The Black Achievement Gap: What No One Wants to Talk About
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Black Achievement Gap: What No One Wants to Talk About

The reality of Black enrollment in College

137
The Black Achievement Gap: What No One Wants to Talk About
obamawhitehousearchives

I once tuned in to a debate around whether or not black students in the US should receive reprimands. It was a comment stating that the proposal should be viewed as a solution to the low enrollment rates of black students, that sparked another question in my head. Why exactly are Black enrollment rates in colleges so low?

To fully understand, we must start with the basics. I want my readers to understand that slavery only ended only 152 years ago. Yes, pick up your jaws. I repeat slavery was only 152 years ago. For many millennials, this fact alone is hard to grasp, especially when considering that it lasted an entire 245 years.

But again, we must start with the basics.

Throughout the course of slavery, African Americans were oppressed in more ways than not. Particularly when it came to education. Furthermore, during slavery, whites feared that if blacks gained more literacy skills, this might prove a threat to the slave system that was already strategically placed in the south.

Consequently, laws were passed forbidding slaves to learn to read or write, in addition to making it a crime to teach them. It was key to black compliance that Blacks remain ignorant, as they were unaware of their capabilities as a resultof their education.

If educated Blacks possessed all the same skills as their slave master, there would be no rationalization for those individuals to remainunder white control. Slave masters feared rebellion as a product of any possible form of education.

Even after slavery ended, Black education was still frowned upon. By 1968, the 14th amendment was made stating all citizens would now have equal protection under the law. Unfortunately, the African American Reality is fully aware that equal does not mean fair.

White parents who did not want their children to attend school with African Americans, school officials allowed Whites to transfer their children to a school more reflective of their expectations, thus creating suburbs and leaving Blacks to their own communities known as "slums".

These slums did not and still do not have equal access to a means of proper education. Statistically speaking, low-income neighborhoods are composed mostly of minorities.

Although conditions may not be so extreme, In 2017, this looks like low income (often minority) communities who lack the same resources to send their children to college as high income (non-minority) communities.

My point in all this is to exemplify that Black students were never given the true opportunity to thrive as we continue to feel the effects of this every day. I believe Black enrollment rates are low in comparison to other races because of our previous property status in America.

So as an African American Student currently putting myself through college, don't tell me how slavery was so long ago and to get over it. Because realistically, if my starting line is a mile behind yours, I have to be twice as good and work twice as hard to catch up, let alone win the race. Food for thought.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58828
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37968
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959492
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195315
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments