Bilalian Educational Services
Bilal Ibn Rabah, the famous “Old World” African slave, who overcame injustice and oppression in the seventh century, (western calendar) to become a great leader and champion of human rights, is also remembered for his outstanding character, relentless faith and steadfast loyalty. He was a major influence on the people of that era, and his legacy serves as a natural role model for those dedicated to building a better world, today.
Offices
Bilalian Educational Services
1202 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 107
San Jose, CA 95125
(800) 879-3731
Organization
BES, a Public Benefit Corporation operating in San Francisco California and Raleigh, North Carolina, received tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in 1978, to develop global education concepts and materials for schools and community organizations in undeserved neighborhoods. Our goals are to offer the public culturally relevant alternatives in education, to overcome institutionalized racial and/or cultural barriers that stifle learning potential in public education. We believe that education is the right and responsibility of the civilized public, and should serve to upgrade the quality of life for all of humanity.
Operation
A microcosm of America’s “melting pot” society, BES has a culturally diverse Board of Directors with expertise in a wide variety of fields. Our services are available to anyone who has a need; however, we target low/moderate income communities with a broad cross section of ethnic and cultural diversity. BES is primarily sustained with funds generated from services, product sales, fundraisers and grants for specific projects. We develop and support programs that are designed to impact conventional academic and vocational skills, while offering participants a foundation for directly improving their survival skills.
Rationale
In today’s complex bureaucracy, basic reading, writing and math skills are a necessity. However, the ability to improve those basic skills in undeserved communities mostly depends on how well we understand the use of language and it’s cultural relevance. As a result, our approach to education and information is rooted in the applied psychology of language communication. For example, in the information age, modern technology is most effective when programmed with computer languages. The western world is primarily programmed with the English language, and though many other languages are spoken throughout America and Europe, authentic cultural traditions continue to be grossly misunderstood and therefore disrespected. Our mission is to help overcome the psychological conditioning that continues to have adverse effects on the progressive development of disadvantaged human beings. Low self-esteem, stereotypes and unpleasant stigmas are subliminally perpetuated through the current trends in mass media communication, which on a large scale, reaches a broad cross section of the population and helps to shape views on subjects such as business, economics, politics, religion/culture and even artistic values.
Methodology
The ability to document, process, produce and disseminate culturally relevant information effectively, is key to uniting people and building networks for competitive growth in today’s world. Research and resources from renowned world educators provides BES with authentic global perspectives. Carefully avoiding irrelevant propaganda, information is documented and developed into alternative educational materials. BES then distributes the materials to clients and the general public. We also produce and document cultural events, providing artists with opportunities to explain and demonstrate traditions first-hand. These materials are available in audio/visual and print formats.