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Much of what makes America the envy of the world is its great diversity. That diversity cuts across many different lines: Income, geography, gender, ethnicity, race, and many other factors contribute to the nation’s economic strength and competitive ingenuity.
Black Americans have played a central role in making America what it is today. Think of Louis Armstrong’s influence on jazz, Madam C.J. Walker’s pioneering entrepreneurship, Mellody Hobson’s business leadership, Harriet Tubman’s defining abolition activism, Benjamin Banneker’s mathematical and astronomical contributions, and Thurgood Marshall’s legal legacy. From culture to scientific achievement to national economic and social progress, who we are as a nation has been shaped by Black Americans.
During Black History Month, we celebrate the role of Black Americans in advancing culture and recognize their achievements in the face of inequality.
Imagine the heights the United States could reach if every person had a real chance to prosper.
Education has always been at the center of the nation’s pursuit of racial justice and fairness, including the decades-long Civil Rights Era efforts to desegregate schools, colleges, and universities.
Over the past 15 years, the gains of Black learners have been a highlight in the movement to increase the number of adults in the United States with college degrees or workforce credentials. The percentage of Black Americans with those credentials has grown from 26 percent to 36 percent since 2009, when Lumina started tracking this data.
That’s encouraging, but far too short of the national rate of 55 percent. To achieve real opportunity and deliver on the promise of the American dream — a fair shot at success for everyone — we need to work toward a system in which a person’s path to prosperity is not predicted by their race or ethnicity, how much money they have, or where they live.
Fairness benefits everyone. To meet the demands of today’s economy, which is rapidly evolving through technology and global competition, America needs a skilled workforce that builds on the talents of all its people. We’ll create opportunity that’s real when higher education and workforce systems fundamentally rethink how they serve Black students, understanding that supporting the success of Black learners translates to better results for everyone.
Consider, for example, the cost of education after high school and the national benefits of improving financial aid for students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to enroll. Everyone would gain from greater investment, especially Black students, who rely the most on federal need-based Pell Grants and carry the heaviest debt loads.
Increasing college access for everyone can also help reverse the decade-long enrollment decline among Black students, whose contributions strengthen the workforce and drive innovation.
Knowledge is power, especially for people deciding on educational programs and majors. Identifying which credentials offer the most value provides students with crucial information for important life choices. That alone won’t close wage gaps, but it can equip Black learners to seize the most from their opportunities.
As higher education and workforce systems work toward change, they draw inspiration from where Black students have been most successful. Some community colleges, for example, are creating faster pathways to higher-wage jobs, adding more support outside of academic guidance, and fostering a welcoming campus culture for all students. Historically Black Colleges and Universities are well known for offering greater value, particularly to first-generation students and STEM graduates, through strong professional pipelines, robust alumni networks, and deep student involvement on campus.
In a recent Pell Institute report, “Is College Worth It?,” students of color shared how college allowed them to invest in themselves, provide for their families, and expand their career options.
“My college education honestly means the world to me,” said Rebekah, a Black student majoring in secondary education who is among the students featured in the report.
She and others added that a long national history of unequal opportunity has made their experiences even more poignant.
“I have seen how education has always been such an important thing to Black people historically, because we were denied it for so long,” she said.
Black History Month is meaningful in many ways: It’s a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and remarkable accomplishments of Black Americans, and a profound recognition of the resilience and enduring impact of Black individuals throughout history.
But this month is not only a reflection on the past; it is a call to action. Black futures will write America’s future. We are challenged to confront ongoing racial inequities so that people and our nation can thrive.
Education is more than just a part of that story. It’s a foundation for our shared success.
