The Black Educator: An Endangered Species

Teaching, traditionally, has been the major occupation of collegeeducated Black Americans. In 1950, teaching accounted for nearly half of Black professional workers, compared to less than one quarter of White professionals. The concentration of Blacks in the teaching profession in the United States was due in large measure to the segregated schooling in the South and the fact that very few other occupations were open to Blacks. In the mid-1960s, as Black and White schools were consolidated to meet school-desegregation mandates, we witnessed dismissals of thousands of Black teachers and the virtual elimination of Black principals. By the time court and Federal actions were initiated in the late 1960s and early 1970s to prevent further displacements, massive damage had already been done. As we approach the final years of another decade, we find Black educators again in danger of being eliminated from the school systems of this country. This time the strategies are much more sophisticated and complex than they have been in the past, but still not new-the use of measurement to deny access (to the profession) and to legitimize efforts to retain control.1 We should remember that not too long ago the passing of literacy tests was required in order for one to execute the right to vote in public elections. A very cogent argument could be made that one should be able to read in order to deal with the issues and positions that would be presented in print by the political candidates. However, the literacy-test rule was an injustice that we have come to acknowledge.