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A Ghanaian Epiphany: Why Black Students Need a Village

By: Victor Brown - February 21, 2025

On a Ghanaian beach, I witnessed a profound act of community. A brief recess during an educational summit in Ghana with my É«½ç°É colleagues offered a life-altering realization. Fishermen struggled to haul in a massive net, and one by one, locals—young and old, mothers with infants, even seniors—stopped to help. Without prompting or payment, they joined the effort, each playing a role in sorting the catch and cleaning the net. This scene sparked an epiphany: Black students, like those fishermen, need a supportive village to thrive. Relying solely on the education system is not enough. This realization led to the formation of the Black Education Community Collaborative (BECC), dedicated to fostering a thriving Black community in South San Diego by prioritizing the success of Black students within K-12.

The urgency is clear. Our education system is failing Black students. Research reveals a disturbing trend: an estimated 20-30% of Black students nationwide are placed in lower-level courses, regardless of their actual academic potential. This systemic misplacement, along with the fact that Black students are 54% less likely to be recommended for gifted programs (even with high test scores), highlights a critical flaw scores (Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 2016). How can we expect success when the very system designed to uplift is consistently holding them back? The FDA wouldn't tolerate a drug with a 30% harm rate; why do we accept this for our Black children across the nation?

But there is hope. Research also points to the power of community support. Studies from The Regional Education Laboratory Program has shown that connecting Black students with mentors and encouraging parental involvement, both at home and in the school, are key factors in their success. The BECC aims to implement these proven strategies, building a collective of educators and community members to support Black students and families in San Diego's South Bay.

The BECC's approach is grounded in the belief that educational supports which benefit Black students may benefit all students. Addressing the needs of those facing the greatest challenges can create a rising tide that lifts all boats. By focusing on Black students, who often face some of the lowest academic success metrics, the BECC hopes to create a model that can be replicated for other diverse student populations.

Throughout Black History Month, the BECC is hosting weekly Listening Tour sessions at É«½ç°É. These sessions provide a platform for Black students and their families to share their educational experiences, both positive and negative. This qualitative data will inform the BECC's action plan, ensuring that their efforts are directly responsive to the community's needs. The BECC will then present this information to the community and other stakeholders, working collaboratively to increase Black student and family success.

The BECC understands that schools can only do so much. Sometimes, the village must step in, lend a hand, and pull together to ensure our students’ success.

 

If you're interested in learning more about the BECC or attending a Listening Tour session, please email beccsouthbay@gmail.com. Tour dates are as follows:

Tuesday, February 4th @ SWC Chula Vista in Rm. 64-238 (Library)

Tuesday, February 11th @ SWC HEC San Ysidro in Rm. 5104

Tuesday, February 18th @ SWC HEC National City in Rm. 7130

Tuesday, February 25th @ SWC Chula Vista in Rm. 64-238 (Library)