The Role of the Black Community in Educating Black Children

By Josie Johnson, March Guest Blogger

In her March 12, 2008 column, “Evidence shows classmates’ color is not a key factor in achievement” Katherine Kersten stated in her charge of “social engineering” that the various academic plans to offer parents and students choice and to close the achievement gap were based on a belief  “that Black children can’t learn adequately unless they are sitting next to white children.”

That premise has confused many educators, parents and ordinary citizens for nearly 54 years —  the belief that busing is a means of placing Black children next to white children so they can learn. Educators, parents, and policy makers offer many theories about learning and learning environments. However, none of the theories or plans is based on an osmosis theory.

In my judgment, what Black children need is an equal opportunity to be educated. Black parents and other community people must find the energy, strength, unity and commitment to remind Black children of their education history. Black children need an environment of safety and teachers who respect them and support their learning process and progress. This process must include spiritual leaders, community partners and the children’s homes.

The learning process includes Black adults being involved in all that affects Black children. That includes the emotional health of Black children.

Evidence suggest that educators, parents and others must agree that the time has come, again, to address the following issues more directly:

• The quality of education Black children are receiving;
• The experiences of Black children at the end of their school day;
• The extents to which Black children are prepared to compete for the benefits of society others enjoy and,
• The extent to which Black children, today, feel inferior while attending majority white or majority Black school.

As we continue to develop and promote plans to educate our children we must develop a sense of “peoplehood” that embraces the entire Black community. In other words, we need a consciousness that requires all Black adults to be concerned about all Black children, and all Black adults acting responsively for the safety and welfare of the Black community.

This attitude will benefit all people and the whole community.