Excel Beyond Jail: Why Black Texans Deserve School Choice: Breaking the Chains of Educational Inequity.

 

EXCEL BEYOND JAIL: Why Black Texans Deserve School Choice: Breaking the Chains of Educational Inequity.

By Pastor Kyev Tatum, The Voice for Black Texans for School Choice | https://vimeo.com/1048696125

For far too long, poor Black children in Texas have been trapped in a cycle of academic failure and systemic neglect. Our public school system, which was supposed to be a great equalizer, has instead become a breeding ground for inequity. Black students face the harsh realities of the school-to-prison pipeline, low performance on standardized tests, and the highest dropout rates of any demographic group in the state. These challenges demand bold solutions, and school choice vouchers are a crucial step toward providing the opportunities our children deserve.

Some critics argue that school vouchers are merely “coupons for the rich,” but I counter with this: they are “food stamps for the poor.” School choice gives Black families the power to escape failing schools, to seek environments that nurture their children’s potential, and to honor the legacy of resilience and self-determination that has always defined Black education in Texas.

Texas: Home to the Largest Black Student Population in the United States

According to BlackDemographics.com, Texas has more Black students in its public schools than any other state in the country. BlackDemographics.com is a trusted resource for information and statistics about African-Americans, providing insights into how we work, live, learn, vote, and worship.

This startling fact underscores the immense responsibility Texas bears in educating Black children. The policies and practices of this state affect more Black students than anywhere else in America, making it a critical battleground for educational equity.

The School-to-Prison Pipeline: A Symptom of Systemic Neglect

The school-to-prison pipeline is a devastating reality for Black students in Texas. Over-policing in schools, zero-tolerance disciplinary policies, and the criminalization of minor infractions disproportionately target our children, pushing them out of the classroom and into the juvenile justice system.

These policies, coupled with underfunded schools, create a pathway not to college or career success but to incarceration. Black students are suspended and expelled at rates far higher than their peers, even for identical offenses. This systemic failure robs them of the chance to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Low Academic Performance and High Dropout Rates

The systemic neglect of schools in Black communities is further reflected in academic performance. Black students consistently score lower on standardized tests compared to their peers, not because they lack ability, but because their schools lack resources. Outdated textbooks, overcrowded classrooms, and overworked teachers make it nearly impossible for students to compete on an equal playing field.

Adding insult to injury, Black students in Texas face the highest dropout rates of any group. For many, the decision to leave school is not a choice but a response to the overwhelming obstacles placed in their paths. This is a crisis, and one that cannot be solved by maintaining the status quo.

A History Rooted in Resilience

The fight for Black education in Texas has always been a fight for freedom. During Reconstruction, when opportunities were few and racism was rampant, Black churches became the foundation of education for our communities. These private schools, funded by philanthropic efforts from outside Texas, provided a sanctuary for learning and empowerment. They reminded us that education was not just a pathway to success but a tool for liberation.

However, the rise of Jim Crow laws sought to strip away those hard-fought gains. Black schools were underfunded and under-resourced, operating with hand-me-down materials and inadequate facilities. Despite these challenges, our ancestors persevered, understanding that education was their weapon against oppression.

Unfortunately, the promise of equity in public education remains unfulfilled. Today, Texas public schools perpetuate the very inequalities they were meant to eliminate, leaving Black students with fewer opportunities than at any time in modern history.

How School Choice Can Change the Narrative

School choice vouchers offer a way out of this cycle of failure. By giving parents the power to direct public funding toward private or charter schools, vouchers provide access to better educational options. For Black families, this means smaller class sizes, culturally relevant teaching, and specialized programs designed to meet the unique needs of our children.

School choice also honors the legacy of Black education that began in our churches. Private schools, many of which continue this tradition, often provide a more supportive and affirming environment for Black students. They are spaces where children can see themselves reflected in their teachers, their curricula, and their communities.

Moreover, school choice promotes competition among schools, forcing public institutions to improve in order to retain students. This benefits not only the students who leave for better options but also those who remain in the public system.

Empowering Black Parents

At its core, school choice is about empowerment. For decades, Black parents have been told that their children must attend the school assigned to them, regardless of its performance. Vouchers change that equation, putting the power back in the hands of parents.

When parents can choose the best educational environment for their children, they become active participants in their education. They can seek out schools that align with their values, prioritize academic excellence, and provide the resources their children need to succeed.

A Civil Rights Issue

Education has always been a civil rights issue, and school choice is no exception. The disparities in Texas public schools are a direct result of systemic racism, and they demand a bold and unapologetic response. School choice vouchers are not a panacea, but they are a powerful tool in the fight for educational equity.

As Black Texans, we have always fought for the right to learn, to grow, and to thrive. From the private schools founded in our churches to the civil rights marches of the 20th century, we have demanded what is rightfully ours. Today, that fight continues, and school choice is a key battleground.

Conclusion

The time for action is now. We cannot allow another generation of Black children to be lost to the failures of our public school system. We must demand better—better schools, better opportunities, and better futures for our children.

School choice vouchers give us the power to make that demand a reality. They honor our history, address our present challenges, and pave the way for a brighter future. Let us stand together, as we always have, and fight for the education our children deserve.

As I have said before, “If school vouchers are considered coupons for the rich, then they must also be seen as food stamps for the poor.” Let us use them wisely, for the sake of our children and the future of our communities.

— Pastor Kyev Tatum

The Voice for Black Texans for School Choice. Pastor Tatum can be reached at 817-966-7625, kptatum1@gmail.com or visit www.newmountrose.com