Logo
Donate
Logo
Donate

We Could Make Every Public School Feel Like Wakanda

Mar 29, 2018 12:00:00 AM

by David Mitchell

Since its release, there have been several pieces that have reflected on the success of “Black Panther.” But one thing I couldn’t stop thinking about is how there must not be any failing schools in Wakanda. If you were paying close attention to Ryan Coogler’s cinematic masterpiece, the prevailing theme was “Wakandans take care of Wakandans.” That means from their culture, to their people, to their vibranium (their mystical, magical, supernatural resource), they are extremely focused on preserving and protecting their way of life. As I left the crowded theater full of moviegoers in their African attire, I could not help but think that if this crowd were leaving a volunteer effort at their local public school, there would have been no need for a program like “No Child Left Behind.” We saw in this movie a vision of how we wish our communities looked, felt, and engaged with one another. There is probably a cultural mandate that everyone is responsible for playing a role in educating their people. It would not be asked or demanded of you, but culturally expected that you played your part in educating the children of Wakanda. [pullquote position="right"]School choice was born to allow innovation, flexibility, accountability and community involvement in our public schools.[/pullquote] Call me crazy, but this sounds exactly how engagement would look in the public schools of Wakanda. So I asked myself, “How do you walk out of the movie Black Panther, feeling proud about the ownership that Wankandans have when it comes to their culture, education, technology, and community engagement, and not believe in school choice?” I believe with a commitment from our communities to get more engaged in our public schools, if we invested our time, talent and resources, we could make every public school feel like Wakanda. All children can learn based on their God-given abilities and gifts. The bottom line is, if you are an African American and loved this groundbreaking movie, then by default, you can believe in school choice. I cannot imagine a citizen of Wakanda leaving the education of their children in the hands of someone who did not understand what it means to be a Wakandan. The strength of this movie should act as an indictment for you to become more engaged in your community schools. If you believe that every child deserves a world class education, and you don’t understand how school choice and public charters work, then I’m afraid you may have missed the point and power of Black Panther!
Photo courtesy of Black Panther.

David Mitchell

David Mitchell is the founder, CEO and president of Better Outcome for OUR Kids (BOOK). Better Outcomes for OUR Kids works with both traditional and public charter schools to increase parent and community involvement in their local schools. The goal of the organization is to leverage its credibility to make strong statements and stances on educational outcomes and school choice in the African-American community. BOOK serves as an advocate and surrogate for parents and communities who are looking to create school choice opportunities by leveraging the public dollars spent on educating their children.

Leave a Comment

The Feed

Explainers

all explainers

  • Why Math Identity Matters

    Lane Wright

    The story you tell yourself about your own math ability tends to become true. This isn’t some Oprah aphorism about attracting what you want from the universe. Well, I guess it kind of is, but...

  • What's an IEP and How to Ensure Your Child's Needs Are Met?

    Ed Post Staff

    If you have a child with disabilities, you’re not alone: According to the latest data, over 7 million American schoolchildren — 14% of all students ages 3-21 — are classified as eligible for special...

  • Seeking Justice for Black and Brown Children? Focus on the Social Determinants of Health

    Laura Waters

    The fight for educational equity has never been just about schools. The real North Star for this work is providing opportunities for each child to thrive into adulthood. This means that our advocacy...

Support Education Equity

Your donations support the voices who challenge decision makers to provide the learning opportunities all children need to thrive. 

donate
Logo
Brightbeam Logo

Ed Post is the flagship website platform of brightbeam, a 501(c3) network of education activists and influencers demanding a better education and a brighter future for every child.

© 2020–2024 brightbeam. All rights reserved.