Our Bonds Are Broken: Why Communities of Color Keep Suffering

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3. A Failed Educational System

PROBLEM: So, yes: we have to work to make ends meet, leaving our babies in the hands of who knows what teacher in which school. We are good people, with good hearts, and all we want is for lil Malik or Mukisha to get his or her As, build good character, pass these “standardized” tests that could possibly be designed to fail minority students. But, whatever: if any kid can pass school, then our kids can. So, in the Board of Ed, we all trust. Right? Wrong!

SOLUTION: Working to pay the bills is important, but how many parents can actually tell you what their children did in school two weeks ago? How many attend parent-teacher meetings? How many rally with other parents to campaign to get better teachers or better equipment? How many times do you scream and shout and applaud when your child brings home an “A” versus when she learns to do the “Single Ladies” dance? The educational system starts with you: the parent. Buckle up, review and stamp your children’s work every night, and Google what your child is supposed to be learning at his or her age. Just Google “educational curricula for grade 6” for example, and do your homework as a parent! If you see the system failing your babies—as opposed to teaching them what they need to know to compete, then you need to unite and organize with like-minded parents and aggressively ensure that your kids are not left behind.

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