Couple with diverse backgrounds to lead Amherst ABC house
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AMHERST - A commitment and dedication to social justice and making the country a better place motivated a couple to become resident directors of the ABC program.
Jamie and Talib Sadiq began their post as resident directors of the Amherst ABC (A Better Chance) July 1. They replace Carol and Erold Bailey, who left after a year to focus on their family and careers in education at the University of Massachusetts.
ABC is a national program for academically talented students from educationally disadvantaged urban and rural areas to attend outstanding high schools. The Amherst program was established in 1968 and recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Since then about 106 young men have graduated from Amherst Regional High School.
The Sadiqs bring a variety of experiences to their roles that range from military service, prison and single parenthood to working in careers human services and education.
"We have similar aspirations. We are committed to the betterment of society and both believe in global change that begins locally and social justice. This is a great way to do it," said Jamie Sadiq.
The couple said they are very familiar with the ABC program. Talib Sadiq said his mother was at the high school when the first scholars arrived some four decades ago; they participated in the annual ABC fundraiser, the Fall Foliage Walk; and Talib interned at the Amherst Regional Middle School with Barry Brooks, who was an ABC resident director along with his wife, Judy.
"People told us we should apply when it opened up three years ago and a year ago," said Jamie.
But, the timing wasn't right, they said. Talib was absorbed in seeking his certificate of advanced graduate studies in school administration at UMass and the couple had their hands full with an infant.
The timing now, however, is perfect. "Our kids are at a better age, they can understand what is going on and interact with the scholars," said Talib of the couple's children: Yusef, 12, Sayd, 5, and Talia, 3. Yusef will benefit from the study hour, they said, as well as the whole academic atmosphere of excellence that is the focus of the program.
"He will see young men of color who are good students and model that, that it's cool to have black or brown skin and be smart," Jamie said. "I hope it helps foster in them a desire for social change and a commitment to society."
Different experiences
Talib fought in Desert Storm, the first Iraq war. He was also arrested and served time for robbing a bank in 1993.
"Those experiences contribute to who I am, contribute to my view. I don't like to judge people because of my experience, but look in as positive a (way) as possible," said Talib, who changed his birth name, Vincent Bias, to reflect his conversion to Islam and the other changes he made in his life.
Talib said he will share his life stories to prevent others from making the wrong choices. Talib said he knows that there are different standards of living in the world, where only a few people have many resources and most have none. He also believes that racism and classism still exists in this town and the country.
But he believes in the Golden Rule: to treat other people as you want to be treated, and to be respectful. "There's a lot of wisdom in those things," he said, adding that if people follow those principles and have the opportunity to commit to change, it will make a difference.
"Talib, with his experience, brings a unique perspective. He is able to see the possible challenges these young men face in their lives. ... We're real. We know what life is like. Talib, with his experience, developed patience and compassion that is invaluable," said Jamie.
Social service
Jamie said she, too, knows feelings of oppression. "It fostered our desire to be change agents."
She's doing her part, having been involved with social service for the past 11 years. She works part time as a case manager for Family Outreach of Amherst, a social service agency that works for families who struggle with mental health, trauma, medical, substance abuse and life skills issues. She was once a Family Outreach client.
Jamie founded and cofacilitated a support group for young mothers; worked with the Women of Color Leadership Network at UMass and the Amherst Family Center; and served as board president at the Pomeroy Lane Cooperative, where the couple lived before moving to the ABC House.
She is also a Frances Perkins Scholar at Mount Holyoke College, majoring in psychology. She said wants to earn a master's degree in social work, with a career goal of being an administrator or manager of a social service agency.
As a guidance counselor, Talib said he deals with such issues as absenteeism, homework, classroom and hallway conflicts, as well as the issues that students bring from home.
The key for him is building relationships, trust and rapport, he said, so when something does come up students can trust him. Talib said he sees up to a dozen students in his office daily. He is very visible and available to the students at lunch duty, in the hall between classes and on the sidewalk when school lets out.
Talib is in his second year as director of the Pipeline Summer Scholars program at Amherst College, which begins next week. The three-week program enrolls about 66 incoming seventh-, eighth-, ninth and 10th-graders.
Talib - who holds a B.A. in communications and an M.A. in education, both from UMass - also coaches youth football, which his eldest son plays.
In his work with students, Talib said he uses the three Cs: clear, consistent and calm, and those guidelines will be used at the ABC house. He doesn't yell and is not a finger pointer, but he uses a stern tone in his voice when needed, Talib said. There will be rules and age-appropriate consequences for the students at the house, he said.
The couple will meet with scholars, their parents and the board when the young men arrive in August. Four students are expected to return, as well as a new freshman and sophomore.
A contract will be signed, "so we know we are all heading in the same direction," said Talib. The couple will also keep in touch with the scholars' families.
The ideas the couple brings to the program include revising the ABC handbook. In addition, they want to create an academic mentor for each student, "men who have families and are committed to social justice. It will take some of the weight off us and support the scholars," she said.
They also want to invite the community to the house for some Sunday potlucks to create a family atmosphere, and to have movies nights, watch games, the Super Bowl and go bowling. "We will do things most families do, but have an extended family. We will all be working hard and (so there's) a sense we are all in this together," he said.