WATTS : On Common Ground to Stress Education

Gathered in a recreation room at the Firestone Community Day Center, a group of youths listened to actor Mike Farrell speak about choices.

“Walking the walk and talking the talk may make you feel safe in a small territory, but it’s a much bigger world out there. You have a choice in education,” said Farrell, who portrayed a doctor on the 1970s TV series “MASH.” “If you don’t believe you can do it, then you won’t.”

Farrell’s visit was part of Common Ground Foundation’s Back-to-School Celebrity Walk Week.

While most of the 15 youngsters listened patiently to Farrell, some didn’t hesitate to counter his words.

“It’s not that simple. You can’t be slipping up in the street,” said Denise, who attends the center, a school for 13- to 18-year-olds who are on probation. “I don’t believe it. How many of us are able to get outside of the blue and red,” she asked, referring to the gang colors of the Crips and the Bloods.

But another, Tray, said Farrell’s words gave him some hope: “Now, I don’t have a choice; it’s where I live. But once I graduate, then I’ll start thinking about getting out.”

Common Ground Foundation is a 16-year-old, nonprofit organization based in Markham Middle School in Watts that works with youths, encouraging them to continue their education rather than pursue a career on the streets. The organization reaches about 2,000 youths, primarily at Jordan High, the 102nd Street and Markham middle schools, and the Firestone day center.

Founder and director Fred Williams, himself a former gang member, leads his staff of ex-gang members and youths on parole on educational drives and campaigns to keep children in school. Williams said other obstacles that youths face include a lack of money for school supplies or a simple haircut that may boost self-esteem.

“We try to provide an environment that will make it easier for them to go to school,” he said. “We are like a combination of truant officers and social workers.”

On Friday evening, Common Ground was to host a back-to-school haircut marathon at the Jordan Downs Housing Project, giving free haircuts for about four hours. The group also planned to pass out clothing, 1,000 backpacks and other school items to culminate its return-to-school program.

Harry Belafonte, Tony Danza, Debbie Allen and the rap group Public Enemy are among those who have walked through inner-city schools to speak about the importance of education through its back-to-school program. Danny Glover was also a recent guest speaker.

And yet the organization’s approach has riled some with its unconventional staff.

Warren Furutani, the Los Angeles Unified School District board member who represents Watts, said Williams’ casual demeanor and aggressive attitude toward reeling children back into classes by using youths with a criminal history generate negative reaction from some school administrators.

“His style is not traditional,” Furutani said. But “the program wouldn’t be as successful if his approach was traditional. . . . (Common Ground) brings back the kids.”

Information: (213) 249-4527.