Fist Stick Knife Gun

References:

Canada, G. (1995). Fist Stick Knife Gun. Boston, MA: Beacon

Press.

Geoffrey Canada - Harlem Children's Zone. (n.d.). Retrieved

April 19, 2016, from http://hcz.org/about-us/leadership/

geoffrey-canada/

Weaknesses

Peacemakers!

• The text placed substantial emphasis on how violence affected children in these impoverished communities. However, violence affects neighboring communities, including adults.
• We need to look at violence through a broader scope because it is affecting a larger population than what this book portrays.
• Although this book places great importance on decreasing the amount of youth who are incarcerated, there still needs to be a consequence for those who are unwilling to participate in a program, such as the Harlem Children's Zone in order to grow into virtuous and moral individuals.

Relevance to Educators!

• Since these children have grown up constantly fighting enemies, it is often difficult for them to play a role in making peace. Surprisingly though, these children are the real experts when individuals are attempting to decrease violence because of their firsthand exposure.
• The Peacemakers Program, will consist of learning conflict mediation skills, research skills and community organizing skills. Children will begin each morning with a mediation.
• "We see them as part of the solution, not part of the problem" (Canada, 163).
• We will give these children training tools and opportunities to help them succeed.

• As educators we cannot be narrow minded
• Increase cultural competency
• Advocate
• Placing well trained and caring adults into poor communities, these children need HEROS!
• Focus needs to shift from spending an enormous amount of money on incarcerating children and instead, invest on educating these young people to help them to grow and eventually give back to society.

Harlem Children's Zone Comes to Bridgeport!

• Our activities will incorporate parents because "we cannot save children without making just as strong an effort to help their parents" (Canada, 142).

• The members of our staff have experienced poverty and violence firsthand. This will make these individuals more relatable to the children.
• Safety and security: Our security team is made up of young individuals who truly like the children and don't try to intimidate them. These individuals don't believe in using force or bad language. They will NEVER bend the rules.
• Our program uses the police sparingly because they are not well liked by the community, but we still maintain a good relationship with police officers.

• Programs for adults range from: education classes, support groups, aerobics, African dance, and targeted workshops in areas that the parents can select.

Fist Stick Knife Gun

A Personal History of Violence

By: Geoffrey Canada

Gina Gallo and Haley Sehring

Harlem Children's Zone Comes to Bridgeport!

• Starting Fall 2016, this program will take place at a Bridgeport elementary school.
• We are going to provide activities designed for adolescents during the late evenings and weekends because "leaving thousands of them on street corners with nothing to do only invites trouble" (Canada, 142).
• Martial arts classes will be provided to children every Tuesday night.

Prevalence of Violence

• "The handgun has replaced the fist and knife as the weapon of choice" (Canada, 81). Having a handgun is an integral part of growing up for these children. It is the ultimate form of protection.
• Due to the Rockefeller Drug Laws, young boys became the targets for selling drugs. Since they were too young to purchase expensive cars, clothes and jewelery, etc. young dealers often purchased handguns for protection.
• Sadly, a possible test question for students attending an urban school district may be:
• When someone points a gun in your direction, but doesn't want to shoot you in particular, you should

A. Run into the nearest building

B. Yell and scream while you run away

C. Stand still

D. Hit the ground

• Answer: D.

Thesis:

About the Author:

• Mr. Canada wants readers to understand the crisis that our children are facing and act because "they live in a world where danger lurks all around them and their playgrounds are filled with broken glass, crack vials, and sudden death" ( Canada, 181). These acts toward change will only be successful if leaders fully understand the experts (the children).
• Video:

• Geoffrey Canada grew up in the South Bronx and lived in a poor and violent neighborhood.
• Despite his environment, he achieved a bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College and a master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
• Post graduation, he began working with children from impoverished neighborhoods.
• 1990- 2014: President of the Harlem Children's Zone.
• Author of: Fist Stick Knife Gun, Reaching Up for Manhood and a number of publications.

Summary:

• Mr. Canada grew up alongside three brothers all who were raised by a single mother. It was at the young age of four, that he became aware of violence and how crucial it was to know how to defend oneself.
• Boys had to fight in order to gain respect and good standing on the streets.
• Based on his own life experiences and after graduating from college, he developed the Harlem Children's Zone, which supported the education of young children through counseling, instruction, and bridging the gap between school and home.