How can we expect little Black children to excel academically if we do not spend time teaching them about their culture and the importance of obtaining an education?  It is the beginning of a New Year and the priority in many communities appears to be less about the numbers of Black children who fail to graduate high school, enter college, the increasing number who enter the juvenile/prison systems, or the overall unemployment rate for Blacks in general. Thus, it is important to elevate Black children’s mindset and self-worth at an early age which historically has been the cornerstone of our culture.

Elevating the mindset of young Black children to excel academically is critical compounded by teaching then about their culture as this usually led, in the past, to the development of pride and self-worth. If Black children are to survive and cope with the pressures of the 21st Century, tools must be provided by those who care. The most essential tool is molding and expanding minds by encouraging Black children to read and process information critically. Learning the aforementioned is necessary as acts of violence and negative distractions that tend to penetrate Black communities must be confronted by proper guidance, nurturance, discipline, and love.

Today’s elders, churches, parents, dedicated teachers, and community leaders must take a stand, if this generation is to obtain an OPPORTUNITY to excel. Most people who are members of the “Baby Boomer” generation have retired or are about to retire and have raised successful and independent children. This task of raising successful and independent children was accomplished because of knowledge obtained from being products of turbulent times, the 1950’s and 60’s. In spite of what was endured during those times, today there appears to be a generation that has no knowledgeable facts about the past and in some instances, they have no desire to acquire knowledge regarding their present and/or future. For example, how can some students attend a school named for a famous Black person without knowing their contribution to society? This unfortunately is the case in many Black communities as information about those individuals is not consistently being taught. In spite of celebrating a Black History month, which is credited to Carter G. Woodson, Black History should be taught 365 days of the year to instill pride and self- respect in the hearts of our children. 

In summary, if we are truly stewards of our culture, history, and education, it is our duty to share time with Black children to be sure they are exposed to educational opportunities plus ascertain knowledge about our history and culture. If we can accomplish this task in a small way, then perhaps educational opportunities might improve for more BLACK CHILDREN!

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-----D.D. McAdory, Ph.D. is an assistant professor in the department of sociology, anthropology & social work at the University of South Alabama. She is also a consultant and a retired marriage & family therapist in Mobile, Alabama.
-----Marjorie Jones, M.Ed., a retired teacher & administrator edited this article.