Going Against the Grain

I truly enjoyed reading Going Against the Grain: The acquisition and Use of Literacy. One thing that stuck out to me was the efflorescence of African American women for education. The writer states, “African American women have understood with great clarity two things: the power of language and learning and the inherent hostility of the context within which people of African descent must live in the United States.” Black women have valued education and are making efforts to become literate. With the determination to break barriers that white society has set up for them, African Americans have created three types of schools in which one and can receive an education. Through Sabbath school, Missionary school, and the public school movement the efforts to reach literacy development can be achieved.
However, post the civil war era, many African American parents were not fond of the public school systems. The article stated, “They did not want to subject their children to abuse of white southerners or to a southern-designed system of ‘Black’ education, which they knew to be inferior.” Thus creating private schooling and historically Black colleges and universities strictly for African American students. Within these Black universities, students can learn about their history and gain an education that is tailored to their needs. Throughout ones career at an HBCU, students are encouraged to voice their opinion and challenge history and fact making.
As I read this section of the article, I reflected to my senior of High school and the application process. One of my main reasons for choosing to attend Spelman College was because it was a Historically Black, liberal arts institution created just for women. Spelman offers core classes, that explore American as well as, black history within the African Diaspora. If I had attended a State school, the curriculum would barely cover any form of black involvement in American History. I am grateful for civil leaders and activist, like Mary Stewart and Charlotte Forten, who made it possible for me to attend school today and have the same rights and privileges as my white counterparts.