Has the dream been deferred?

"What happens to a dream deferred?
- Langston Hughes

What an interesting way to open this chapter. We all have dreams but when they are deferred, they are put off. Is that what is happening in our urban schools? Are the dreams of our African American students being deferred?

Are the teachers in the classroom expecting less of our (African American) children because they assume "they don't know any better"?

Are the children of other races, cultures, ethnic groups, or whatever you choose to refer to them as expected to act better than African Americans?

Are African American students being 'converted' into mainstream 'white' children? Who has decided that this is the way for all children to bein our society?

When a family who has come from an Asian country comes to American and lives among white children, they are not expected to act 'white' or children who are they are to become more like those around them. They are excepted as coming from another culture and treated with respect for their culture and upbringing. Yet when a child who has come from African comes to this country, they are expected to assemilate into the mainstream culture.

I have a perm to straighten my hair. I use correct grammer and try to stay away from slang terms. Does that make me any less 'black'? I don't think so.

But as a black teacher, what am I saying to my African American students when I don't appreciate where they come from and their culture?

I don't know, but this gives us something to think about as the book continues.

Not only am I looking at the book, but to truly internalize this piece of literature, I believe that I have to look at myself as a woman, mother, African American, and educator.