The Miseducation Of The Negro: A Reflection On 5 Thoughts Still Relevant Today (part 5)

...cont'd from yesterday: As Carter Woodson explains in the book there are a few misconceptions about the education of African-Americans that need to be corrected in order for blacks to thrive and be successful.

Political Education Neglected
While many African-Americans know of President Obama, too few know of local and state legislators. Many people grew up in an atmosphere where political knowledge wasn’t deemed relevant or only a few issues were relevant to the community. However this is not the case, people need to concern themselves with all elements of political matters because they have an impact on the daily lives of everyone. “Educated people don’t know politics either as dumb people follow suit”, as Woodson describes. While the 2008 presidential election saw an unprecedented turnout of African-Americans, many of the following state and local city proposal election votes were largely unattended by African Americans. African-Americans need to first build up a knowledge of the current political landscape and what are politicians’ stance on key issues.

Education policy is handled on the state and local level.  Therefore, get actively involved in local politics and consider running (or supporting a candidate) for the local school board.  This can have a substantial impact on your child's education. 

(Be Aware: The Tea Party is ramping up their efforts to influence your child's education by getting involved in local school board elections)

It's amazing that Woodson's observations from 80 years ago are still relevant today.  What does that say about our progress?