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This essay argues that offering African American students an African-centered education is one way to promote social justice in public education. We begin with a summary of the inadequate educations offered to many African American students, and then use philosophical interpretations of equal educational opportunity to delineate the requirements of participation in a democracy. From this position, we contend that forms of schooling that teach subordination and alienation undermine democratic participation--the ability to advocate for one's best interests and accord others respect for doing likewise--and that this is unjust. One way to counter social injustice and regain a sense of community and ethnic self-worth is African-centered education, which we describe.

This essay argues that offering African American students an African-centered education is one way to promote social justice in public education. We begin with a summary of the inadequate educations offered to many African American students, and then use philosophical interpretations of equal educational opportunity to delineate the requirements of participation in a democracy. From this position, we contend that forms of schooling that teach subordination and alienation undermine democratic participation--the ability to advocate for one's bests interests and accord others respect for doing likewise--and that this is unjust. One way to counter social injustice and regain a sense of community and ethnic self-worth is African-centered education, which we describe., Introduction The purpose of this essay is to investigate the effect that public 'schooling' has on the 'education' of African Americans, and to argue for the implementation of African-centered curriculum [...]