Young, Gifted, and Black 2010

By Reiko Williams

In countless cities across the country, there is an emphasis on data to indicate that an educational achievement deficit exists for African American students.

In Portland – among the whitest major metropolitan areas in America – the challenges that black youth face are compounded by social and cultural isolation, especially in the classroom. Many here, bombarded by overwhelmingly negative information, believe that "African American" is synonymous with "failure."

We know this is not reality. Yet some of our children cannot help but be hindered by these persistent messages. To counter this, we must make a conscious effort to tell their stories, to share the many experiences of black student success amidst pessimism and low expectations. We must speak out about the black experience, particularly where black perspectives are often ignored and devalued, and where black children continue to achieve.

The tribute "Young, Gifted & Black" features portraits and personal statements from 13 PPS students, a small sample of our talented black youth. The tribute was created with the help of PPS staff, writers, community activists, teachers, small business owners, parents and the students themselves.

The tribute counters the question "Where are the black students who succeed?"

From their eyes and in their words, these students say: Here we are. Aspiring, talented, hard-working, ambitious. We are young, gifted and black.

Reiko Williams, family and community engagement manager for Portland Public Schools and creator of the Young, Gifted & Black tribute

 Young Gifted and Black Honorees 2010