Giving away bikes and books to children at Adelaide L Sanford Charter School 53 in Newark, New Jersey

Brother Johney Leake, the Tyler of Alpha Lodge No. 116 F&AM in East Orange, made us aware of a new Charter School nestled in the heart of Newark's Lincoln Park. Upon arriving today, I detected a certain intimacy about the school. Charter schools are always special in their own right, but this new school is named "Adelaide L. Sanford Charter School, after an extremely important African American woman and educator. The classic old decor is decorated with African sculpture and artwork. The classrooms are equipped with brand new wireless routers and computer equipment. The children are the full range of Elementary School, and the school is expanding to take on Junior High Middle Schoolers as well. There is a waiting list for this school with well over a hundred people. This the result of word of mouth only at this point, but word of mouth has done great things. This new school's Principal, Delacy Davis (of Black Cops Against Police Brutality fame) has just received word that the children of Adelaide L. Sanford have been invited down to the White House! Delacy is a charismatic leader with a vision, and he radiates energy and light. As principle, he has the children running a tight ship, with uniforms, manners, cultural appreciation and a disciplined yet loving environment that fosters a love of learning and a love of their fellow students whom they address as "geniuses".

The officers of Alpha Lodge No. 116 were there to give away bicycles to children who had excelled in a recent reading contest which had been implemented with no promise of prizes other than the self gratification of accomplishment. Certificates were signed, sealed in wax and delivered to the runner ups (along with a gift from the school that included $25 gift cards for Barnes & Noble) and to the two teachers responsible for educating the group of four students selected by the school to receive the rewards. The first three prizes were brand new bicycles and helmets. The children lined the staircases, the walls and all parts of the school. They make good use of space, brags Davis. They appear to make good use of funds as well. The modern classrooms are clean, attractive and each fitted with private bathrooms for the students. All movement in the school is orderly and with purpose.

The ceremony was effectively drummed in by the drum team of various grades, as another team of students performed a mantra of positive affirmation and reinforcement of empowering goals and approaches to life, learning and knowledge. It was a moving experience, and I will be back soon to visit...with books in hand.

Later that same day, David Lindez (currently serving as Master of the Lodge) organized & managed the clothing drive for the homeless, care packages for soldiers in Afghanistan and the reading mentor program for local students to receive tutoring and free books at the lodge.