Jada Pinkett Smith's real life role: education provider

I know that when most people think of Jada Pinkett Smith, they think of the Matrix, or Will Smith her husband. Some might even recall her in early movies like A Lowdown Dirty Shame. But such thoughts only scratch the surface of what this actress mother and entrepreneur is.


Last year, without much national fanfare the Smith’s opened the New Village Leadership Academy. Located in the Los Angeles area, this school has 60 students ranging from pre-school to 6th grade. The goal of the school is to have each child attain 100% mastery, meaning they re-take tests until they achieve 100%. It’s a different approach, but when compared to the quality and results of public education across the nation a different approach is definitely needed.

For those wondering, the school is not just a rich Hollywood celebrity school. It is diversified in both the economic backgrounds and ethnicity of the students.

This is a major achievement for any person or couple. The creation of a school that helps children further their minds, and in my opinion therefore their lives, is a task few can attain. But Jada Pinkett Smith is reaching further. Even with the economic crisis, which affects every American to some degree, she is planning to open a sister school to accept students in the higher grades.

“My plan is to eventually have a high school," Pinkett Smith said. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm just trying to make it through this year."

I love to discuss stories like this. Whether it’s a major celebrity, entertainer, or just someone that cares and makes an effort. We don’t hear enough about these kinds of acts.

Right now, the focus is on Chris Brown. Before that the news media was focused on the 'octomom', Coolio, or Snoop Dogg and so on. There is no end of the insignificant gossip and trash that fills the media airwaves these days. But the cost of such refuse is the paltry attention given to substance and class.

How many people were aware that the Smith family had started a school? Where else might you have heard about the potential of additional schools being opened? I truly doubt most entertainment gossip rags will cover it. And there is no good reason not to.

I know that my own blog is not perfect. On occasion I too delve into the bowels of what passes for information on entertainers and celebrities. But I try to stick to the important news.

I commend Jada Pickett Smith and the Smith family. Their commitment deserves more attention, especially as they are doing these things in a troubling economic time. If only more celebrities and entertainers could try to do half as much.