Black education advocates press issues for presidential debate

Black education advocates are urging presidential candidates to address the education crisis affecting Black children in the upcoming ABC News Presidential Debate. The Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS), founded by educators including Milwaukee’s Howard Fuller, leads this call to action.

Sarah Carpenter, CEO of Powerful Parent Movement, emphasizes the importance of this issue. “America cannot be a world leader if our children lack quality education,” she states. The coalition argues that while issues like democracy and border security are vital, the nation’s future depends on providing high-quality education to all children.

Recent data underscores the challenges facing Black students. The National College Attainment Network reports that Black students are less likely to demonstrate college readiness compared to their White peers. The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress shows only 13% of Black fourth-graders are proficient in reading and 11% in math.

FCCS Board Chair Dr. Steve Perry criticizes the current approach to education policy. He argues that allowing majority-white teachers’ unions to dominate these discussions ignores the diverse needs of students of color and perpetuates long-standing inequalities.

The coalition is demanding urgent solutions to close the opportunity gap. Their proposals include improving school choice, increasing access to college and career readiness programs, expanding cultural studies offerings, and creating more opportunities for Black educators.

In related news, the Milwaukee Business Journal reported that Dr. Howard Fuller recently opened a new school in Milwaukee. The Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy celebrated its new building after raising $28 million for a 70,000-square-foot space. The facility includes a gymnasium, science lab, and recording studio, with a capacity to serve 850 students from grades 6-12.

FCCS continues to advocate for equitable access to quality public school options for Black and Brown communities, viewing this as a key driver of economic empowerment and educational advancement.