Evolution of African American Education in America

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When African Americans were brought to the United States they were taken away from the lives they knew, the culture they knew, and the educational system they knew. African American slaves were not allowed to learn how to read or write, but some secretly learned by using the Bible. After the abolition of slavery there were many slaves who taught other slaves how to read, and freed African Americans who did so as well. In 1837 the first Institute for Colored Youth was created. African American students can now attend whatever schools they desire. In 2015 we now have 105 historically black colleges and universities, according to the UNCF. These historically black colleges and universities were created to educate Black Americans. Although there …show more content…

The United States places a great deal of importance on education and continuing to be a leader in the realm of education. If the United States wants to continue on this road it must take a good look at the achievement gap that has been created and growing. In a system where in high school 34% of black students are being held back, and are more likely to drop out before receiving a high school diploma it is essential to understand what has caused this gap and ways to help close it. When African Americans first came to this country becoming educated was not something they were allowed to do, they had to wait years and years to even learn how to write without there being consequences. When the opportunity did come along for African Americans to become educated and schools were created for them and by them, there have still being hurdles for them with chances of schools losing accreditation, and financial support for students. Policies, laws, and initiatives must really become priorities to help African Americans to ensure that they are allowed to succeed and achieve the same goals and lives as everyone else. Making sure there are able, understanding, and qualified teachers teaching students is also very important. Teachers play such a big role in the lives of students and helping them to succeed not primary and secondary school, but also continuing their journey’s into places of higher learning. This is a problem that can be fixed as long as we are serious about true equality and opportunities for

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