PROGRAM SUCCESS – JANUARY 2010 PAGE 11
President Obama May Improve the Image of African Americans , But Being Black or Brown In America Is Still Tough For Kids
Sandy Lynne Holman urges educators and parents to action
Davis , CA — The media is touting new films about image and the African American experience - Chris Rock ’ s “ Good Hair ,” Oprah ’ s “ Precious ,” CNN ’ s Black in America , Disney ’ s Princess and the Frog and Tyler Perry ’ s films - but talking about self-image is a mission for Sandy Holman , director of The Culture CO-OP , Davis , California . Holman
Sandy Lynn Holman
has dedicated the last twenty years of her career to boosting the body-image and self-esteem of the nation ’ s youth . Her focus is on diversity and children who are disproportionately affected by negative messages such as African Americans and Latinos .
Her first book - ” Grandpa , Why Is Everything Black Bad ?” - won national awards in spite of what her critics called its “ negative title .” Holman reads this and her other titles , “ Grandma Says Our Hair has Flair ” and “ We All Have a Heritage ,” to the nation ’ s children . The children who read her books know exactly what they mean , and they feel validated by the positive messages inside . Holman observes that from age three , kids notice when their skin and hair doesn ’ t measure up to their role models in movies and television .
“ Things have reached an epidemic level for our children and the messages they internalize ,” Holman said , “ And still we debate why there are achievement gaps in education , high dropout rates , high incarceration rates and worse .” The negative messages that children of color receive , coupled with insidious institutional systems , are taking their toll .
Holman says it is vital to take collective action because ultimately all of society is affected . By working with schools , creating community conversations , giving presentations and creating books , songs and other
materials , she encourages individuals to intervene in the lives of youth during their formative years .
Sandy Holman has degrees from the University of California and California State University in psychology and counseling . The Culture CO-OP ( Caring , Optimistic , Open-minded People ) promotes understanding and respect for diversity , reading and quality education for all . They accomplish their mission through dynamic presentations and research-based multicultural products that incorporate reading , music and the arts for people of all ages and backgrounds . They are preparing to launch the national campaign “ We All Have a Heritage ” to increase cross-cultural awareness and understanding . For more details , visit www . cultureco-op . com or contact Sandy Lynn Holman , Director , Business Phone : 530-792-1334 , Cell Phone : 530-902-4534 sandy @ CultureCo-op . com