Golden State, Black Futures
Golden State, Black Futures focuses on uncovering and highlighting the educational outcomes of Black students across California
As it stands, California can measure the cost of supporting the academic success of mostĀ of its students by how many of our BlackĀ students were left behind.
Despite rising outcomes for most of California's students, outcomes for Black students remain stagnant as state leaders declare diminishing equity gaps. In a state that is plagued by it's own history of anti-Black racism, from historic illegal enslavement of African Americans, to present state violence and resource extraction from Black communities, it should come as no surprise that the state still struggles to adequately support Black students in the classroom.
Despite this, Black families across the country and here in California set new standards as some of the most engaged in their children's education, young Black Californians overwhelming seek out higher education and remain optimistic of their future, and Black college grads continue to join the workforce.
Bridging public data with qualitative data collection, Golden State, Black Futures aims to uncover the ways California leaders undermine the aspirations of Black students and the labor of their families by failing to provide equal outcomes. Using this research, the Lab will continue to advocate for the policy changes necessary to ensure that educational aspirations of Black students are truly attainable.
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More Than Just Money
Black students in California continue to face academic segregation — large and persistent gaps in outcomes compared to their peers. This isn’t just happening in underfunded districts. Our latest research shows that even in the state’s wealthiest counties, where resources are plentiful, our Black students are consistently left behind.
Other Resources
Step Up Report
Unlocking the academic potential of our Black students in Orange County demands an urgent reevaluation of the systems that currently hold them back. Despite their inherent talent and resilience, our Black students in the region consistently face significant obstacles that prevent them from achieving their full potential. These challenges, rooted in systemic inequities, manifest in lower graduation rates, reduced access to college-preparatory courses, and consistently lower standardized test scores compared to their peers. This report seeks to bring these issues to the forefront, emphasizing the need for immediate and sustained action to ensure that all students are provided with equitable opportunities to succeed.