By: Courtney Riley, M.A.

Black men do not want to deal with kids. Black men do not want to deal with a lesser salary. Black men do not want to do a woman’s job. Black men can’t pass standardized tests. Black men are considered to always be the authority. Black men are supposed to listen and follow instructions, not teach. Black men are not becoming teachers in the United States.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Black male educators account for 2% of the nation’s population of teachers. In Fall 2020, 49.4 million students attended elementary and secondary school. 7.4 million were Black students, and 14% of the nation’s students were Black. In the country, there are 3.2 million teachers and yet, 60,000 of the teachers nationally are Black males. These numbers reflect the shortage that is occurring with retaining teachers.

The teacher shortage around the nation including the Houston area has caused constant attention to the American education system. Many teachers realized during the pandemic that teaching had many perils and downfalls. Jeremy Davis, an educator in the Houston area stated, “Educational stakeholders have demonstrated limited evidence of attracting or retaining Black male educators.” The underrepresentation of Black male educators within school communities continues to be a problem within the education workforce. Ineffective school leadership, chaotic school climate, and poor recruitment and retention efforts are among several factors that explains why Black male educators are poorly represented within the school communities.

One such downfall of employing Black male educators was the amount of work required without the desired pay. “Educators tend to be paid less than other professions, especially in areas where educators are needed the most,” said Educator D’Andre Edwards. He further mentioned that “In order to attract more male educators, we have to increase the pay. Increasing pay will ensure that Black males have the power to thrive.”  Teachers have expressed sentiments of equitable pay for the profession in recent years.

Educator Jamaur Barnes mentioned how, “Black men are not teaching; because, we don’t know that we can. I think that our society has pushed the Black man to be ‘The Head of the Household,’ which in turn forces him into more financially driven roles such as being an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer, etc. Whereas an educator is a job that is generally marketed more towards women, who are thought to be more of a ‘nurturer.’”

Historians and educators suggest that integration led Black teachers not being able to rely on staying in education. Many talented Black teachers were not afforded the opportunity to teach at the newly integrated White schools with more resources because integration was not accepted by all. White leaders would deny qualified personnel the opportunity to teach and lead in what was deemed as their spaces. Entrepreneur Ryan Sherman believes that Black culture was cultivated from the lack of respect received.

“Leaders are built from within and are comfortable with voicing an opinion”, said Sherman, owner and creator of several Black businesses that support developing confidence in Black leaders.

For many Black men, teaching is not always the career sought after, especially those seeking careers that hold esteem and power.

“Black men may not always see the power in teaching or the impact in the educational field overall. Black men also have been conditioned to think that in order to claim their place in society, they must have a music or sports job, or a job with a glamorous salary or a position, which is something you don’t’ always get being a teacher,” stated community activist Rhys Caraway.

Black men often are utilized in the capacity of being disciplinarian and the handler of all things behavior. For Patrick Campbell, this held true. “Black men aren’t teaching because they are being used as overseers of the behavioral students of color. Some are often tasked with administrative duties because they are simply a black male,” says Campbell, an educator who serves as a District Instructional Coordinator, who believes Black men are more than the perceived disciplinarians.

Black male teachers want to be the relationship builders as well. Campbell stated, “When black men enter the field of education, we want to positively change the trajectory of the black and brown students through effective mentorship. We do not want to spend our days and hours being a disciplinarian to students that other teacher cannot handle or build positive relationships with.”

If you are not able to teach content and go through the process to become a teacher, become an effective mentor. Mentor our youth in all ways possible. Show up to their events, be involved in their completion of homework and projects. Let them dive into your careers and workplace. As an educator of almost eleven years, Barnes adds that, “I can assure that not only can Black men lead and nurture in the education space, but our presence is also needed! I think if more Black men were told that we can be more than just corporate workers, and when we do show up in school settings, we can be more than just the P.E. or Sports Coach, we could surely help to make a nation-wide impact. As it stands, there are only 2% of Black, male educators occupying classroom spaces. I commend brave men like Rashiid Coleman and Vincent Cobb of Summer House Institute, who are helping to move that number!”

The Black male educator is needed and should always be valued.

 

 

 

 

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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