Churches could fill the gap in black education

Churches could fill the gap in black education

One of the phenomenal developments that occurred after the emancipation of African slaves in America was the movement to secure education among the freed slaves. The widespread prohibition of formal learning during slavery resulted in the need for massive education for those who had become free. Not only did the freed slaves understand this need but even the United States government made a commitment to assist in the educational effort. A federal agency known as the "Freedman's Bureau":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedman%27s_Bureau was established in 1865 and one of its main purposes was to help educate the former slaves, referred to as "freedmen." This agency actually established 1000 schools in the seven years it existed to teach freed slaves in formal settings. But there were many areas where the government either could not or did not establish schools. In these areas, black churches made sure people had access to education. These church based schools were called "Sabbath Schools" and throughout the south many of the four million African-Americans who had been slaves were taught in these church based facilities. The role played by churches was immeasurable and indispensable. Observers have documented the fact that freed slaves had a passion for learning and a real thirst for formal education. Freedman's bureau records reveal that average attendance rates were between 79 and 82 percent. That was in 1865! Today our young people do not have that same passion for learning that we had in "1865":http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1865. And while it is true that there are socio-economic conditions that create challenges for our young people to learn, it is difficult to imagine any conditions harsher than those that existed in 1865 in the south. Many of the schools our children attend are sub-standard; but none are as inadequate as the one-room buildings that the freed slaves used in 1865. Many of our children have teachers that are not interested in their learning; but few of our kids have teachers that have the limitations of teachers in 1865. Many of our children are discouraged by the prospects of finishing school and still being unable to find a job; but reasons for pessimism were far greater for black people in 1865. And many of our children are aware of the lingering presence of racism today; but the racism today is no match for the organized, omnipresent racism of 1865. Perhaps our churches can take a page out of the churches that used their facilities as schools for freed slaves. And perhaps some of the enthusiasm generated in African-American churches can reignite some desire to develop the minds that God gave us. Many churches have after school programs for children in their neighborhoods but not enough. A handful of churches have started "charter schools":http://www.thegrio.com/2009/10/kipp-schools-rais-the-bar.php but not enough. Several churches are sponsoring religious schools but not nearly enough. Until we renew the enthusiasm that we once had for education and learning we will be a largely at risk community. Perhaps our goal should be to increase the graduation rate next year to at least match the attendance rate of 1865. And perhaps the churches can take the kind of active role as they did in 1865.