An open letter to my fellow black education activists

We can only win together. I pledge to do my part.

Dear Comrades in the Fight for Black Educational Progress,

It is clear to us, as black education activists, that education represents a pivotal lever capable of transforming an individual's life trajectory. This belief is fundamental – navigating this world successfully is unlikely without education. Our black children suffer in an educational landscape that is unique to them, distinct in demographic composition, expectations, tolerance for persistent underperformance, resistance to reform, and availability of specialized programming and curricular options.

America loves black music, food, humor, and athleticism but hates our intelligence, mainly because they disbelieve we possess any.

We are painfully aware of the inequities in the educational system. We obsess about it daily. Nothing bothers us more than the high level of public ignorance about something we see as a glaring problem. That’s why many of us commit our lives, careers, and time to enhancing awareness, fostering public understanding, advocating for policy reforms, and challenging those in power who underestimate our children’s potential. We establish nonprofits, advocacy groups, educational institutions, teacher training programs, and media platforms to make a difference for our children - even when we feel like nobody cares.