility. Today we met with our new group of young men ranging in age from 16 through 18. President Kevin Myles and Branch Member and School Board member Betty Arnold are the coaches for the program. On a personal level, it was great to see these young men who are incarcerated for anti-social behavioral problems, thinking, smiling, learning, working together and challenging themselves. The program was only intended to meet on a monthly basis, but at the request of the young men, we will now look to expand the program to bi-weekly...

The JRBR serves male juvenile offenders with serious behavior problems from an urban setting, ages 13-18, that have been found guilty in juvenile court and ordered into state’s custody for placement outside their homes at a community-based residential program. Approximately 50% of the juveniles are in custody for misdemeanor offenses, after they have failed standard probation and intensive probation in the community. The other half are felony offenders, including those with convictions for person crimes such as aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and aggravated burglary. JRBR youth are typically very far behind in their education; many need outpatient substance abuse treatment, mental health care and counseling to address criminal behavior, anger management, empathy, grief and family issues.

Through our structured debate program, we model and teach effective communication, critical thinking, rules of decorum, and conflict resolution skills. Through this program, we plan to drive down recidivism rates by working directly with juvenile offenders and at-risk youth and equipping them with the skills they need to express themselves in a positive manner, to advocate on their own behalf, to bring about change through reason, and to traverse difficult and trying situations without resorting to anger or anti-social behaviors.

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Wichita City Council should listen to residents before moving forward with plans for a Lord's Diner in the Northeast community

Just last week, the Wichita Eagle reported that the City was moving ahead with plans to construct a new Lord's Diner (a free meal center for the poor and/or homeless) on 21st street in the Central Northeast community. The author of the article lamented the fact that many of the neighborhood's residents were opposed to the plan, but then applauded the City's apparent resolve to move forward despite the local opposition.

The author of the article correctly noted that there is a relatively high concentration of lower income families in the Central Northeast and that many lower income families could use a little assistance in these tough economic times. And I have no doubt that a free meal center on 21st street could and would likely be filled with people from all over the city who were appreciative of the help. But in lamenting the neighborhood opposition to the plan, the author negated a very important principle and variable in this debate: That is the obligation of elected officials to actively listen to the communities they represent. Analyzing and understanding GIS and demographic data is terribly important, but so too are the voices of the residents. And this is not a principle often lost upon the Wichita City Council. In fact, the Council has a long history of being responsive to the concerns of its neighborhoods and communities.

For example:

On July 12th, 2004 a Wichita resident walked into the monthly meeting of the Wichita City District 2 Advisory Board. They addressed the DAB board that evening to discuss a Water Department pumping station located just across the street from their well manicured gated community. A number of the communities residents were concerned that the pumping station's newly installed roof was not "architecturally consistent" with the surrounding neighborhoods. You see the roof was blue while the houses in the surrounding communities were all shake shingles…

The City Council listened to the concerns of the residents. And so as not to offend the aesthetic sensibilities of the folks in the neighborhood, the Council spent an additional $78,000.00 to replace the Blue roof with concrete shingles similar in appearance to the shingled roofs on the neighboring houses.

A second example took place in late 2006 when Walmart announced plans to build a Super-Center on the southeast corner of Kellogg and Oliver. The residents of that local neighborhood contacted the City Council and expressed their opposition to the plan. Citing the negative effect it would have on traffic, property values, and local businesses, the citizens asked the City Council to deny the proposed zoning change needed for Walmart to move forward. The City, knowing that rescinding the offer would lead to a legal challenge from the retailer, opted to stand with the local residents and said no to Walmart. It was an act of tremendous political courage. In 2007 Judge Joe Kisner ruled that the City was within their legal rights to reject the zoning change. Walmart appealed and the earlier ruling was upheld just last month...

In both of these instances the City Council showed its willingness to make difficult and even controversial decisions on behalf of the local residents who would be directly affected. That same tact should be taken in this instance.

Wanting to build an additional facility to serve the poor and homeless is laudable and we applaud Mayor Brewer and the City Council's resolve to care for 'the least of these'. But the placement of that facility is not without consequence.

Placing the Lord's Diner in the center of 21st street will negatively impact residential property values. It will also make it increasingly difficult to attract new business and franchises to the area. And it is also wholly inconsistent with the Central Northeast, McAdams, and 21st Neighborhood redevelopment plans that the City has been promoting for the last few years.

For several years now, the City of Wichita has been publicly talking up plans to redevelop the Central Northeast community, particularly along 21st street. Residents, neighborhood associations, and local businesses have all signed on to these plans. When I speak with residents I hear wonderful stories of the way 21st used be when 21st street was a thriving area for businesses and families. They speak fondly of the times when Jabara's and Razooks Grocery Stores were both open for business, when there was an Otasco Department store, a Dairy Queen, strip malls, Barbershops, Burger Stands, schools, and filling stations. Moreover, many looked to the City's 21st street redevelopment as an opportunity to regain some of the vibrance that the community once held.

The City's initial redevelopment investments in the area confirmed those beliefs. The construction of the new state of the art Boys and Girls club, the new Gordon Parks Academy, TOP's and the development of Opportunity Drive were are positive and hopeful signs that the City was seriously moving to reinvest in and reinvigorate this once thriving and vibrant community.

But the City's new plan to place a soup kitchen in the heart of this community is difficult to reconcile with that vision. We are talking about a community who through the strong leadership of people like James Roseborough and Teretha Brown-Foster who head two of the area's neighborhood associations, and business leaders like Bob Alford (owner of the recently constructed MassFord Plaza), have really begun to turn things around for the better. Through their partnerships with the Wichita PD's neighborhood policing initiatives, crime is down in the area. Though the dedicated efforts of Church leaders like Pastor Jeff Enlow of Bibleway Baptist Church and groups like WIN (Wichita Independent Neighborhoods), houses and streets are being cleaned up. And local business leaders such as Bob Alford and others, have been carefully eying opportunities to attract new business and jobs to the area.

Placing the Lord's Diner right in the center of all this activity is a step in the opposite direction. Instead of building a job training facility (as many in the area had suggested) or marketing the real estate to new businesses that might employ more of the area's residents and improve the community's economic profile, the city has decided that this neighborhood would be an ideal place to gather and serve the city's poor and homeless. Instead of looking for ways to attract new businesses and new employment opportunities to the area that might provide a real leg out of poverty (teaching a man to fish), the city has decided to use the community's scarce real estate to build a free meal center that would cater to the City's poor and homeless (giving the man a fish). What does that say about our vision and priorities?

This is when the City should be talking to and listening to the area's residents. The City should be working with and responding to the people in the area who would be directly affected by these plans. The City should not squander its political will to steamroll over the voices and concerns of the community. Rather, the City should engage the residents, the business leaders, the church leaders, and the developers and work to find a "win-win" solution that would provide the assistance to those who need it without it coming at the expense of the property values and business opportunities of those in the community you are purporting to serve.

Now I know some will say that the real issue is one of helping the needy, and they will correctly state that this facility will serve some of the needy people in the immediate area. But in truth, the same could be said of almost any area in the MSA. The same argument could be used for placing the facility in Planeview, South City, 43rd St North, South East, or even Haysville or Park City for that matter.

Some will argue that talking about property values and businesses instead of talking about feeding the poor is heartless. But let's be clear, we are ALL in favor of feeding those in need. And we are all in favor of helping those who need help. But we are ALSO in favor of local communities having a real voice in the affairs and issues that impact them. The City established a precedent in listening and responding to the Aesthetic concerns of Tallgrass residents, even at a cost to taxpayers. They reestablished that precedent when they took on Walmart in the Courts in response to the concerns of Center City residents. We are simply saying that the residents of the Central Northeast community deserve that same level of responsiveness from their City government. We shouldn't deride their concerns and applaud the City's apparent willingness to ignore them; to the contrary, we call upon the City to extend the same ear to these residents and community leaders that you have extended to so many others in the past. Even when the decision was difficult you upheld the principle that the citizen's voices should be heard and respected. Even when the decision was unpopular you upheld the principle that the citizen's voices should be heard and respected. Even when the decision was costly and required political courage you still upheld the principle that the citizen's voices should be heard and respected. We ask that you not abandon that principle now...

And lastly, some will argue that the Central Northeast community is THE community with the greatest need, so this is where the facility should be placed. To them I say two things. First, the postulate that this is the area of the Greatest need is arguable, but even if we took that as a given, it would still prompt the question: What are they in greatest need of - Jobs or Sandwiches?

And second, if you are correct, and this is the area of greatest need, then the City would lose nothing by holding public forum to discuss the issue with residents. If this is the area in greatest need of a soup kitchen, then it stands to reason that it would only be confirmed by talking to the residents. But if the residents are asking for a Job training facility, and the City is responding with a Soup Kitchen, then the City is NOT responding to the needs of the community.

We are confident that this issue can be resolved and that there can be a 'win-win' solution. But the City must be willing to come together with residents, listen to their concerns, and work towards a plan that all can agree on. We are a neighborhood-centric city. We are a city with accessible leadership and a proud legacy of responsiveness to citizen concerns. We have never been a city where the City Council ignores the concerns of its neighborhood associations, community and/or business leaders. And we should not become one today...

Now personally, I don't live in the Central Northeast and my property values will not be affected, so some might argue that I don't have a dog in this fight. But I stand on the principle that the folks in our community should be given the same respect and consideration as the folks in Center City or Tallgrass. The people in our community should not be treated differently. They should not have their concerns derided or diminished. They should not be placated with simplistic arguments that gloss over the fact that their property values are about to be lowered. And they should not be ignored. The Wichita Branch NAACP stands beside James Roseborough, Teretha Brown-Foster, Bob Alford and others as they stand up and speak out on behalf of their neighborhoods. We stand with the residents of Millair, McAdams, Matlock Heights, Northeast Heights, and the surrounding neighborhoods who pay taxes just like the residents of any other area within the city. They have earned the right to speak their concerns, and the City owes it to them to listen...

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Join us for the Wichita NAACP Documentary Film Series

Join us on Friday Sept 18th for the first installment of the Wichita NAACP's documentary film series. This week, we will be showing the film "With all deliberate speed"; a documentary about the five cases that made up the groundbreaking Brown vs. Board case and the state of desegregation in America's schools today.

So come on out and enjoy some popcorn, a great movie, and some good conversation on us...

The Wichita NAACP Documentary Film Series
"With All Deliberate Speed"
When: Friday - Sept 18th - 6PM
829 N Market St

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14 more Wichita Schools fall short of State Test Targets

Reposted from the Wichita Eagle
By: Lori Yount

The number of Wichita schools meeting both math and reading test targets dropped by 14 this year to 46, according to data released today by the Kansas State Department of Education.

This means Wichita schools, the state's largest district, lost some gains it boasted last year when 13 more of the district's then-84 schools met both math and reading goals than in 2007.

Statewide, the number of schools achieving targets dropped slightly in 2009, from 90 percent last year to 87.6 percent this year.

State educators said each year it's more difficult for schools to meet goals because the percentage of students who need to pass math and reading tests increases.

"The good news is that Kansas schools are achieving their goals in reading and mathematics even though these same goals have increased substantially over last year," Kansas Commissioner of Education Alexa Posny said in a written statement.

Schools in other area districts continued to not meet targets this year after first doing so last year. But some high schools that didn't reach goals last year — Campus High School in Haysville and Maize High School — did meet them this year, according to state data.

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