AWARENESS: SAY IT LOUD
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Twelve-year-old Jordan Coleman is the voice of Tyrone on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. show, The Backyardigans. Challenged by his parents to give back to his community, Jordan used earnings from his voiceover career to create Say It Loud!, which he believes will inspire black boys to study hard and stay in school.
“When I heard the statistics about African-American boys and education I was shocked and sad. I knew the numbers were low, based on what I see at my own school…but I had no idea the situation was this bad,” Jordan said.
To reach his peers, Jordan enlisted the help of music artists, businessmen, athletes and politicians as inspiration to young people. The film includes appearances by Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, Ludacris, Swizz Beatz, Master P, Al Sharpton, Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker, and others.
“Hopefully, when black boys see my movie they will be inspired to get a good education and to do something positive in their own community. I had so much fun making the movie and meeting celebrities. Kids get tired of hearing about the importance of education from their parents so I think they will be happy to hear that Kobe’s parents took him off the basketball team if he got bad grades and Vince Carter’s parents required him to have a 3.0 average.”








47 Comments
1.
caff
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
The Backyardigans are the shit.
Uniqua is my favorite.
2.
Greg_Arious
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
WOW I am in awe of this young man. He’s an inspiration.
3.
Terry
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
This is what I’m talking about!! Good to see a kid truly concerned about his and his peers’ education.
4.
robYn
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Wow that’s inspiring…
5.
T.Lynn
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Go ‘head mom and dad, putting it in your child to give back! Good work Jordan! Tell the kids its cool to be smart!!
6.
Dame(big up haters if you don't like it I didn't make it for you)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
that is hot big up to the young man
7.
ladytroublesome
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
LOL@ Caff…Uniqua is my favorite also.
8.
J.Li
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
That’s great to see a young person recognizing an issue and putting his funds to good use. He is a great example of what all of the rest of the celebs/political figures could be doing instead of doing talks about things that should change. It is about time for people to start being that catalyst for change. Kudos and congrats to that young man!
9.
Lady Architect
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
I love seeing young people doing things like this to show that it’s not all about the money and fame. Much success to this young man.
10.
More than a HAND FULL
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Great to see the younger generation putting forth effort. Will defenitely support the movie. Especially taking my nephew, seeing he doesn’t see the value in exceeding and just being mediocre is acceptable to him. Maybe this will change his view.
Although I hope there are other stars in the film who didn’t necessarily make good grades but they gave all they could give and eventually made it through the storm. The kids need to hear those stories also. Maybe that can be his sequel.
Regardless, I commend you young man Jordan, for bringing this to light on a different level. Utmost respect for you as a young man. Keep it up and look forward to seeing you in the future.
Revolutionaries of Today
11.
MIZREE
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
WOW! This is so awesome. Yes despite what it might seem, our young black boys do have a future!!! Inspirational!!!!!!!!
12.
lilblackfan[hates interstial ads]
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
wow!
truly amazing!
i’m like, 18, but i love the backyardigans. and for coleman to be so young and do something so revolutionary like this is touching.
i love it:D
13.
Hope
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
I’m so glad that he care about his education and wants to show other black boy that they can be come something
14.
Meek-Meek
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
That is so what’s up! I love to see stuff like this. It gives me hope for the world my children will live in.
15.
BRIANA
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
now that’s cool..props to jordan..i gotta check out backyardigans; i’ve never seen it
16.
MW09
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Jordan is such an amazing young man!!! I was blown away when I saw this….he will truly be a future leader of the younger generation…..BTW The Backyardigans is an amazing cartoon!!!!!
17.
Sweets
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Now that’s what’s up!! I’m gonna make sure my nephew watches that. He’s about his age and I agree that children relate more to their peers.
~Sweets~
18.
Wordblaze
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
I actually used to write for the series……and its always been an honor to be associated with a show that inspires kids of ALL ages to dream BIG. (and pssst….Uniqua is my favorite too!)
Jordan is one of those young people with an exceptional vision. I am so glad that the film trailer features celebs, politicians and the everyday brother going through this struggle. What’s important for me is not just the issues that are being discussed in the film but that young people walk away seeing the film not only as a piece of art or journalism but also as a form of activism. This boy with the support of his family, made a bold statement. It is what all of our young people, given the guidance and proper support are capable of doing.
Thanks for highlighting this Concreteloop.
19.
BASS MAN
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Amazing.
20.
BigDaddyReg
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Go ahead young brother go ahead
21.
Screaming
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
That’s amazing to hear considering young black boys struggle in school. I should say that it is because many of them are looking for the “easy way” out ie. pro athlete, rapper, producer, you get the picture. So it’s great to see a young guy do something rigtheous.
22.
BadGirl23
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Yes, stand up young man. You’re doing your thang, and a big up to his parents for taking the time in raising him. *claps*
23.
shay
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
i love the backyardigans i watch it w/ my nephew.
its truly in inspiring to see a young black male doing something positive for other black people.
24.
Lola AM
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
The stats saddened me as well. His story is inspirational and heartwarming. Parents…we’ve got to do better
25.
Becca
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
This is HOT!
I’m glad he took his parents up on the challenge. In doing so, he’s given back to his community and to young black men all over…
this is a great step in the right direction. Kudos to Jordan AND his parents.
26.
Poetic Blue
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
OH MY GOD I LOVE THE BACKYARDIGANS!!!!! I’M FOR REAL THATS MY SHOW LOL
27.
Poetic Blue
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
MY FAVORITE IS TYRONE THE MAILMAN LOL.. I NEVER FAIL TO DELIVER THE MAIL… TYRONE THE MAILMAN DOES NOT FAIL!
28.
bassackwards
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
Hopefully he will inspire others.
29.
:(
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
it’s kinda sad that this only has 20 something comments, while beyonce and jay-z get 200 or more and chris brown and rhianna get over 150.
but that’s the society we live in……
30.
0123
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 /
aww, this brings a tear to my eye!
31.
Kena-smilez all day
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
AM I to old to be watching backyard again? lol or whateva cuz him and jamia be on pt( she’s the young girl on young and the restless that’s eva pigfords daughter just in case) I can’t believe that my generation and younger are so tired of killing and bad music and just ignorance of those who don’t want you to go further in life…….THAT AS SUPER YOUNG pple we are counting on a change we see it, we want it and we’re going for it….( yes even before we knew who obama was, we were out there counting on it).THANK U GOD….cuz clearly he got all the messages of being tired of just not going anywhere, or exceling and being held back, I give this young man a VIA HIGH FIVE on this…..
and I agree bee and jay cb and rir why so many comments?……lol w/e
32.
Tiff
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
something like this only gets 26 comments, but Jay and Bee walking around doing absolutely nothing for their people gets over 200!
It’s okay, this is exactly why our people are in the situation they are in, because they are more concerned with bullshit than education and issues that matter!
Kudos to this young brother for what he did! Wish there were more like him doing this!
33.
Ya Boi
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
It makes me happy to see stuff like this too. This child is obviously bright!! Its good to see that there are African American kids, who really do care about their education!!!
34.
Kim
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
Loves It!!!!!!!!!
35.
*Sigh*
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
i have massive amt of respect for this young dude trying to help better the community…i only wonder if black males will take advantage of the opportunity.
36.
TeTe(LOVIN KID CUDI)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
i hate that little show.lol…but my baby loves it
thats good to see somebody as young as him willing to give back when other kids his age would be buying every pair of Jordans they could find.
& Luda is always willing to give back.love that man!
37.
cleen
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
Almost made me cry, this is beautiful!!
we need more!
38.
cherry
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
NICE! My friend recommended me a very interesting place “”"”"”W e a l t h y L o v e s.co m”"”"”"” If you’ve ever been there you will know what I mean….
39.
LBC chick
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
WOW….wow….thats beautiful.
40.
1nubianqueen
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
His parents have instilled so much value in this young mans life. He’s really our future and he’s leading by a great example. WAY TO GO JORDAN! Big ups to CL for the story!
41.
Jasmina
Wednesday, August 6, 2008 /
I *love* the Backyardigans (yes, i’m an adult)…This is such a great project that Jordan put together. I’ll definitely check out more information and help spread the word!
42.
YaYa
Thursday, August 7, 2008 /
This is great! I really hope this film will be shown in schools, community ctrs, and churchs all over the US… big up to this young man, he must have awesome parents. Good job mom and dad!!!!
43.
sissy
Thursday, August 7, 2008 /
Jordan has been found dating some wealthy single women on (MillMatch),a dating site for celebrities and wealthy singles to mingle. Believe it or not. His profile looks sincere, attractive and sexy. Maybe sometimes they really need a soul mate rather than a rich buddy.
44.
B
Thursday, August 7, 2008 /
Sensible young man. That’s great.
45.
7th grade pooh gets it right
Friday, August 8, 2008 /
he smart like me im trying do my shit so i can increase how many smart black ppl there is. jordan sexy im glad he 12 cause im going to be 12 tommorow
46.
buttababy
Saturday, August 23, 2008 /
THATS WONDERFUL. GOD BLESS THEM.
47.
Sotesseteopew
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 /
Hi! cipro