I am a product of, an investor in, and an advocate for the public schools of New York City. Students are my first love and, under the banner of the African Christian Teachers Association (A.C.T.) much of my time is spent identifying and bestowing annual praise upon those youngsters who remember their Creator in the days of their youth. The highlight of our year is the African Christian Teachers Award Reception at which we honor college bound students who are adjudged by their high school counselors to be like the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in their commitment to others and in their exemplary character. The Association celebrated its 40th year in June 2008. Most of the city community who support our work are retired teachers and administrative school personnel. The excitement of being elderly is what we have in common as we continue to learn and be productive in the arena of religion and education. I am long since the holder of three degrees, a B.A. and M.A. from Hunter College of the City University of New York, and a Masters in Professional Studies from the New York Theological Seminary. . More than 6000 copies of my book of sonnets about the leadership destiny of African Americans and women are in circulation. The title is "Strange Land Songs" and it has a test booklet component for students interested in honing their literary and reading skills. "A Place And A Name" is my memoir of the Reverend Dan Jenkins, founder of the famous Jenkins Orphanage and Bands in the 19th century. Those interested in helping young people to live healthy sexual lifestyles will find my lesson plans called "Live Long And Prosper" an effective abstinence-only tool. On the lighter side I have also authored "Star Watch", an intergenerational Christmas play that celebrates the season on stage. Copies of The New York Acts, our newsletter, are free for the asking atjewelgate3@gmail.com. Your comments are always welcome.