Beyond the Backpack: Bridging the Literacy Gap for Black Children

For decades, the point gap between Black children and their white peers in fourth to twelfth grades has remained stagnant. Despite countless reform efforts, the harsh reality is this: the system continues to fail Black children. Research has consistently shown that traditional teaching methods are not effective for Black students, yet these methods persist, perpetuating inequities generation after generation.

According to Natalie Hexler, an education writer specializing in literacy and Senior Contributor for Forbes, in her article "How ‘Reading Instruction’ Fails Black And Brown Children":

"There’s abundant scientific evidence that explains why our standard approach to reading instruction isn’t working for so many black kids—and others. But educators and policymakers are often unaware of that research; some reject it. Schools continue to double down on the same things that haven’t worked for decades, expecting a different result."(1)

This isn’t just a teaching failure—it’s a systemic failure. Despite being aware of evidence-based approaches that could help close the literacy gap, policymakers often prioritize outdated curricula and insufficient teacher training. This leaves Black children underserved, unprepared, and, ultimately, silenced.

The gravity of this crisis is even more apparent when we look at the numbers. Armstrong Williams, an opinion contributor for The Hill, highlighted shocking statistics during a segment of his show "Your Voice, Your Future," featuring Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears. In his article "Many of America’s Black youths cannot read or do math — and that imperils us all," he writes:

"There is something deeply troubling happening in this country. I thought I had a grasp on it, but I was gravely off-base... In my first question, I asked her what is wrong in Virginia and how it can be fixed. Her response startled me: She told me that 84 percent of Black students in eighth grade lack the ability to do math, and 85 percent are functionally illiterate. I could not believe this. In fact, I thought she had misspoken. My researchers quickly fact-checked her words and confirmed this sad reality. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), a sector of the U.S. Department of Education, 84 percent of Black students lack proficiency in mathematics and 85 percent of Black students lack proficiency in reading skills… The problem is not confined to certain states. Nationwide, Black children overwhelmingly lack proficiency in math and reading. To use Mrs. Sears’s words, they are 'functionally illiterate,' meaning that they are 'unable to manage daily living and employment tasks.' How can our society progress if a major segment of our country cannot read?"(2)

Why is this happening?

The truth is, the low literacy rates among Black children aren’t just about underfunded schools or a lack of resources. They’re tied to something much deeper—generational trauma, systemic neglect, and the erasure of who we are. For generations, Black communities have been denied the full recognition of their strength and history. Slavery, Jim Crow, and the ongoing fight for civil rights have all left scars that are still felt in the classrooms today.

When Black children enter schools where their culture, history, and lived experiences are not reflected, they are deprived of the opportunity to fully know themselves. How can a child truly understand who they are when the stories that shape their identity are missing from the classroom? Without seeing their history, strength, and resilience acknowledged, how can they recognize their own potential?

For too long, education has centered on narratives that exclude the powerful and rich history of Black communities. Black children deserve to see the accomplishments, creativity, and triumphs of their ancestors woven into their learning. Without this, how can they truly say, “So, this is why I am here, and this is how I got here. This is who I am”?

This lack of representation is not just a gap in education—it’s a profound loss of identity, and it’s one we can no longer ignore. Every Black child deserves to see themselves in their education—not as an afterthought, but as a vital part of the world’s story. They deserve to hear the full truth of their community’s resilience, creativity, and contributions. These stories matter. They are just as important as any other.

This is why the Beyond the Backpack Literacy Project exists. We’re working to bridge this gap by creating educational experiences that honor cultural identity and bring the stories of Black communities to the forefront. Our goal is to ensure that Black children feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Because literacy isn’t just about reading words. It’s a right. It’s the key to understanding who you are and who you can become. It’s the foundation of Black resilience and legacy. It’s how we tell our stories and shape our futures.

So, why Beyond the Backpack? Because literacy is power. It’s about giving Black children the tools to see themselves as leaders, creators, and changemakers. It provides them the space to dream, to build, and to leave a legacy of their own.

Every Black child deserves the chance to dream bigger, to tell their own story, and to shape a future that reflects their power and potential. Every Black child deserves the chance to say:

"I was here. I mattered. I changed the world."

---

Let’s Make a Difference Today!

Whether you donate or get involved, every little bit helps!

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate and give the gift of opportunity.

• Get Involved by volunteering or spreading the word.

Join us in making a real difference. Together, we can help every child say, “I matter!”