Akbar Cook, principal of West Side high school, recently received 50,000 dollars from Ellen after going viral for using a grant to place washing machines in his school for students in need. Even though Cook is now being considered an extraordinary Man, to his community, and students, it’s what he’s always been.
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Akbar, or Mr. Cook as I call him, was once my Science teacher! I had the pleasure of going to Avon Avenue elementary school, and during my later years, be taught by Mr. Cook. I was not an easy student. I was combative, I challenged Mr. Cook as an intellect, and would often force him, due to my gift of gab, to call my Mother to rectify my talkative antics. Even still, Mr. Cook recognized my brilliance and never held it against me by becoming, for a short while, a mentor of mine, and looking out for me when I needed him to.
It’s been over 10 years since I’ve seen Mr. Cook. The last time we were face to face was at my 8th grade graduation ceremony, so it came as a shock for me to not only see that he is no longer a Science teacher, but he’s now a principal, and still a pillar of the community. Literally, he’s so tall!
Mr. Cook, when he realized many of his students were homeless, ashamed for not being able to clean their clothes, and fighting as a result of embarrassment decided to, with a grant given to the school by the city of 20,000 dollars, put washing machines in the school. These washing machines will allow all students to clean their clothes for free, something that’s never been done before in the history of Newark New Jersey’s public school system.
Back in the earlier 2000s Mr. Cook was no different. Mr. Cook, along with Ms. Obryant, Mr. Dodson, Mr. Harris (both), Mr. Zachary, Ms. Lee, Ms. Blaize, Ms. Johnson, Mr. Moorse, Mr. Clark, and so many more were more than just teachers, and after school program leaders, they were the overseers of our community. So it comes to no surprise that Mr. Cook is being highlighted for something he, and they, have always done, put love into Newark Nj, helping to create a safer, more enjoyable environment for us all.
Along with the 20,000 dollars already spent on the washing machines, Ellen and Cheerios gifted the school 50,000 dollars to develop a worthy after school program to keep kids safe, and added a pantry of food for the students to enjoy all year long!
I’m certain I’ve said it, as my parents raised me to, but if by some chance I didn’t, Mr. Cook, and everyone at Avon Avenue, THANK YOU!
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UPDATE: Mr Cook visited Ellen again March 1st 2019 to talk about his experience after being on Ellen. Cook spoke about his community support, and how it grew, but how his worldly support something he never considered, grew too.
School attendance has even changed for the better thanks to Akbar’s idea of free laundry. As a Newark native, West Side High School was in fact a place no one wanted to go to, but that has changed thanks to Mr. Cook, and more importantly to the people who say the positivity in helping others and decided to change their hearts and minds, and of course to people like Ellen.
Akbars Westside high school students were able to thank him live on Ellen. A heartfelt celebratory thank you, what a great way to start of Women’s History Month and End Black History Month!
Akbar Cook On Ellen March 1st 2019:
Akbar Cook’s First Time One Ellen:
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