In the aftermath of the election of President Donald J. Trump, how is his successful appointment of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education affecting the future of public education?
As a drum major for and product of public education, I have witnessed the firsthand benefits of receiving a quality public school education. It is the education secretary’s responsibility to advocate and advance an equitable public education system for all students enrolled in pre-K through college institutions. However, DeVos is not an ardent supporter of public education.
Sixty-five years ago, in his monumental literary work, Invisible Man, Richard Wright included in the prologue the following depiction of Black males: “I am an invisible man, I am a man of substance, of flesh and bone, fiber and liquids — and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.”
This statement holds true for many Black boys currently attending public schools across the Unites States. Which leaves school systems, school corporations and charter schools to ponder the question of, how do we successfully reach them? The answer is not as simple as some educators may think. The solution is not an overnight quick fix or through a 120-minute teacher professional development program. The key to accomplishing this impactful task lies in the willingness of committed parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and community stakeholders to invest the time in understanding these young men individually and not collectively.
Further, it is important that concerned educators invested in the success of Black male students selflessly seek to establish and sustain a positive rapport with students and families as school officials create learning environments that foster academic success and cultural understanding. In working with young Black male students, staff members often serve as mentors, tutors, coaches, counselors, triage nurses, father figures, and confidants.
As a champion for public education, it is necessary to secure a seat at the table to mitigate conversations around any injustices and lack of resources that exists for scholars attending public schools. Moreover, given the day-to-day interactions experienced by Black boys in K-12 schools in specific, social constructs that exist must be examined to highlight their personal narratives that are value added to the dismantlement of the school-to-prison pipeline.
The state of Black males in education is a major concern that must be addressed, as this population of young scholars are the future presidents, Supreme Court justices and surgeon generals of the country.
