As we zip through National Reading Month, it’s time to highlight the literacy challenges that hit hard in our urban neighborhoods. Illiteracy isn’t just a statistic on a report card; it’s a real issue that impacts our homes, our kids, and our future. For many families in the black community, homeschooling has become a vital way to take back control of education and make sure our children get the learning they truly need.

Like other homeschooling families, parents in our community are stepping up and crafting education plans that reflect their kids’ unique experiences and backgrounds. Many black parents see that mainstream schools often fail to honor the rich history and culture that shape our children’s identities. It’s not just about textbooks; it’s about teaching our kids about their conservative history and the principles that led to their freedom.

Black mothers, in particular, are feeling this struggle deeply. With black boys facing challenges in public schools — like lack of support for their individual needs — more parents are making the brave choice to homeschool. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a lifeline.

The numbers surrounding literacy in our neighborhoods can be shocking. Nationally, only 35% of fourth graders are reading at a proficient level. In urban areas, where resources are already stretched thin, students from disadvantaged backgrounds — especially black and Hispanic kids — are lagging behind their peers. This is a crisis we can’t afford to ignore. A study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows that if kids can’t read by fourth grade, they’re four times more likely to drop out of high school and will struggle to grasp nearly half of what’s being taught in the classroom.

Meanwhile, the media tends to gloss over these hard truths, focusing on surface-level “improvements” that don’t actually fix the problem. In my own county, while our children are falling behind, educational leaders keep approving contracts that bring no real change to our kids’ learning environments.

That’s why homeschooling is so crucial. It gives parents the chance to build a curriculum that speaks to their children’s lives, giving them the knowledge and confidence they need to thrive. We all want our kids to have a solid foundation to build on. Plus, with support from other black and brown homeschooling families, we can break the isolation that sometimes comes with this choice.

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free,” said Frederick Douglass. That wisdom hits home as we think about our children’s futures. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) can also empower families to choose the best educational paths for their kids.

As we celebrate National Reading Month, I urge all parents to really evaluate what local leaders are saying about education. Demand accountability and proof that funding goes to systems that serve our children effectively. Literacy is more than just a skill; it’s a civil right. Let’s make sure every child in our community has the chance to read, learn, and flourish. Homeschooling isn’t just an option; it’s a powerful movement for empowerment and freedom for our families.