Education is more than learning how to read, write, and solve math problems. For most African American children, education must also help them understand themselves, their history, and the challenges their families have faced and ours have faced as well. This is important because the effects of systemic racism have touched most Black families for generations.
Systemic racism refers to unfair practices and systems that have limited opportunities for African Americans in education, housing, employment, health care, and wealth building. Many parents and grandparents experienced discrimination that affected their ability to gain resources and opportunities. These experiences can influence how children see themselves and the world around them.
Scholar and psychologist Dr. Na’im Akbar, in his book The Community of Self, teaches that true education must help people develop a strong sense of identity, self-worth, and purpose. Black children need to know that they come from a history filled with strength, creativity, leadership, and achievement. They should learn aboutblack inventors, scientists, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, and freedom fighters who helped shape America and the world.
Dr. Amos N. Wilson, in The Developmental Psychology of the Black Child, explains that education should support the healthy development of the whole child. This includes intellectual growth, emotional well-being, cultural awareness, moral character, and social responsibility. Children need opportunities to think critically, solve problems, and work together to improve their communities.
A complete education for African American children should include academic excellence, financial literacy, health education, leadership development, cultural history, emotional intelligence, and community service. It should teach children how to communicate effectively, make wise decisions, manage emotions, and build healthy relationships.
Most importantly, education should inspire hope. It should help children see themselves not as victims of history, but as builders of the future. When young people understand who they are, where they come from, and what they can achieve, they become empowered to create stronger families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for generations to come.
Melrose City, at present, this isn’t happening for our children. Not wanting to be Black because of the present and past conditions of existence doesn’t make it any better and does not change the future outcomes. Standing alone and being something else, whatever you want to name it, makes no difference at the end of the day. It is tough being A black man in America, so what’s new? A shoutout to Peter Lewis, still moving and encouraging others to do what they can do and to do it well.
