Rebuilding the Village: Why Black Boys Still Need Collective Care in Education
This column reflects on the enduring importance of the “village” in supporting the education and well-being of Black boys. Drawing from research, lived experience, and cultural wisdom, it calls for families, schools, faith leaders, mentors, and communities to intentionally rebuild collective systems of care that help Black boys thrive.
Before diving into this column, I want to be clear: This is not a critique of any one school, district or institution. Rather, it is a broader reflection rooted in research, observation, and personal experience on the current state of education for Black boys in America.
When we say, “It takes a village to raise a child,” we are not repeating a cliché or leaning on a convenient phrase. This saying has lived in the Black community for decades because it speaks a truth that has sustained us for generations. It reminds us that education and child-rearing have never been the responsibility of one person or one system alone.
This African proverb underscores the power of the village as our strength, guidance, heritage and way of being. The village includes elders who tell the stories; aunties and uncles who correct with tough love; mentors who step in when guidance is needed; pastors who provide spiritual grounding; doctors who protect our health; radio stations and newspapers that uplift through positive storytelling; police officers who build trust and offer protection; and teachers who see a child’s potential before he sees it in himself.
That is the true definition of the village.
Each person played a role. The village did not simply raise children; it raised confident, healthy, educated and disciplined future leaders.
Today, that village is stretched thin. Schools are overwhelmed and under-resourced. Families are working multiple jobs and longer hours. Community organizations are underfunded and operating at capacity. Recreation centers have limited hours or limited reach.
In the midst of all of this, Black boys are often left to navigate complex systems and an unforgiving world with fewer hands protecting, guiding, challenging and uplifting them.
We must rebuild.
It is time to intentionally rebuild the village, not just for Black boys, but for the health and future of our communities.
Why the village still matters
Black boys succeed when they are surrounded by consistent people who care for them holistically: emotionally, mentally, spiritually, academically and physically.
There are several reasons the village remains essential:
- Identity is formed through community.
When boys consistently hear affirming words such as “You are smart,” “You are powerful,” and “You are strong,” they walk differently, speak differently, and carry themselves with confidence.
- Safety is created through relationships.
When Black boys have multiple trusted adults invested in their lives, they are less likely to fall through the cracks.
- Accountability comes from connection.
Black boys rise to the level of expectation when they know someone is watching, supporting, and holding them accountable. - Healing happens in trusted spaces.
Many Black boys carry trauma. In environments where they are seen and heard, the village helps rebuild what has been broken.
Ways to strengthen the village
The truth is that Black boys do not just need more programs. They need the three P’s: people, partnerships and presence.
- Families: Create consistent routines for sleep, homework and meals. Speak life into your sons daily. Simple affirmations like “I’m proud of you” and “You’ve got this” matter.
- Schools: Welcome families as partners. Include Black boys in conversations about their learning. Teach with high expectations and cultural understanding.
- Faith leaders: Create and sustain safe spaces for reflection. Teach faith alongside responsibility, purpose and service.
- Mentors: Offer guidance on identity, leadership and purpose. Be consistent. Listen more than you speak.
- Elders: Share your wisdom and history. Tell the stories that remind boys where they come from and where they are going. Remind them that they come from strength.
- Community organizations and recreation centers: Provide spaces for connection — whether through open gym time, snacks, volunteering opportunities or creative outlets.
- Peers: Peer-to-peer relationships matter. Lead by example.
Rebuilding the village does not require perfection. It requires commitment, dedication and patience.
Imagine if every Black boy had a team of trusted adults committed to his success. Imagine schools partnering with community organizations and faith leaders to provide wraparound support. Imagine every Black boy knowing he could turn to someone in his community for guidance.
That is the vision of a beloved community, one where Black boys rise because they are lifted by the village around them.
When I think about the village, I think about the people who poured into me: my pastors, coaches, family members, teachers and mentors. They believed in my future before I fully believed in myself. Their conversations shaped my direction. Their guidance and tough love strengthened my foundation.
Every Black boy deserves a village like this.
So I leave you with these questions: Who was part of your village? What would it look like if we poured into every Black boy in our community? How can schools, faith leaders, community organizations and mentors work together to support them?
Let’s rise together.
Richard D. Terrell is a native of Minneapolis. He is the father of three: Zyree, Raymond and Vivian. Richard has a passion for community, education, and youth development. For the last 20
years he has served at various schools working with and supporting students, families, and teachers. He currently serves as an assistant principal with Saint Paul Public Schools. He also serves as the senior pastor of God’s Revelation Missionary Baptist Church in South Minneapolis. For more information on Richard D. Terrell, visit his website at www.mrrichardterrell.com.