Honoring Carter G. Woodson, Another School Shooting, Steeper Declines in Black Enrollment, & Civil Rights Lawsuits
This is the last issue of The Blackboard Report for 2024. I will return in 2025.
“Philosophers have long conceded, however, that every man has two educators: ‘that which is given to him, and the other that which he gives himself.” — Carter G. Woodson
This Week On The Board
Dear Board Members,
As we approach the end of the year, I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. This week, significant developments have emerged in our communities where education is concerned, including steeper declines in Black enrollment, the continued chopping of DEI initiatives, debates over school voucher programs across multiple states, and school closures in underserved communities.
On a higher note, a 23-year-old 7th-grade teacher has made history as the youngest Georgia representative, and folks are still reeling over Jackson State University winning the Celebration Bowl earlier this past weekend. Additionally, educators and community advocates across the nation are finding ways to challenge the systemic status quo in teaching our students. It’s all a testament to the kind of triumph, overcoming, and liberation Dr. Carter G. Woodson strived for. This week’s issue is dedicated to Mr. Woodson, who would’ve turned 149 today.
This is the last issue of The Blackboard Report for 2024. I will return to you in 2025. In the meantime, stay educated and stay liberated.
On This Day
On this day in 1875, American historian, author, and journalist Carter G. Woodson was born in New Canton, Virginia. The son of formerly enslaved parents, his parents’ emphasis on education as a means of liberation sparked his passion for learning.
In 1915, Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to address the exclusion of Black achievements from mainstream narratives. A decade later, he established Negro History Week, which evolved into today's Black History Month.
His 1933 work, "The Mis-Education of the Negro," critiqued the Eurocentric educational system's detrimental effects on African Americans, a perspective that remains relevant in contemporary discussions on educational equity. Nearly 150 years after his birth, Woodson's legacy endures through initiatives like Freedom Schools and Afrocentric curricula, which strive to empower Black students amid ongoing challenges to inclusive education.
While the fight for educational equity persists, his advocacy reminds us that education must serve as a tool for empowerment and liberation.
Top of the Board
School Shooting in Madison, Wisconsin: This Monday, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, killing a teacher, and a fellow student, and injuring six others. Rupnow died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are investigating potential motives, including the possibility of bullying, and examining how she obtained the firearm. During a recent press conference, when asked about school security measures, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes responded: “Stop asking why schools don’t have bulletproof glass and metal detectors at all the doors. Ask why schools have to.”
Harvard Law School Decline In Black Enrollment: The Harvard Crimson has reported a significant decline in Black student enrollment for its J.D. Class of 2027, the first cohort admitted after the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to end affirmative action in college admissions. The number of Black students decreased from 43 in the previous year to 19, marking the lowest enrollment since the 1960s.
Civil Rights Complaint Against Northern Illinois University: A civil rights complaint has been filed against Northern Illinois University, alleging that programs such as the Black Student Achievement Program and Black Male Initiative are discriminatory by appearing to be open only to Black applicants.
State Board
Alabama: The state has recently introduced a program offering eligible families up to $7,000 for private school tuition. AL gives a breakdown of who qualifies. Also, state lawmakers are considering a significant overhaul of the public school funding formula to better address student needs without increasing taxes. Huntsville City Schools and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have partnered to tackle the shortage of special education teachers.
California: A new law, effective January 2025, will establish the nation’s first "Black-Serving Institution" designation for colleges and universities in the state to help support Black student success. Governor Gavin Newsom has also unveiled plans to expand career education programs, including removing college degree requirements for nearly 30,000 state jobs. Additionally, UCLA has enrolled a record number of Black and Latino students for the fall 2024 term, reflecting the university's commitment to diversity.
Florida: The state’s Bar has eliminated its "diversity and inclusion" policy following pressure from its Supreme Court, raising concerns about reduced access to justice and a less diverse judiciary. Additionally, a special education teacher in DeFuniak Springs was arrested on child abuse charges after allegedly mistreating a nonverbal 3-year-old student.
Georgia: The state’s Education Savings Authority has expanded eligibility for $6,500 school vouchers, potentially affecting over 400,000 students, but raises concerns about resource allocation in public schools. Additionally, the Georgia Department of Education is scrutinizing the City Schools of Decatur for disproportionately identifying Black students for special education services. GSU has also been accused of teaching a reading method that’s been widely debunked by educators.
Illinois: A civil rights complaint has been filed against Northern Illinois University, alleging that Black initiative programs are discriminatory by appearing to be open only to Black applicants. Additionally, investigations reveal that Black students in Illinois are disproportionately subjected to police-issued tickets for school-related behavior. (I covered this issue for Word In Black). And in Chicago, many parents are turning to rideshare apps to transport their children to school due to significant bus reductions.
Louisiana: Two charter schools in New Orleans are closing, which means about 100 students will have to find new schools in the middle of the year. On top of that, the state is backing Kentucky's push to display the Ten Commandments in public schools, stirring up legal debates. There's also a big focus on tackling student absenteeism, with officials rolling out new plans to get kids back in class.
Maryland: Governor Moore has proposed pausing the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future" education spending plan due to a projected $1 billion deficit. In Waldorf, parents are protesting after a Cracker Barrel restaurant faced criticism for denying service to special education students. Additionally, Baltimore City Public Schools has recommended the closure of three schools, including two charter schools, citing low enrollment and performance issues.
Mississippi: The state is currently still deliberating educational reforms, including the expansion of school choice options, adjustments to funding formulas, and potential teacher pay raises. In leadership news, Dr. Steven J. Jones has been appointed as the tenth president of Mississippi Delta Community College, effective January 1, 2025.
Missouri: The State’s Board of Education has lowered the GPA requirement for teacher certification from 3.0 to 2.75, aiming to tackle teacher shortages and boost diversity. Meanwhile, over 100 school districts in the state are rethinking assessments by embracing personalized, competency-based learning. In St. Louis, a public school board member is calling for a criminal investigation into district credit card spending after former Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett was fired this past October.
New York: A 75-year-old NYC school worker was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old student at the Brooklyn Transition Center. Meanwhile, debates have intensified over the renewal of the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) contract, with critics citing its disproportionate exclusion of Black and Latino students. Additionally, students at schools near major highways, such as Benjamin Banneker Academy in Brooklyn, face health risks from breathing polluted air.
North Carolina: The state’s Supreme Court is on the verge of issuing a crucial decision in the long-standing Leandro case, which focuses on equitable funding for public schools. This ruling could significantly impact school resources, especially those in underfunded areas. Meanwhile, the state has ranked near the bottom nationally in education funding, according to a new report from the Education Law Center.
Ohio: The state legislature is considering bills that could lead to the closure or takeover of underperforming schools by charter organizations. In Cleveland, Mayor Justin Bibb has appointed three new members to the city's Board of Education, aiming to bring fresh perspectives to the district's leadership.
Pennsylvania: Leon Smith, a social studies teacher at Haverford High School, has been named the state’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, recognized for his dedication to representing Black educators and inspiring students. Additionally, Detroit-based nonprofit Brilliant Cities plans to expand to Philadelphia by 2025, establishing neighborhood hubs that provide free early childhood education, meals, health services, and tutoring for children in underserved communities from pre-K to 8th grade.
South Carolina: The family of 14-year-old Kelaia Turner has filed a lawsuit against Greenville County Schools, alleging negligence in addressing persistent bullying that led to her suicide attempt and subsequent severe brain damage (I covered this story for Word In Black). Additionally, the state’s Department of Education has proposed raising teacher's starting salary to $50,000 by 2025. Controversy has also arisen as the Department published "PragerU Standards Aligned Resources," sparking debate due to PragerU's conservative viewpoints and concerns over the potential influence on educational content.
Texas: The state’s school districts are being asked to return $16 million in federal funds after an audit found improper billing for special education services. The Texas Education Agency has also released new academic performance reports, revealing surprising trends across districts statewide. Additionally, the state’s Legislature is getting steps closer to passing a school voucher program, allowing parents to use public funds for private schooling.
College Board
Michael Vick, former NFL star and Newport native, is the new head football coach at Norfolk State University, an HBCU in Virginia.
The Celebration Bowl ratings surged as Jackson State University defeated South Carolina State last week for the HBCU football national title. Drawing in 2.1 million viewers on ABC, this marks a 37% increase from last year’s record-low.
The Atlanta-Journal Constitution spoke to Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter’s high school receivers coach, Todd Wofford, about the continuing impact of the football star and student signing with an HBCU.
Success Stories & Spotlight
Bryce Berry, a 23-year-old educator and community organizer, has been elected to represent Georgia's 56th District in the state House of Representatives, becoming one of the youngest lawmakers in Georgia's history.
Leora Hooper, a former public school teacher in Yazoo, Mississippi, established a school called the Abundance Academy out of a converted storefront, aiming to provide quality education to local students.
In Memoriam
This week’s issue memoriam section is dedicated to the incomparable literary great Nikki Giovanni, who passed away at 81 on December 9th, 2024. A leading voice in African American poetic literature and a distinguished professor, Giovanni’s contributions and impact have left an undeniable mark on our minds, hearts, and communities.
Closing Remarks
Every week, I hope this report serves as a resource for advocacy, awareness, and change. I value your stories, insights, and feedback, and invite your perspectives in contributing to future issues of The Blackboard. Please feel free to contact me here or follow me on my socials! LinkedIn, Twitter, IG, BlueSky, and Threads. You can also find my work for Word in Black here.
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