Limitations for the Future

When we are little, we are asked many questions in school but the most frequent would be, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. As we take time to think, our imagination jumps from endless possibilities about what and who we can be later in the future. Unfortunately, this question was not existing for those who had kids of color during segregation. During this time, it was rough for families who were African American because of the living conditions and education that their children were receiving. Unlike giving each and every student a chance in life to live a better one, there were certain rules that distinguished whites from the rest. Leading to African Americans being mistreated and having to feel unwanted. African Americans in the 20th century had limitations in education due to racist policies that caused them to be treated as inferior.

During the time of segregation, education was something that was not taken away from African Americans but yet it was too little to have. Therefore, the department of education at the time gave a bulk amount of funding to the white schools and such little to the rest which was the black school. This lack of spending or money that was an action that impeded the progression of learning for all black schools. An article called “Public Education in the Early Twentieth Century” states the average length of the school year was 72 days for white students and only 34 days for African Americans students”. Clearly, we can tell that with the sum of large days missing, students will have fewer opportunities to gain knowledge and prospective jobs. to have the future they once wished for.

Along with shortened education, materials and property itself beheld little value. For instance, Gordon also explained in his article that the value of materials all around in a white school was around $40,000 while in a black school only $1,000. With this major gap in the value of items, we can determine that the material itself is not the best for the students. Therefore if the students don’t have up to date material or just the material itself, it is hard for these students to actually make a difference. Furthermore, if African American schools only had $1000 of value, that would mean sacrifices would be made. These sacrifices would include the risks of their health which is the most important. This brings up the question that if the water is sanitary and if the food is good enough at all. The basic needs for a school to be running weren’t even provided which causes many problems to uprise within the community. How can a student with a different background not have the same equality to help them pursue this so-called goal in life?

Over the years, racism was prevalent in all areas of society creating a much more difficult life for those who wanted a better education. After some time, black children were able to go to a white school, but not all. Moreover, on some occasions, there were times where racism in schools and outside led to acts of rebellion. The feeling of being unwanted has instilled fear into the youth and parents in sending them to white schools. Furthermore, the history of slavery has created this spiral effect of racism and hate mostly towards African Americans. There is this “For sure” knowing that there is going to be judgments made no matter where. This leading on, it can be hurtful to students in making them feel less worthy and not being able to speak up for themselves.

Not only did segregation silence the minorities, but as well as create a barrier for future education. Then around 1960, there was a forever changing event called the “Brown Vs. Board of Education”. This was a court case that was brought upon the judge about the differences in education between the white and black schools. After long hours of debating, they came to the conclusion that made the separation of white and black schools unconstitutional. This court decision marks a shift in how African Americans receive education in which they have better than what they did before. For instance, they can be heard more, materials are shared amongst those at the school, and a feeling of being free.

In the 20th century, America was dealing with tremendous problems as well as internal problems such as racism which was huge. The main reason for people being here in America is to pursue their dreams and make a change for the better but limitations on education had been constructed in keeping African Americans under in the social structure. Therefore it was hard for African Americans to access a proper education with basic needs as well.