Celebrating the Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

Can you believe it? Just 55 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to desegregate schools across the nation contributed to one of the most influential social justice movements in the world. This past week, organizers and education equity supporters around the country commemorated the 55th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. Former Republican House Speaker, Newt Gingrich and activist, Rev. Al Sharpton joined a rally of supporters in front of the White House on Saturday, and President Obama made reference to the historic court decision in his commencement speech at Notre Dame:

After all, I stand here today, as President and as an African-American, on the 55th anniversary of the day that the Supreme Court handed down the decision in Brown v. the Board of Education. Brown was of course the first major step in dismantling the "separate but equal" doctrine, but it would take a number of years and a nationwide movement to fully realize the dream of civil rights for all of God's children. There were freedom rides and lunch counters and Billy clubs, and there was also a Civil Rights Commission appointed by President Eisenhower. It was the twelve resolutions recommended by this commission that would ultimately become law in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

While some are acknowledging how far we've come from a racially segregated past, many are questioning whether enough has been done to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all American students. Today, African American and Latino children incur great difficulties with a widening achievement gap compared to their White counterparts. Even moreso after the passage of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

We know there are several components to education reform such as better, certified teachers receiving greater incentives, alternative public schooling systems (i.e. charter schools), and increased state funding. But what is being done now for public education in the midst of this terrible economic crisis we're facing?

Well, have no fear! Back in March, President Obama spoke voluminously about the crippling conditions of our nation's public education system, so it is definitely on his radar. And in early April, Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan announced that through the President's economic stimulus package, $44 billion dollars was made available for states to reform schools and encourage teaching jobs. Within the past month, 16 states in total have funding readily available to them who wish to apply. If you live or attend school in the following states, urge your state legislature to apply for the MONEY!!!:

1. California
2. Illinois
3. South Dakota
4. Mississippi
5. Minnesota
6. Oregon
7. Utah
8. Maine
9. Wisconsin
10. New York
11. Georgia
12. Nevada
13. Florida
    
14. Indiana
15. Rhode Island
16. Tennessee
    

So does this mean we're on the path to actually fulfilling the inspiration behind Brown v. Board of Education? Who knows, but one thing is certain--we have a long way to go.