I can hardly believe that this edition marks the 16th year of IMARA Woman Magazine. The past decade and a half has been an incredible roller coaster ride filled with joys and pains but honestly, I would not change a thing. I’ve learned so much from doing what we do here at IMARA—informing, inspiring and empowering. The stories in IMARA Woman magazine are designed to educate us on the many possibilities we can fulfill if we are willing to work to pursue our passion. And, essential to our success is education.
In this edition, we focus our attention on education. When Kevin Rasberry decided to start the state’s first single-gender public school for boys, he faced enormous challenges, but Garden City Preparatory Academy, open now for three years, is helping boys set and achieve their academic goals. (page 8) Claflin University is rated one of best colleges in America by U.S. News and World Report. The Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College at Claflin is dedicated to graduating visionary leaders capable of competing globally and winning. (page 10) And, what happens when the classroom becomes a battlefield? South Carolina’s Disturbing Schools Law and overzealous law enforcement in our schools are criminalizing unruly students by sending them to jail instead of after-school detention. (page 14) Giving children in South Carolina a fair chance to receive a quality education regardless of where they live has been mandated by the state’s Supreme Court. But finding the money to level the educational playing field will not be easy. (page 17).
Gone are the days of finding a livable wage job without an education. A quality education is tantamount to a better quality of life. Now more than ever we must pursue every means necessary to ensure that our children and grandchildren understand and value their education. It is still their best hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Be Blessed,
Wendy