Historically, African American communities were marked by a strong sense of community, promoted by limited resources and racial segregation. However, with integration, African American populations grew less concentrated in the same areas, and this population of people began to rely less on each other. In an effort to attain equality, which still at times feels elusive and challenged, the sense of community and impact of education once prevalent among African Americans has suffered. Fostering Collaborations Between African American Communities and Educational Institutions is a pivotal reference source that explores pre-segregation experiences of community and education, as well as the changes among HBCUs and public education in predominately African American and poor areas. The book sheds light on the relationship between racial and educational disparities and reveals the impact of community and cultural co-dependence in moving African Americans toward a more socially equitable place within American culture. Covering topics such as the achievement gap, community relationships, and teacher education, this publication is ideally designed for educators, higher education faculty, HBCUs, researchers, policymakers, non-profit organizers, historians, sociologists, academicians, and students.

My ancestors went to Guyana, only English country in South America, by boats from different continents. My mother, Indian, father, Negro, ate the forbidden fruit. I was rejected from conception, amidst the hate and confusion. Old enough to walk, I became my older brothers Datson and David's keeper. They were mute, deaf and later blind; I was their ears, mouth and later eyes Allegedly, curse on my mother from her father for marring a Black man. Nothing stopped me from loving, caring, being proud of them.

Bigotry, hatred, ignorance engulfed my childhood in a providently Indian village. We were dehumanized like animals, freaks and slaves. Even the good Madras people of Whim couldn't stop the horror of being 'Mixed'.

In the house of silence, practicing my vocabulary/hearing on animals. Am an animal lover till today.

Was told am Indian, speak, pray in Hindi and Sanskrit, 'keep away from Blacks; they eat Indian children with curly hair'.

After ten, this barefooted Indian found her other 'half'. Allowed to enter their homes, gravitated and become a runaway.

Giant ants, deepwater, dunce cap, ostracized Mommy died, Cinderella abuse stopped when my dearest Uncle Bertram set me free on an elephant - five-dollar bill.

Like barnacle, I clamped to the first man in freedom town. He gave me three beautiful children, when nothing left to clamp onto, he forced me to fly without wings.

Flew to America, cold, homeless, penniless. A Stranger gave me some silver. I slept under friend's table, a kind family made me and mine American Citizens. No job was too many. Goodwill perfect for low-maintenance like us. Education and focus, #1 priority

I thank/forgive those haters who looked down at me, they gave me the will to rise.

I have my David, and, for not eating my young, God blessed me with six grandchildren.

Historically, African American communities were marked by a strong sense of community, promoted by limited resources and racial segregation. However, with integration, African American populations grew less concentrated in the same areas, and this population of people began to rely less on each other. In an effort to attain equality, which still at times feels elusive and challenged, the sense of community and impact of education once prevalent among African Americans has suffered. Fostering Collaborations Between African American Communities and Educational Institutions is a pivotal reference source that explores pre-segregation experiences of community and education, as well as the changes among HBCUs and public education in predominately African American and poor areas. The book sheds light on the relationship between racial and educational disparities and reveals the impact of community and cultural co-dependence in moving African Americans toward a more socially equitable place within American culture. Covering topics such as the achievement gap, community relationships, and teacher education, this publication is ideally designed for educators, higher education faculty, HBCUs, researchers, policymakers, non-profit organizers, historians, sociologists, academicians, and students.