HEADQUARTERS: Newark, New Jersey
WEBSITE: www.gibbonslaw.com
BUSINESS: Law firm
REVENUES: $111 million
EMPLOYEES: 395
TITLE: Director, Business & Commercial Litigation Department
EDUCATION: BA, Old Dominion University; JD, Seton Hall University
WHAT I’M READING: Nutrient Timing: The Future of Sports Nutrition, by John Ivy and Robert Portman
INTERESTS: Girls’ softball; My daughter travels all over the country playing softball, and I go along as a coach.
What do you think is the greatest issue or dilemma facing the African American community today?
With knowledge being the key to success, the biggest dilemma facing the black community is its inconsistent attitude toward education. Many would argue that educational disparities are caused by a difference in resources provided to urban versus suburban school districts, larger class sizes, and greater numbers of economically disadvantaged students. While those challenges are indisputable, a less often discussed issue is the negative attitude of many parents. Being the product of an urban public school system, I observed students psychologically divided into three categories: those who placed great value on education; those who would accept the education (so long as it did not interfere with their social lives); and those who believed school to be a waste of time. I have come to know that most often the varying attitudes originated from misguided parents. While actual results will vary, a positive attitude toward educational excellence should not.