Introduction:

Mel Phillips Jr, an African American male, recalls his literacy experience growing up in a middle class suburb outside of Chicago.  Many factors influenced Phillips' literacy development, including socioeconomic, political, family, and ethnic experiences.  As a young African American student in the 1960s and 1970s, Phillips attributes much of his school success to his involvement in sports, specifically tennis.   

Phillips' personal literacy experience, while not indicative of all African American males in his community and beyond, does shed insight into the challenges and frustrations that many people of color encounter in the classroom. 

Phillips currently is the President and Founder of the West Suburban Tennis Patrons, an organization that brings tennis into the lives of youth in his suburban community and beyond.  He also is enrolled in a Masters of Social Work at Chicago State University.  

Read and listen to how one individuals’ experience can further encourage change in how we teach minority students and how we can best support their literacy development. 

Additional Links to Interviewee Information

Read More about Mel Phillips' Career and History:

These links will bring you to an article about Mel and his mission to bring tennis into the lives of youth.  The website will give you a better understanding of the West Suburban Tennis Patrons; Mel is the founder and president of the organization.

http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Phillips_Mel_524942290.aspx

http://wstptennis.org/

Audio Selection of Interview 

Mel Phillips Jr. Literacy Journey Interview:

The audio of the my interview with Mel Phillips occured on March 27, 2008.  The aduio recording will give you further insight into Mel's literacy journey.

http://www.mediafire.com/?jlxttugjncm

Literacy Biography

Mel Phillips Jr. Literacy Biography

The following is a narrative based on the intereview that I conducted with Mel Phillips.

http://www.mediafire.com/?jlxttugjncm

Seminar Paper

 My Seminar Literacy Paper is based on Mel Phillips' literacy journey.  I have researched and incorporated authors/literacy theorists including:

Lisa Delpit, Keith Gilyard, Jonathan Kozol, Jawanza Kunjufu, and Teresa McCarty.  Each of these writers' views and theories relate to certain aspects of Mel's experience as an African American male student.   

http://www.mediafire.com/?oiczjnvnzbt 

Contact Me:

spmika1@hotmail.com