One Man's Quest to Break the Poverty Cycle
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Geoffrey Canada is a man on a mission.
Mr. Canada, who grew up amid poverty and violence in New York City’s South Bronx, founded Harlem Children’s Zone, which is devoted to the cause of increasing graduation rates among high school and college students and enhancing their quality of life in an expanding area of Harlem.
A graduate of Bowdoin College, Mr. Canada earned his master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He developed the Children’s Zone after starting in 1990 as president of the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families. He transformed that organization by expanding its scope through development of a plan to focus on a 24-block area of Harlem. The Children’s Zone closely follows the academic careers of the youth in the “Zone,” which later was expanded to 97 blocks.
Geoffrey Canada Profile
The Harlem Children's Zone was profiled in 2004 in The New York Times Magazine. Author Paul Tough described it this way: "one of the biggest social experiments of our time.” In 2008, the same author published a book titled, “Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America.”
Tough’s book is described in a Washington Post review by Donna Foote as “a you-are-there recording” of the development, amazing growth and potential of the “Zone.” The review calls it “an informed primer” that correlates race, poverty and “the achievement gap in America.”
Canada's Audacious Plan
A Publisher’s Weekly review describes the Canada plan as “audacious” in its effort to end poverty. It notes the plan aims to change “everything” by linking services to the poor and to children who are least likely to succeed.
Mr. Canada's mission is to transform the lives of youth in his old neighborhood and the neighborhood itself by offering a step-by-step pathway to education along with a social safety net from birth through the difficult grammar and high school years all the way to college graduation. It's his strong belief that there can be no serious disruption along the way that could bar success. It's his goal to help the youth in the "Zone" to have access to the same opportunities and success afforded to middle class and upper middle class households throughout the United States.
A Life Filled With Hardships
In 2005 Mr. Canada, whose young life was filled with hardships, was named one of America's Best Leaders by the U.S. News and World Report.
Mr. Canada’s hard work and success paid dividends in 2009 when it won the praise of President Barack Obama at a White House event highlighting innovative nonprofit programs throughout the country that make a difference to their communities.
The “Zone” not only includes a preschool charter school but also a Baby College, parenting workshops and an obesity program to help keep children healthy. The president announced his plan to replicate the Harlem Children’s Zone model in 20 other cities across the nation.
Obama Endorses the 'Zone'
President Obama has often said he would like to see the “Zone” program replicated. He added in 2009 that if the “Zone” can turn neighborhoods around in New York, “why not Detroit or San Antonio or Los Angeles or Indianapolis?” In his announcement, the president called on foundations, philanthropists and others in the private sector to partner with the government to find and invest in such innovative, high-impact solutions.
In the same speech, President Obama asked Melody Barnes, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, to search outside of Washington for the programs that can most effectively transform communities and change lives.
President Obama Takes Action
President Obama, in late September of 2010, took further steps to implement the Zone program in 21 cities around the country by including $200 million in his 2011 budget request as well as $10 million more for planning grants.
Mr. Canada has written of his early life and experiences in a book, published in 1995, titled, “Fist Stick Knife Gun: A Personal History of Violence in America in 1995." In the book, Canada gives a riveting account of his exposure to violence during his childhood and offers a number of ideas on how violence in inner cities can be alleviated. Growing up amid the violence and code of conduct under which the youth of Harlem lived -- and sometimes survived -- was obviously both a fearful and instructional experience for young Geoffrey.
His second book, “Reaching Up for Manhood: Transforming the Lives of Boys in America,” was published in 1998. Among many awards and tributes, Mr. Canada is the recipient of the inaugural Heinz Award in the Human Condition, a Doctor of Humane Letters from Bowdoin College (2007) and a Doctor of Laws from Columbia University (2010.)
Passion for Excellence
The Heinz Award exemplifies the characteristics of Mr. Canada in that it demands candidates meet three standards: A passion for excellence that goes beyond intellectual curiosity, a concern for humanity rooted in sensitivity for the well-being of others and determination to see a job through to its completion. Also, the candidates must have an enduring, tangible and meaningful impact, and they must be working in the field for which they were nominated.
Mr. Canada’s work has attracted substantial interest from the media as well. He was not only the subject of Paul Tough’s book, but was profiled on “60 Minutes,” interviewed extensively by Charlie Rose on two occasions, had a guest appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and was twice a guest on the “Colbert Report.” He even appeared in a commercial by American Express during the Academy Awards that looked extensively at his work and success in the “Zone.”
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Do You Favor Funding Expansion of the Harlem Children's Zone model to other U.S. cities?
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I'm in favor of any and all programs which will help the children in our inner cities. There is no social program as important as rescuing these children.
Thank you, Paraglider. When I met Mr. Canada recently I was so impressed with his dedication, sincerity and intelligence that I felt compelled to write about his efforts in Harlem. We need more people like him.
Thank you Sheila b.
Mr. Canada's Harlem Children's Zone was developed from his extensive experience growing up there and later working with troubled children as an educator and counselor. It has proven to be a great success, and I am hopeful that President Obama will be successful in expanding the program around the country.
It is good to be persistent and patience. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful article,looks like we still have some great people around
It's incredible and wonderful not only to achieve to get from there into Havard University but then to turn around and do such a fantastic work. What a wonderful life. Thank you for drawing our attention to it and writing such a deservedly tribute.
This is totally inspirational. Really great that someone can do this. Loved this Hub and Geoffrey Canada is an inspiration.
Thanks for writing this great Hub, William.
Love and peace
Tony
We could use Geoffrey Canada in Detroit! Too bad he can't be cloned.
From my morning paper, Detroit Free Press:
A dispute between two teenage girls ended in gunfire Tuesday when one shot the other in the calf, police said.
It was the latest in a string of incidents in which a child has been shot in Detroit.
Detroit police spokesman John Roach said the fight between the girls, ages 13 and 14, started about 8 p.m. at a house on 24th Street near Michigan Avenue.
At one point in the fight, the 14-year-old went into the house, got a .22-caliber handgun and shot the other girl, Roach said.
The wounded girl was taken to a local hospital where she was listed in temporarily serious condition. The 14-year-old was taken into police custody, but no charges had been filed as of late Tuesday night.
No adults were in the home at the time, Roach said.
He said he did not know what the girls fought about, and that police are investigating the shooting.
God bless and protect the man
Geoffrey Canada certainly has persistence and patience, Philipo. He also has great knowledge, skill, compassion and know how, experience and intelligence. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for the compliment, Eddie. Sometimes we have to wonder, but, there truly are some wonderful people around -- and we really need them these days!
Mr. Canada has come a long way from his troubled youth, Hello, hello, and it looks like he's got a long road in front of him as well. Thank you.
Geoffrey Canada has inspired thousands of children to escape the poverty through his Harlem Children's Zone, tonymac04, and he is an inspiration to me as well. Thanks, Tony.
If President Obama has his way, Ralph Deeds, Mr. Canada's innovative, educational program will be replicated in Detroit one of these days. It's wonderful that so many children now living amid poverty and violence have been given hope -- and it's my hope that the program is given strong support in Congress regardless of politics.
Thank you, De Greek. With luck, Mr. Canada will have an even greater opportunity to share his knowledge and offer his guidance to the young and disenfranchised.
GREAT Hub William!! Really inspiring!!
I have followed Mr. Canada's work for years!! He seems to be a single-minded yet balanced, compassionate, loving, articulate man who is making a HUGE difference in the lives of many!!
WE ALL CAN!! Thank you for such in-depth information that reminds each of us, "we can make a difference!!"
Blessings always, Earth Angel!!
Thank you for this hub. Many of us are really worried about the educational system which is under attack by the corporate world and the tea baggers. I liked the article by Jon Carroll as well but wonder, by his statements, if he does not realize that the textbook selected/written by the TBE will be in distribution all over the country? Wonderful Mr. Canada. I've heard about him.
I only learned of Mr. Canada's work recently, Earth Angel, when I met him and his family personally. I was greatly impressed by him and his family as well. Few individuals accomplish as much as he has already -- and his future looks even more promising. I hope all of us can get behind the expansion of his programs that President Obama has declared to be his intention. It will take a lot of effort and a lot of dollars, but the lives of thousands of young people are at stake. Thank you very much for your nice comment, and I'm impressed that you are familiar with Geoffrey's work.
I keep hoping, chasingcars, that the corporate world and the tea baggers will someday understand that it's a good investment to educate our youngsters. As Mr. Canada has said, thousands can be pulled out of poverty and become good citizens and taxpayers for the same money it takes to house those in our prisons who didn't have the opportunities his program offers. Aren't the tea baggers and the corporations all about saving money for taxpayers?
Hey William, thankyou for educating us about this mans work...He's a true hero!
He is indeed, compu-smart. We sure need more like him, and unless I miss my guess we'll be hearing a lot more about him in the days, weeks and years to come.
thank you for the introduction............ an amazing man!
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kaie Arwen. Mr. Canada came a long way from where he started, and I think he'll be going a long way from here.
"President Obama has often said he would like to see the “Zone” program replicated."
I'm afraid mr. obama speak with forked tongue William. I wish it wasn't so but all the evidence says it is.
I am sympathetic with many of the concerns mentioned at dropoutnation, CWB, but time will tell whether the Obama
Administration follows through with its promise. The bottom line is that our children must be lifted out of poverty and ignorance and gain the support and education they deserve. I am unalterably opposed to privatization, but I strongly support a hand up for those who find themselves in a ditch.
Thank you for introducing me to this remarkable man! It is easy to forget that biggest difference can be made while in the trenches---something Mr. Canada clearly understands. Riveting as always, Linda
Mr. Canada is definitely a remarkable man, Linda Myshall. He obviously observed the results of poverty and deprivation of education as a youngster so his focus may be a bit controversial in some quarters. There's no question, however, that his heart and his ingenuity is driving his success. I hope the "Zone" model is replicated quickly. Thousands of youngsters haven't got time to wait.
Please forgive the typo, Linda Myshrall.
William, so often after watching the news or reading the newspaper we can easily get depressed. Your introduction of Mr. Canada to us gives us hope that things have the potential to get better. I just wonder how many more people are out there doing things for our youth, the community, and the country who we don't know about. Thanks for an excellent hub.
I'm sure there are many out there doing their best to help our youth, mquee, but we sure hear a lot more from the critics in our media -- especially the right-wing dominated television talk and "news" shows. But it's my opinion that we're winning (That's why the critics are becoming furious.)
What an inspirational article, maybe the world would be a better place for everyone after all...thank you dear William for leaving nice comment behind...all the best from BEata
Amid all the bad news we're hearing these days, Beata Stasak, we still have a few inspirational leaders who give us hope. Thanks for commenting.
Wonderful and inspirational article!
We need more inspirational leaders like Geoffrey Canada, RunAbstract. I'm looking forward to hearing more from President Obama on his plan to replicate the Harlem Children's Zone model in some other big U.S. cities. Thanks for commenting.
What an inspirational article. He and people like him are what America is truly about. It takes courage and strength to come from a really bad situation and turn it into something positive. Avoiding the negative influences that so many poverty stricken people get sucked into is commendable and demonstrates true character. Caring for the youth and giving back should be everyones top priority but sadly it isn't. Thank you for bringing this man to the public's attention. It must have been an honor to meet him.
It was, indeed, an honor to meet Geoffrey Canada. I had dinner recently with Geoffrey and his family -- and what a wonderful family. His story is an inspiration to me as well.
I did not have a slightest idea about Mr. Canada that someone like that is there. This was a very very good post I must say. Thank you so very much for writing such a Hub William.
Thank you, packerpack. I'm looking forward to Geoffrey Canada's program being replicated throughout the United States under President Obama's initiative over the next few years. It's wonderful that we have leaders with vision and foresight. It will take all of efforts, however, to make substantial accomplishments on the issues of poverty and education.
I had not remembered his name but believe that I saw him on 60 minutes. If this is the same man, he guarantees that children entering his program will be funded the money to graduate from college. Correct? This is truly a hands on mentoring approach that should yield great results in the future.
Thank you for incisive comment, Peggy W. Geoffrey Canada did indeed say this to 60 Minutes: "If your child comes to this school, we will guarantee that we will get your child into college. We will be with you with your child from the moment they enter our school till the moment they graduate from college." For future readers, I have added a link to the 60 Minutes report by Daniel Schorn that offers far more information about the zone.
What a wonderfual article. And what an example to others to do what needs to be done!
Geoffrey Canada is to be admired, RunAbstract, for taking strong action to give America's youngsters an education, a way out of poverty and a real chance to succeed. We could use more people like him. Thank you.
Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful man. Inspiring hub and I thank you so much. Rated up and beautiful.
Geoffrey Canada inspires me as well, vocalcoach. We need more like him. Thank you.
An admirable man. I love to read things like this as it restores my faith in humanity. We're not all greedy, self-serving, self-centred swines after all.
Cheers William
Thank you, Jane Bovary. I feel the same way about Geoffrey Canada. If you'd like to learn more about the personal challenges that Geoffrey lived through as a youngster in Harlem, I heartily recommend his book, "Fist Stick Knife Gun." It is a riveting but easy to read book that you will not want to put down. He not only details life in the ghetto, but Mr. Canada accompanies his real life experiences with well thought out ways to help resolve the many problems he encountered.
Thanks for that...I'll check it out. I like the title!
Ashamed to admit I had not heard of Mr Canada and his ground breaking work in harlem. The Uk reportage of the USA is very selective. Great to hear that his work has inspired and informed Obama's policies.
I saw a you tube clip on an amazing educational project carried out in the slums of India. Hole in the wall computers, free to use, were scattered around the poorest districts. Amazingly, groups of kids surrounded these, figured out how to google, taught themselves English and later scored higher in tests than kids their own age in private schools. This experiment has been replicated in a few deprived areas in the UK. Primary schools (5-11 year olds) have known for years that having just one or two computers in the class is actually better than each child having their own. The pupils learn far more through this collaborative approach.
Noticed your very sensible comments on CJ Stone's Hub. I have only just discovered his writings. Glad to now be following both of you.
Unfortunately, Mr. Canada's work is not all that well known in the U.S. outside the educational community, seanorjohn. In fact, educational news doesn't get all that much play in our celebrity-adoring media here. The educational experiment you mention involving computers made available to youngsters in the slums of India is fascinating. I hadn't seen that in the media here. By the way, I'm glad to follow your work as well. Thanks.
William,
This article was truly inspirational and a great read. When I learn about the great works of people like Mr. Canada, it reassures me that there are still people out here that care deeply for others. They care so much that they dedicate a large portion of their time to making life better for others, and in doing so, they make life better for us all.
Thank you for sharing this story with us, William.
Reggie D.
Thank you, ReggieD06. We are fortunate, indeed, to have people like Geoffrey Canada who work hard every day to make life better for others. While they do the hard work, the rest of us need to lend our support to their efforts. It's wonderful that President Obama is doing just that.
So glad to read about a real hero. And in times when we all feel the squeeze, we are so wrapped up in our own troubles, it's easy to forget people who are worse off. Mr. Canada is an inspiration. Thank you for introducing us to him and his work.
I have enormous respect for Mr. Canada, Dolores Monet. We need more people like him. We sure need his practicality and his wisdom -- now more than ever!
Thanks for this wonderful hub. Our way to improvement starts in our inner cities. I'm happy Mr Canada continues to extend his loving hands to our inner city youths. This is what I call love of your country and community.
I couldn't agree more, Mimi721wis. We need more dedicated Americans like Mr. Geoffrey Canada.
This is a fantastic article! This man's work needs to be expanded to many different environments. I also have to say that Yonkers, your hometown, needs a program like this, possibly more than you know. As a registered nurse, I've been doing a community assessment on zip code 10701. Despite the multitude of magnet schools, recent statistics show that Yonkers students perform far below the state and national average in virtually every area of testing. This is distressing. I hope the Yonkers Board of Education will admit that they need to do something other than what they are doing right now.
Thank you, Francine Eisner. President Obama's $77 billion education budget includes $150 million for Promise Neighborhoods, a program modeled after Canada's Children's Zone. It's a start. In Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano is providing new leadership. He put new emphasis on education in his recent inaugural address, and he's trying hard to take the city out of its financial crisis.
That is really great. The poorer areas of Yonkers, zip codes 10701 and 10703 have so many crises: educational performance, unemployment, homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. I have such an interest in Yonkers, and hope somehow to participate in its renewal. I'd like to see gentrification of these areas that not only brings in artists and retail establishments, but focuses on the problems of the existing population. You almost never see this happen when gentrification occurs, although that doesn't mean it's impossible. I intend to join one of the community groups that has a good relationship with the major and the city council. I'm so glad that you have faith in Mayor Spano's leadership; maybe Yonkers can once again become the "City of Gracious Living."
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," Francine. Mayor Spano is taking bold steps to bring Yonkers back from decades of decline, but no one man alone can do the job. It will take all of us. Unless the corporate world becomes more socially responsible the road ahead will be very rocky. We need American jobs -- and jobs that don't depend on destroying our environment.
"We need American jobs -- and jobs that don't depend on destroying our environment."
Yes - that's it, exactly. The community organizations in Yonkers are just keeping people alive, but aren't helping them to go forward. And as it turns out the hospitals aren't doing a very good job. I was shocked that both St. John's and St. Joseph's are on the "5 worst" list.
Paraglider Level 5 Commenter 2 years ago
Inspirational. Thanks for posting this, William. I'd never heard of this man's great work.