Building the bridge

Every Black boy deserves a community that sees, hears and values him 

Before diving into this column, I want to be clear: This is not a critique of any one school, district, or institution. This is a broader reflection. A blend of research, observation, and personal experience on the current state of education for Black boys in America.

As I close out this year’s column series, I hope the information, research and guidance shared around this topic has helped you grow as an educator, a community member, and a parent. You are someone who has the opportunity to be around our amazing, brilliant and intelligent Black boys.

There is a bridge that too many Black boys are expected to cross without proper support. On one side stands dreams, potential, creativity, brilliance and promise. On the other side await opportunities, success, leadership and purpose.

But the truth is that the gap between those two sides has been widened by inequitable systems, limited access to opportunities, low expectations and a lack of meaningful relationships.

The most important question is not whether Black boys are capable of success. It is whether we as educators, community members, families and policymakers, are willing to go the extra mile to help build that bridge.

I have learned as both an educator and a father that before Black boys will trust what we know, they must trust and believe that we care about them, their opinions, individuality, their successes and failures.

Research shows that positive relationships, in and out of school, are among the strongest predictors of student success. For many Black boys, one caring adult can make the difference between disengagement and achievement.

I attended an alternative school for seventh and eighth grade due to some concerning behaviors in elementary school. While there, I had the privilege of being educated by an all-Black male staff. During those two years, each of them was intentional about relationship building, learning who I was and what was behind my anger. That experience shifted my life. I was in an environment where I belonged and was seen as an individual, not a problem.

Building the bridge begins with seeing Black boys as individuals rather than statistics or data points. It means learning their stories, understanding their experiences and recognizing their strengths. It means seeing their shortfalls and failures and providing the guidance needed for growth.

Relationships create belonging. Belonging creates engagement. Engagement creates achievement.

Low expectations are one of the greatest injustices Black boys face. Too often, educators and communities focus on “they can’t do it” or “they’re always the problem” rather than on potential and growth. We must challenge that narrative. Having high expectations is not about demanding perfection. It is about having belief.

Black boys deserve rigorous instruction, challenging opportunities and adults who refuse to give up on them.

Research also shows that when Black boys see someone who looks like them leading, teaching, creating and succeeding, they grow up believing in themselves more and expanding their vision of what is possible. When Black boys see Black educators, mentors, coaches, entrepreneurs, pastors and professionals, they begin to envision unlimited possibilities. This is why schools and communities must be intentional about recruiting, retaining and supporting diversity.

Black boys should never have to choose between academic success and cultural identity. The most effective learning environments affirm students’ cultures while challenging them in the classroom. When Black boys understand that who they are is an asset, not a problem, confidence grows, and with it, the courage to learn and lead.

This responsibility does not rest on schools alone. Families matter. Mentors matter. Churches matter. Community centers matter. Businesses matter. Libraries matter. This is the village.

Every adult who interacts with a Black boy plays a role in shaping his future. We must come together with a shared vision and purpose, because there is power in community and togetherness in building the bridge each Black boy deserves.

Systemic change is essential, but transformation happens one relationship, one classroom, one mentor, one community program and one student at a time. Every Black boy deserves an adult who believes in his future before he fully believes in it himself. Every Black boy deserves opportunities that match his potential. Every Black boy deserves a bridge to success. Every Black boy deserves a community that sees, hears and values him.

We need to stop asking Black boys to overcome barriers they did not create, and start building the pathways they deserve to travel. Once we build the bridge, Black boys will not just cross it, they will rise. And when Black boys rise, so will their families, their communities and generations to come.

Let Them Rise. One Black boy at a time.

Think about this:

1. What will you do to bridge the gap for a Black boy in your life?
2. How will your environment promote positivity for Black boys?
3. What barriers need to be dismantled for Black boys to grow?

Let’s Rise Together,
Richard D. Terrell

Richard D. Terrell is a native of Minneapolis, MN. He is the father of three; Zyree, Raymond and Vivian. Richard has a passion for community, education, and youth development. He has served as the senior pastor of God’s Revelation MBC in south Minneapolis, and 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.

For more information on Richard D. Terrell or to purchase his book “Letters to my Young Brothers: There is Hope!” visit his website at https://mrrichardterrell.com.