As we know mainstream media is usually very quick to promote negative imagery of Black people in America and abroad. That’s why it is imperative for us to counter that narrative with all of the Black Excellence that goes unrecognized. Akbar Cook is the Principal at West Side High school in Newark, NJ and is making huge changes in the lives of the many young people he has been tasked to educate. Early on in his career at the school, there was a problem with students who didn’t have the ability to wash their uniforms at home which lead to bullying, fights and those kids not coming to school altogether to avoid the embarrassment. Cook  came up with the idea of getting washing machines and dryers in the building to curb this problem and not only has it been a huge success, it has also lead to an out pouring of support from people in the Newark community and stretching as far as the other-side of the globe. The story even made it’s way to Ellen Degeneres who featured him on her show to talk about the school as well as another after school program he has put in place to help his “babies” stay out of trouble.

Check out the video below of his appearance on Ellen and most importantly, make sure to share this story to spread the power of Black Excellence.

If you’re interested in learning more about this story check out the link below:

https://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2018/09/from_newark_to_cali_west_side_hs_principal_is_a_hi.html