Charles Thomas, a driven Free State security guard, has transformed Can We Talk from a small group of 15 minority males, to a strong, united team of over 150 students.
“The group is founded on and based on building the relationship between students, staff, and administration,” said Thomas.
Thomas’s military background gives him the discipline he needs to coordinate the program. From being a trained medic as well as an ex-drill sergeant, he has definitely experienced it all, allowing him to give a unique outlook for the members to enjoy and learn from.
Putting in an estimated 20 hours a week, without pay, shows Thomas’s commitment to the program. His success in coordinating the group has caught the attention of various schools throughout the US, who have asked him to teach classes to their staffs on Can We Talk. The KU Journalism Department did a documentary on the group, which can be found on YouTube.
“A lot of people know about the group, and it’s sad that the people in the school don’t know as much about the group as they should,” Thomas said.
One important aspect of the organization is the genuine care Thomas feels for his members. He has even found a way to reward members for their hard work: a chance at getting high school credit for being in Can We Talk. By monitoring grades Thomas has helped some of his members get back on track. Can We Talk now has a 100% graduation rate. Last year, 90% of those kids had scholarships. Thomas’s goal is to further close the racial achievement gap.
“Working with the students in the group, you can see the development. You see the outcome of what you put into it,” said Thomas.
A common misconception for Can We Talk lies in the people allowed in it. In actuality everyone is welcome.
“A misconception is that Can We Talk is a black thing. It’s not like that. If you ever come to one of the sessions you’ll see a mix of everybody throughout the whole school.”
Thomas’s work with Can We Talk has greatly influenced Free State as the club’s coordinator.
