Black Women have stood in the forefront of every political battle, particularly in California. We have led the fight for equity that many benefit from today. Unfortunately, we are not experiencing the fruits of our labor as outlined in the State of Black Women in CA report. 

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The current state of Black student achievement was one of the most concerning areas. According the Ed Trust West report, Black Minds Matter, our kids are struggling.

• Black boys and girls at an early age are less likely to have access to preschool programs.

• Black students are twice as likely as White students to be identified for special education.

• Black students tend to be punished more harshly than White students for the same behavior.

• Black students are twice as likely to feel unsafe at school as White students

• In LAUSD Black students are twice as likely as their White and Asian peers to be taught by the least effective teachers in a district.

• 4 out of 10 Black 4th graders in CA are not proficient in math.

• Fewer than 1 in 10 Black students are proficient in Science.

• In 2013, 53% of Black 4th graders, only 43% Black 8th graders and 23% of Black 11th graders were proficient in English language arts on the California Standards Test, which was the lowest among all other student groups.

• In 2014, only 21% of Black Students graduated with completed A-G courses, the lowest among all other student groups.

The data illustrated the need for us to act now. As Black Women Leaders, Mothers, Grandmothers, Caregivers and Registered Voters, we have some questions! So Sistallect, California Black Media, Black Women Organized for Political Action and some powerhouse Black Women Leaders from throughout the state came together to host a forum for the Superintendent for Public Instruction race with the two candidates – Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck. This will be our chance to share the experiences of our community as well as understand their priorities to addressing the issues that impact Black student achievement.

This is why we want to hear from you. We need your stories, questions, issues, etc. to incorporate into our efforts. This will ensure we the two candidates hear directly from us.