When it comes to education reform where Black and Brown children are concerned, I always ask one simple question: are the best interests of Black and Brown students top priority? In particular, this question frames the way I look at the charter v. traditional public school debate. As a Black educator, I find myself between a rock and a hard place because as the Black experience in America has taught me, you can never put your complete faith in one method for righting the wrongs of systemic racism. Throughout our history as a people, we’ve fought from both the inside and outside the political and justice systems to achieve progress. Leaders from various eras chose their side from which to fight, but the simultaneous efforts made from both sides has made the most difference; in my opinion.
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