The racial disparities in this country are prevalent in the lives of Black students. Many Black students are living through this pandemic and poverty. As much as we continue to want to ignore systemic racism in 2020, we simply can’t. Racial inequalities in our public education system impact Black students’ ability to survive outside of school. From the early 1900s…
Tag: lower income communities

We’re Carrying the Torch of Civil Rights in the Next Generation!
I don’t take it lightly growing up in Atlanta which is coined as the home of the Civil Rights Movement. A movement centered on nonviolence demonstrations to eradicate racial prejudices and acts of hatred toward citizens of color. One Civil Rights Activist, W.E.B DuBois, who taught at the University Center (AUC) in the 1930s would also say to his students,…

For Black Students, Your Zip-code Determines The Quality of Education and Income You Receive
For as long as I can remember, zip codes have always determined the income of households and the quality of education one receives in Georgia. In fact, I remember my parents advocating for me to get into specialty programs at schools in other communities that were in different areas of Atlanta. Even as a teacher, I still see the impact…

Virtual Learning Won’t Survive without Family Engagement
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been able to spend more time with my family. It makes me think about the new normal for my scholars. Many of them would often share stories about not being able to spend the time they would like with their parents. Well, we certainly have this time now. The offset of having…

Dear Gov. Kemp, Georgia’s Reopening Puts Lower Income Families at Risk!
Dear Governor Kemp, At the onset of the decision you made to reopen Georgia, I wanted to believe that this was due to the economy. However, you made it clear that it was because of the data when you stated to Georgia residents in your press conference that, “the data is on your side!” But who is on the side…

An Atlanta Educator Encourages Us to Forge Ahead in the Time of COVID-19 for Better Educational Outcomes for Our Children!
Dear Friends, As many of us continue to adjust to the impact of the pandemic, much has changed and yet many things remain the same. High school seniors across our district completed their last day of school last Friday, but not at all like they intended when the school year began. Students with plans to embark on their college careers…

Black Boys + Low Income Communities DOES NOT = Low Achievement
Stereotypes are often at the heart of equity issues and equal access of students and parents within the education system. Low income doesn’t equal low achieving, nor does low income automatically mean black. Public schools judge Black boys based on their zip-code. We have to stop treating children as if they are the problem and actually fix the problems that…