(Black) Community Control Over Community Schools: Lessons From the Black Panther Party's Oakland Community School

• In Event: 32.056 - Expanding the Table: Schools as Inclusive Spaces

Abstract

Community schools are increasingly adopted by districts as means to address educational, social, emotional and economic disparities. However, relatively little research has fully explored how these schools could and have addressed the unique needs of Black youth, families and community members -- despite Black stakeholders facing some of the largest racial, social and economic hardships in the nation. This paper examines the mid-twentieth century freedom and community schools that centered the well-being and liberation of Black citizens: The Black Panther Party’s Oakland Community School and Freedom Schools. By examining and analyzing these schools, we shed light on the possibilities of community schools for addressing the needs of Black stakeholders and provide recommendations for community schools in contemporary contexts.

Authors

• Gwendolyn Baxley, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Michael A. Davis, University of Wisconsin - Madison