Olympics of the Mind: Engaging Young Black Youth

Gold Medal Winners from the 18th Annual NAACP NYC ACT-SO “Olympics of the Mind” Awards Ceremony at Con Edison headquarters in Manhattan

By Nazneen Malik

Recently, The NAACP New York City chapter of the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) hosted its 18th annual awards ceremony marking the culmination of its local Olympics of the Mind. African American students from over 200 high schools from all over New York City competed in twenty-five categories in the humanities, performing and visual arts, and sciences for medals and cash prizes. Winners of the event will continue on towards the national NAACP ACT-SO completion which will be held in Milwaukee in July.

The New York City ACT-SO also honored Dr. Harold P. Freeman, Associate Director of the National Cancer Institute, acclaimed author and poet, Ntozake Shange, and legendary actor and activist, Ruby Dee, for their great contributions to society.

“I am in favor of anything that inspires young people of color to use their imaginations,” says Shange, “and to be celebrated by that it is a great honor for me.”

(L to R) Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), 15th Congressional District; Barbara Richards, Chair of the NAACP NYC ACT-SO Workshop Committee; Percy E. Sutton, Chairman Emeritus, Inner City Broadcasting Corporation; and Anton Tomlinson, Executive Director and Cofounder of NAACP NYC ACT-SO; at the 18th Annual NAACP NYC ACT-SO “Olympics of the Mind” Awards Ceremony, April 25, 2005 at Con Edison headquarters in Manhattan.

“I am very honored about being here,” muses Dr. Freeman. “I have spent my career educating black surgeons and I have a desire to give my knowledge to younger people. The students who we are honoring today are our nation’s future, and it’s very important that they are encouraged to take a path that will lead them to higher achievement. If I can inspire at least one of them, then I consider it worth my while,” he says. Freeman emphasizes determination and persistence and firmly believes “that the point of education is to make finer distinctions, and when you make finer distinctions you can make finer contributions.”

Founded by journalist and civil rights activist, Vernon Jarett, in 1977, ACT-SO has now grown to include 150 chapters, nationwide. The program continues to rely heavily on volunteers and all coaches, mentors, and judges donate their time and effort to engage young black youth. Recruitment of volunteers and students begins in September as the Executive Director of the New York City chapter, Anton Tomlinson, visits schools and writes letters to over 700 teachers explaining the program.

“ACT-SO is the largest academic program dedicated to black youth in America but it has not been very visible,” says Barbara Richards, Chairman of the ACT-SO Committee. “This was the first time we have had sponsors for the program so we were very much excited about the program this year.”

“The NYC ACT-SO is a very ambitious program and we are primary interested in getting students more energized and more involved.” says Tomlinson. “It is not simply a competition, it enriches students by taking them to museums, and theater productions and students are mentored by professionals in their fields of interest. I think what young people really want from adults,” he pauses, “is someone that really thinks and cares about them and gives them some attention.”

Ruky Tijani, and Jazzmine Shields competed for the first time in the performing arts category. “It’s really nerve-racking but I enjoyed it,” says Tijani, a 10th grader who sung and performed a monologue she had authored herself. Shields, an 11th grader and songwriter added “I was nervous but I had lots of fun. Singing is something I would definitely like to pursue.”

Nevertheless, participation in the program fluctuates, and there is concern that many black students are showing less interest in science, math, and computer science. “We are already in conversations with organizations that are concerned about the same issue and we are currently working on expanding our outreach efforts,” says Richards. “A lot of kids want to be famous and are attracted to the performing arts. However, we want to encourage and show them that they have so much to offer in so many different areas.”#