Higher Education for African American Youth

Attaining a higher education as an African American youth is significant because it is one of the most important achievements in today’s society that helps ensure a quality way of life. While gaining an education is still a financial challenge for most African Americans, there are still more opportunities than ever before for young people to acquire a post-secondary education. The more education a person has, the better one’s chances are at being successful. An education helps one have a better outlook on life because they have a more positive mindset which can make a difference with the type of character they portray and even the awareness to be in tune with their spiritual and physical well being.
The particular significance of higher education for African American youth in general goes back to a time when blacks were not even allowed to be educated. Just like our ancestors suffered greatly to make sure our people had the right to vote and have the same basic rights of all Americans that we were denied for so many years, they also fought for education. For so long, African Americans were held back from achieving any form of education; initially because they were enslaved and did not have those opportunities available to them. Even after slaves were so-called emancipated, and even though so many people wanted to be educated and especially wanted it for their children, many families needed their children to work to help make basic ends meet. As a result, while achieving an education was important, for most families during that time, education was not a priority. It was even a crime in some states to teach a black person how to read. Decades later, other laws and the segregation of schools prevented blacks from learning. The ancestors of African American youth fought and died just for the right to have this basic privilege. In addition, African American youth need an education because they have to strive and work harder than persons of other races.