The forum will be moderated by Mr. John Saunders, host of ESPN’s the Sports Reporters, studio host of ESPN’s NBA Shootaround from 2004-2006, and studio host of ABC’s coverage of college football, and former hockey player at Western Michigan University.
     African-American males are over-represented in the sports world, which has recently been attributed to the international and intensive socialization of African-Americans into sports. The consequences that have emerged from this phenomenon include an over identification with athletic achievement to the detriment of academic achievement.
     “When things are going right, there’s nobody more popular on the college campus than the student-athlete — the gifted undergrad who can hit the clutch jumper or get that vital first down. Even better is the athlete who can step into the classroom and hold his or her own against students who have none of his or her extracurricular commitments,” states Melvin Burruss, of Peekskill and President of the African American Men of Westchester.
     While it is undoubtedly a challenge, many student-athletes manage to expertly navigate life on and off the field. Paul Robeson, a man for all seasons, is one example. The football standout at Rutgers University went on to become a world-renowned singer and thespian. And David Robinson earned a mathematics degree at the U.S. Naval Academy before becoming the face of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. He eventually went on to win two NBA championships and was named one of the Top 50 NBA players of all time.
     A lot has changed in the last few years, however. The life of the student-athlete is more structured and the athletes now come in several varieties. Some cruise onto campus for a year or two before chasing their dreams in the NBA or the NFL. Others qualify for varsity sports but must make new career choices after realizing that the professional ranks are not in their futures. But for most collegiate athletes, the college game is the end of the line. There is no professional league and no multimillion-dollar contract waiting for them down the road.
     According to Daymon Yizar, of Greenburgh, and Chairman the Education Committee - In today’s popular culture deluging society with images of African American males as athletes and entertainers is detrimental to the academic and social growth of this group.    
     Issues to be discussed will be:

• Do education programs provide valuable educational services, or do they set student-athletes off on a path of lower educational expectations?
• Do high school student athletes understand the basics of the NCAA Clearinghouse and how to prepare for its challenges?
• 95% of student-athletes in College today will never achieve a professional career. How can student-athletes prepare themselves for life after athletes?

Co-sponsors: African American Men of Westchester, Entergy, Iona College-School of Education, Jandon Foundation, Journal News, United Way of Westchester and Putnam, Inc. 

Participating sponsors: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority-Xi Chi Omega, City School District of New Rochelle, Dream for Kids, Inc., Greenburgh Central School District No. 7, Mt. Vernon Boys & Girls Club, Peekskill School District, Westchester Alliance of Black School Educators Westchester County Office of African American Affairs, Westchester/Putnam School Boards Association. 

For directions to Iona College, 914-633-2502, and additional information on the Education Forum call (914) 949-9463 or 914-260-8907, or visit our Web site at www.aamw.com.

African American Men of Westchester (“AAMW”) is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit Corporation founded in 1987. AAMW’s goal is to conduct an array of activities designed to strengthen family values, provide programs that enrich the educational experience of young people, and foster economic development to build strong communities to change people’s lives in Westchester County.