By Aja McClanahan
Politics aside, one thing we can all agree on in Black America is that, collectively, we are still far behind when it comes to quality of life standards as compared to our White American counterparts. The statistics are dismal: lower average wages, savings, education levels along with higher rates of HIV/AIDS, community crime, broken families and the list goes on. But the story doesn’t have to stop here.
With some purpose and intention, I believe we can change the narrative of our people. Yes, we can change our own story. No one will do that for us. Strong families and engaged parents could hold the key to eliminating the gap I mentioned above. But with so much to address in our community, where do we start?
Power of Education
We all know about the liberating power of education and the upward mobility it can provide for individuals and people groups alike. What if we could take the time to instill values, skills and experiences that are specifically suited to address all the wonders (and deficiencies) that speak to the African American experience? What if we could tailor history and literature course offerings for our children that investigate and celebrate the triumphs of the Black race instead of highlighting, year after academic year, the tragedy of slavery and Jim Crow only?
What if math had a business focus that promoted practical application like prudent personal finance, generational wealth building and entrepreneurship? What if our children could have laser-focused, one-on-one attention in subjects they need the most help in? What if our child’s course of study could follow the natural gifts and talents that we as parents perceive in them from an early age? Realistically, you would not expect such a high-caliber academic experience from public school let alone the best private school.
Don’t let that get you down, though. The good news is that you, as a parent, are in the best position to give your child a life-changing education. This is an education that will give them success in a world that, historically until present day, has been designed to defeat them.
You are Best Equipped to Teach Your Children
Our family has discovered this truth though homeschooling our own two children. Instead of relying on the school system to pinpoint and cater to our children’s areas of difficulty, the onus is now upon us to do so. If you think about it, you are your child’s most powerful, effective advocate. There’s no one more motivated or capable than you to make sure they succeed. Why not harness that dynamic and use it, full-force, in a learning environment you have total control over? Who knows your child better than you? No one. That is why you are best equipped to teach your children.
In a world where the deck is already stacked against us, we, as a people, will have to make the decision to choose what’s best for our children. If that means downsizing lifestyle to be available for our children, so be it. I never want to be the parent that puts the pursuit of things before my children and I’m sure you don’t either! I am challenging everyone reading this post to seriously evaluate if you can give your kids more of yourself as a parent. Home school is one of many ways we can do this. It’s also something every parent in Black America should seriously consider to give each of our precious children a better than average chance at success in life.
BMWK, Would you consider home schooling your child?
Aja McClanahan is database consultant and the main contributor at www.principlesofincrease.com where she writes about faith, family and financial freedom. She is the author of Debt Free in 24 Hours and teaches frequently on financial topics in her community, Englewood, Chicago. She resides there with her husband of 10 years and two daughters.