Conversation with Paul Coates and Obari Cartman
December 1, 2023
We were honored to have Paul Coates in for our “Conversation with…” today. Paul is a friend of the school that goes back to its beginning and is a legend in Baltimore and beyond. He is a long time activist in the Black community and is the founder of Black Classic Press.
Paul brought along with him Dr. Obari Cartman who was in town to receive an award from the Black Mental Health Alliance. Paul and Obari shared their life experiences and lessons learned along the way with the students. It stimulated a lively discussion with the students who were all deeply appreciative of the wisdom shared.
The students also appreciated the interest that Paul and Obari had in their lives and experiences After the Conversation, Madison, Karla and Danny toured them around the school building.
Before leaving, Paul brought in 2 boxes of the book “A Beautiful Struggle” written by his son, acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates. This will be the next book the students will read for their literature class after finishing up “Character Building” a series of lectures by Booker T. Washington. Obari also shared copies of his book “Lady’s Man: Conversations for Young Black Men” with the students.
In our debrief after the visit, the students expressed how meaningful the conversation was and how it was a great cap to a terrific week.