ABSTRACT
Proposition 10.1 There is much wisdom and beauty among Black families and in Black communities.
And how are the children’s communities, homes, and families? These are often places of refuge and love. This does not mean that Black families, homes, and communities are not faced with trials and tribulations, just as are they are in other ethnic groups. Nevertheless, there is a powerful and affirming socialization taking place in African American communities that could be instructive to schools (Boutte & Hill, 2006). This chapter illustrates how educators can build on the strengths found in the Black community to teach African American students effectively. Absent from many teacher education programs is an emphasis on developing an inside understanding of students’ communities and recognizing and illuminating existing best practices that differ from mainstream conceptions. Rarely is wisdom from African American communities sought and used in the quest for best prac - tices for educating African American students. Paradoxically, whereas schools consistently rank Black students on the lower tiers of education, these same students often experience success in their homes and communities. A close examination of some of the structural aspects of institutions within the Black community that view Black culture as a strength rather than as a deficit may be instructive.
