“We don’t have any black teachers here! I’m so tired of having teachers that don’t look like me.” These words came from the mouth of a young black student in a high school I was recruiting at this past fall. It honestly stopped me in my tracks. He looked so frustrated, and I remember feeling that same frustration when I was in school. I grew up in a school district where you would be lucky to see another peer with a hint of melanin in any of your classes, and from kindergarten through graduate school, I was taught by a total of five black educators—all at the college level. I honestly thought I hit the jackpot when I was in college because I had “so many” black professors. But in all actuality, that number is sad. Outside of the classroom, there was even less representation.
From the advisors of the clubs I was involved in, all the way up to the Office of the President at my alma mater, very few professionals in administrative positions looked like me. It was so frustrating. As I was growing up, I got used to being taught and guided by white educators and professionals. Even though so many of them were a tremendously positive influence in my life, there was always something missing. There were feelings I felt I couldn’t express to them because they didn’t live my same reality, and might not fully be able to provide the support I needed. There were jokes that would go over their heads because of the cultural connotation attached. They told me I could accomplish anything, and be anything through hard work and determination, but if that was the case, why weren’t there more examples of successful blacks they could talk to me about outside of athletes, music artists and actors? Our students deserve to have more than just athletes, rappers and singers that look like them to look up to. Take it from me, even if your entire family is made up of basketball stars, you may only have the ability to keep score at the games and not actually be out on the court. We have to prove to our students there are more options for them.
It’s so powerful, and necessary, to see your reflection in someone who has accomplished what you have set out to achieve yourself. You think to yourself "if they can do it, surely I can too." Look at what President Barack Obama did for a nation of black children; he gave them hope! Hope that one day, regardless of the obstacles placed before them, they can go on to make their dreams a reality—no matter how big they are, because someone inspired them, went before them and paved the way. He showed them that someone who looked like them can be successful, too. Imagine if our students, beginning at an early age, were surrounded by more leaders and educators they could relate to in that way. Imagine if there were even more leaders and educators pushing them to be the next great scientist, engineer, researcher, educator, writer, president, CEO, and so much more. Not just pushing them to pursue those professions, but showing them how to because they are still in them.
As the student rosters within classrooms around the country continue to diversify, so must the teaching and administrative staff in the institutions that serve them. It is our duty, as shapers of current and future generations, to give them the best opportunity to dream big, and through proper representation and support, help them to believe there’s a place for them in every field they pursue.
It’s so powerful, and necessary, to see your reflection in someone who has accomplished what you have set out to achieve yourself. You think to yourself "if they can do it, surely I can too." Look at what President Barack Obama did for a nation of black children; he gave them hope! Hope that one day, regardless of the obstacles placed before them, they can go on to make their dreams a reality—no matter how big they are, because someone inspired them, went before them and paved the way. He showed them that someone who looked like them can be successful, too. Imagine if our students, beginning at an early age, were surrounded by more leaders and educators they could relate to in that way. Imagine if there were even more leaders and educators pushing them to be the next great scientist, engineer, researcher, educator, writer, president, CEO, and so much more. Not just pushing them to pursue those professions, but showing them how to because they are still in them.
As the student rosters within classrooms around the country continue to diversify, so must the teaching and administrative staff in the institutions that serve them. It is our duty, as shapers of current and future generations, to give them the best opportunity to dream big, and through proper representation and support, help them to believe there’s a place for them in every field they pursue.
Devon is higher education professional working in enrollment services.
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