By Jeremy Houston
As parents of Black or African American children, some of us are cognizant of the persistent racial inequities and biases in the school system. African American children are in desperate need for a curriculum that builds on their strengths, affirms their culture and treats them with dignity and compassion. Many schools in America are having problems educating African American children. Optimism arises when it is said that African American children can make it in any type of school (public, charter, private, or religious) in any type of environment (rural, urban, or surburban).
Through years of academic research on African American children, I am convinced that to educate African American children strong partnerships between schools and African American parents need to be built. Today the relationship between African American parents and schools is precarious, primarily because of antagonists and instigators. For example, when public schools and teachers’ unions defend themselves against criticism, they often use apathetic African American parents and poverty as scapegoats. Which is going to and must stop immediately. Schools, whether they’re private, public, or charter, need African American parents to participate in their children’s education, but without the best data, many schools have difficulty communicating what this means. The school systems in America are sending implicit messages to African American parents that they need to stop being single, turn off the television sets and help their children with their homework. This advice is shortsighted and elusive. In essence, if more African American parents become more supportive in their children’s education, significant changes in the children’s behavior and academic success will happen. If school leaders can implement culturally responsive strategies in the education of African American children, I’m not saying that all problems will go away, but they will be reduced.
Finally, school leaders and African American parent advocates should develop strategies to enhance African American parents’ academic orientation. This may be particularly challenging for African American parents who have lower levels of education and may not completely understand the value of education to their children’s future. With the help of other African American parents with higher levels of education strategies can be developed from Mis- Education to fully equipped to be productive citizens. Strategies to help African American parents understand the value of education include providing college and career fairs; explanations of the importance of specific courses for college admissions and career development; guest speakers; career counseling services; and occupational information. Together, African American parents and schools can build a positive learning environment for African American children – if they avoid antagonists that place the needs of special interests and vanity over those of children.
A good relationship between African American parents and schools takes empathy, unconditional positive regard, compassion and a mutual interest in educating the whole child.
Jeremy Houston is a Resident of Natchez, Mississippi,
Historian, Re Enactor, Community Advocate,
Volunteer worker at The Natchez Musuem of African American History and Culture
