Education: Value Is Determined by Sacrifice

• In Event: African Diasporic Theory and Practice for Educational Equity in the 21st Century

Abstract

As a first-generation immigrant to the United States from Panama I was told my very reason for being in the ‘States’ was to get an education. Education is still the key to breaking the shackles of poverty and economic boundaries.
For second-generation children we often force education and work to convince them of its value because they were raised in a country where those without an education can garner economic success. In this system, they see evidence that education is one option, not the option. They also see the opposite, those with an education can struggle to earn a living wage. I argue that education is still the key. I offer three assertions from Caribbean ancestors that still ring true today.
The first, education is the key because it creates choice and opportunities. For Afro Caribbean’s who are considered the most transnational people (Kasinitz, 1992 ) education has been the impetus for movement ( Bryce-LaPorte, 1970 ; Klein ,1986) . Our slave history in the region reflects movement for economic empowerment which was often used for educational attainment. Early access to education differentiates Afro Caribbeans from African Americans. Today, African immigrants come to universities in the United States and seek educational attainment in hopes of transforming their families and homelands. African and Caribbean students connect educational attainment to economic empowerment. Further, when seeking an education, dispositions, and behavior matter. We were taught to show up to learn, dress to be in the academic spaces. Hard work and persistence are values. Often families may pull resources to provide the academic tools to ensure success. Thus, value of education is reflected in the sacrifice for this achievement.
The second is the importance of learning. According to UNESCO, 2024 is the decade of those of African descent globally in order to address poverty, health, and educational disparities. Socio-economic factors affect educational attainment. In spite of this, those of African descent value learning. We see the persistence of women globally who are seeking education at great cost to even their very lives. Learning is a value.
The third is the importance of reading. In the country of Panama, the literacy rate is over 90%. This rate does not translate into educational attainment for the masses, but it does reflect a willingness on the part of the people to ensure that basic education is attained. When contrasted to other developing countries this achievement is noteworthy. Historically, Caribbean households often read the newspaper or the bible ( King Miller, 2013). These behaviors provided examples for the children within the household to see the value in reading.
Our Ancestors have promoted educational attainment by the emphasis placed and the sacrifice to garner this achievement. Many families pulled resources to support one to be educated. I am indebted to my ancestors who had little education, cleaned toilets, and believed that their sacrifice would matter. They hoped and prepared for a future where I could be and was educated; this is wisdom.

Author

• Beverly A King Miller, Prairie View A&M University