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Education

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One of the most significant challenges for Black women pursuing education is the persistence of microaggressions from both educators and peers.

 

Isolation is a common experience, as Black Women are often excluded from informal support networks and career guidance essential for academic and professional success.

 

Despite the abundance of K-12 schools, colleges, and professional institutions in the region, Black Women and girls continue to face both visible and invisible barriers throughout their educational journeys.

Education Summary

Discouraging and undereducating Black Women in Northeast Ohio jeopardizes the broader economic stability of the entire state of Ohio.

Discouragement

Discouragement from instructors and industry mentors remains a formidable barrier for Black Women and girls navigating their educational ventures.

 

This issue permeates every level of the system - Black Women and girls frequently encounter negative biases that undermine their self-esteem and academic aspirations. 

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These negative experiences can foster a toxic educational climate for Black Women and girls that erodes their self-determination and undermines their academic progress.

Expectation to Educate Others

Black Women and girls frequently face the pressure to be impromptu experts on gender and racial issues, often without the necessary resources or appreciation.

 

This constant expectation to be the "expert" on gender-based race issues not only detracts from Black Women and girls’ ability to focus on their own academic goals but also imposes significant emotional and psychological stress.

 

The burden to educate others can lead to their experiences being ‘impeached’ or ‘disregarded’ by both classmates and educators.

Education Themes

54%
of Project Noir respondents said they were excluded or felt excluded from educational advancement opportunities, including professional development.

53%
of Project Noir respondents felt their grades did not fairly represent the quality of their work (for them or their children)

46%
of Project Noir respondents were expected to educate others on their personal experience (e.g. "professor asking to explain race dynamics.")

Education Statistics

"If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation."

Dr. James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey

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