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 — drawing on research, observation, and personal experience — on the current state of education for Black boys in America.
Many conversations about Black boys in schools and in the community sometimes focus on the struggle. We hear statistics, discipline data, academic gaps and negative narratives. While those realities cannot be pushed to the side, they should not become the only story we tell about our Black boys. There is another side that deserves equal attention: the joy of educating Black boys.
There is joy in watching a young Black boy discover awareness about himself. There is joy in seeing him come into my office and say, “You were right about how I emotionally reacted to that situation,” or “Thank you for supporting me throughout the years.” Or when they see you in the community and share the positive things they are doing, such as going to school, working and serving.
There is joy in seeing him raise his hand after once being afraid to speak. There is joy in hearing him read fluently after struggling with words. There is joy in seeing him walk across a graduation stage after others doubted his future. Educating Black boys is not just difficult or challenging work; it is meaningful and rewarding work that can shape generations.
Many Black boys enter schools already carrying labels: “too loud,” “too difficult,” “too far behind,” or “unmotivated.” Educators who take the time to learn about them see beyond behavior and begin to recognize gifts, leadership, creativity and brilliance. Sometimes the boy who asks too many questions is really a future leader. Sometimes the boy with endless energy simply needs purpose and direction.
I would honestly say that relationships are at the center of this joy. We must take the time to build and cultivate those relationships. Black boys thrive when they know someone genuinely cares about them. Some examples include greeting them in the hallway, attending their game, checking on them after a difficult day, encouraging them during a setback, teaching them how to play chess and seeing how their weekend went, just to name a few.
The truth of the matter is — and what I learned as an educator — many Black boys are not looking for perfection. They are looking for consistency, care and belief.
The joy also comes from cultural affirmation. Black boys deserve to learn in environments where they see themselves reflected positively in books, leadership, conversations and curriculum. They have to know their history matters, their voice matters and their identity is not something that needs to be erased to succeed.
When I ran my boys’ group and worked with Black boys, I realized that I needed to show them brilliance in the way I acted, what I read and listened to, and by bringing in speakers who shared their experiences and provided them with resources for growth.
Transformation is another powerful source of joy. There are a few examples I have witnessed: A student evolving over time. The quiet student becomes confident. The angry student begins healing emotionally. The disengaged student becomes a leader.
These moments do not happen overnight. They happen through patience, accountability, structure, mentorship and love.
Joy is also found in community and brotherhood. Black boys flourish when schools intentionally create spaces for mentorship, leadership and positive peer relationships. They need environments where they are encouraged to celebrate each other’s successes rather than compete against one another. Brotherhood builds confidence, accountability and a sense of belonging.
How can schools and communities create an environment where Black boys can experience joy? Through mentorship programs and leadership groups; culturally relevant curriculum and books; spaces for creativity and innovation; strong school and family partnerships; and opportunities for Black boys to lead inside and outside the classroom.
Black boys are not problems to fix. They are gifts to nurture and pour into. They bring creativity, humor, resilience, leadership and brilliance into classrooms every day. When schools focus only on correction and discipline, they miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of helping young men grow into purpose and focus on their calling in life.
Parents, educators, mentors, pastors, coaches and community leaders all have a role to play: Celebrate Black boys openly. Encourage their dreams. Speak life into them. Correct them with tough love. Give them an opportunity. Remind them constantly that they are capable of greatness.
Think about this: Do our schools create joyful learning experiences for Black boys? How do Black boys feel seen, valued and affirmed in our schools? What are you doing to impact a Black boy?
Let’s rise together.
Richard D. Terrell, a native of Minneapolis and father of three, is an assistant principal with Saint Paul Public Schools.
