Low Income Doesn't Equal Low Performance For Black Boys

As soon as Black boys enter the doors of public schools, they are labeled. Stereotypes are often at the heart of equity issues and equal access of Black boys and their parents within the education system. Low income doesn't equal low achieving, nor does low income automatically mean black. We have to stop treating Black boys as if they are the problem and actually fix the problems that cause students to gain more failures than successes. 

Do we ever consider the magnitude of our negative expectations of Black boys in public schools has on their academic performance?

The stigma, myths and stereotypes placed on students because of socioeconomic and race factors into their level of achievement in school.  This is why it's not only important for Educators to change the stigma of student success from lower income families and communities but school Districts should also drive this need for change. I'm more frequently hearing non profits, school districts and leaders refer to black, brown and mixed race children as "Title I, low income, disadvantaged, misguided, troubled students or special cases" as opposed to simply being "students." 

Here are some ways we can change the negative stereotypes of Black boys in public schools:

1. Build genuine relationships with Black boys, parents and communities.
   
2. Know the communities holistically, not just for the data collected around negative things.
   
3. Meet Black boys and families where they are. Create engaging and innovative outlets for stakeholders to stay connected.
   
4. Be change agents for Black boys, families and communities outside of school hours.
   
5. Black parents and students have said they feel that there's a need to distinguish what "type" of student is being taught as opposed to simply embracing the students that enter the school doors.  

Although, Black students aren't the only students who face this issue, they often feel it the most especially if they are from a low income community, have a special need, learning disability, etc. There are five things public schools typically assume about Black boys who come from lower economic backgrounds.Their parents are incarcerated. They have severe behavior/discipline problems. They are from a single parent home. They are low achievers. These assumptions about Black boys are also projected onto their parents. It is most reflected in how faculty and staff engage with them. The challenge with stereotypes is that Educators often target entire groups of people, categorizing them based off the effects of epidemics. 

One of the biggest wins of the year was hearing more Black boys speak out about the type of education they need. 

Hearing the voices of Black boys speak about the challenges and stereotypes they face in school was refreshing. I was proud of how our Black boys were able to articulate the issues and point out how they plan to change these stereotypes.

Whether through music, art, education, leadership and furthering their academic careers, these students displayed hope for the future in dispelling the ugly myths and stereotypes of people based on their socioeconomic status or race in education.