Journal of a Black Teacher

“A simple question deserves a simple answer.” By Don Allen, Journal of a Black Teacher (2024) ( Photo :  Dr. Boyce Watkins X feed; Fair Use) The erosion of our social structures concerning Black children is a topic that consistently sparks my curiosity. I often find myself contemplating the reasons behind this decline and the impact it has on our communities. About four years ago, I began to delve deeper into my readings. I realized that the issues affecting the Twin Cities could potentially arise in other cities, and local communities had to find ways to restore collaboration and human capital to enhance the city for the betterment of local businesses, neighborhoods, and, most importantly, the people. However, I couldn't comprehend the exposure of our 12-16-year-old children to adult situations while exploring downtown with the same level of enthusiasm as adults. Though it may not be a popular question, the most crucial one that demands an immediate answer is: where are the parent

I've learned you cannot fix everything, and some things do not want to be fixed because they make money for mediocre results (there can never be rich people without poor people). By Don Allen, Senior Columnist for the Postmodernist Practicum, rejecting the search for broad generalizations when we know we need to look into the blindspots.    I’ve read insightful articles this week from some of Minnesota’s premier thinkers and nuanced leaders about education this week. The article by Dr. David Schultz, “Minnesota is an educational leader in racial inequality” (2024) https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-is-an.../600373971/ - and Brother Khalique Rogers & Dr. Joe Nathan’s piece, “ Counterpoint: A nuanced view of what will reduce educational inequities ” (2024) https://www.startribune.com/counterpoint-a.../600374190/ bring to light from two point-of-views what many of us are concerned with, Black learning organizational excellence in a time of unprecedented mediocrity. Both artic