CNN iReport

I have been glued to the CNN Special, Black In America. I was even more mesmerized by the panel of experts. Prof. Fryer has an innovative and wonderful program to improve the educational standards in public schools. I was moved to write you and share my story. I am a 40 year old woman originally born in Pakistan. I have grown up in Southern California my entire life. I have always had an unexplainable connection to the African American community. I felt that I had more in common with them than my own culture. They were open and accepting of me and never judged me because of my race. I eventually met a black man who has been on the wrong side of the law on a few occasions. Our relationship eventually fell apart largely due to alcohol abuse.

The one wonderful thing that came out of our relationship was our 6 year old son. We decided not to get married because of our own personal issues, but having a child required that we both grow up and make him our priority. He is the most important thing in our lives. We eventually separated when he was 2 years old and both struggled with our finances. We decided that living together as roommates was the best solution to give our son a sense of stability. My son's father was raised without a father and his first son passed away at the age of 9. Because of these traumatic events in his life, he has made our son the center of his life. He has been a wonderful and caring father. No matter what our personal issues, our son comes first.

We now all live together in a 3 bd. condo for the last 2 years. It has worked out really well. We are co-parenting and have improved our relationship as best-friends and parents. There is no romantic involvement between us, which to tell you the truth has helped our relationship become stronger. Our son sees both his parents' everyday and knows he is loved very much. Raising my son as a biracial child in America is a daunting endeavor. I want him to be proud of his mixed heritage. Although he is part Pakistani, society will see him as African American. This special has opened a great dialogue among Americans of all races. It has shown me that we are on the right path in raising our son.

I am currently majoring in Journalism at the University of California @ Fullerton. My dream is to move to Atlanta and work at CNN as a journalist. By attending college I am trying to set the right example for my son and fulfill my own dreams at the same time. It is great when we do our homework together at the kitchen table and see who will get the best grades. He has beaten me so far by getting straight A's. We also use gifts and money to motivate him to improve his grades and overall behavior at school. I totally agree with Dr. Fryer's program to reward children for their efforts. I am confident the program will raise test scores across the board. $250 a child is a small investment for such big results. If Senator Obama is elected; I know he will support worthwhile programs like Prof. Fryer's because they work! As a CNN addict, I am so glad this special was done. Keep up the great work.

Anita Peter

Costa Mesa, CA.