EDUCATION IS A CIVIL RIGHT
A Black Educational Civil Rights Agenda
In February 2006 a group of professional educators, elected officials including local school board members, community representatives and civic leaders in the Southern California area in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Alliance of Black School Educators (LACABSE) began to meet and discuss the need for an enhanced and focused approach to the improvement of educational outcomes of African American students in public schools. The initial group expanded its efforts to regular planning sessions including other groups resulting in the finalization in April 2007 of a formal document, “A Black Educational Civil Rights Agenda” (BECRA), that is designed to provide strategies and activities for use in school districts serving a significant population of African American students (see BECRA page). The planning group was formalized into the Education is a Civil Rights Committee (ECRC), which is based in the · The · · LACABSE · Dr. Bill Cosby, author, educator and entertainer · Representatives from · Council of Black Administrators (COBA) of the · Principals, teachers, parents, clergy and civic leaders It is our intent to stimulate discussion, collaborations and action throughout the nation for the purpose of holding ourselves, local communities, school districts, state officials and national legislators accountable for developing effective responses to the action items identified in the BECRA that address the inequitable educational outcomes for African American students as a long denied civil right. We further intend to pursue legal, educational, political and economic resources that are required to provide adequate responses. Education is a Civil Right – Organizing Committee This effort was launched in July 2006 by a committed group of educators, school administrators, parents and students. Dr. Bill Cosby attended one of the early meetings, and gave the group inspirational leadership. Dr. George McKenna has chaired the weekly meetings during the summer and fall of 2006. The Organizing Committee continues to meet on a regular basis. Committee Members (in Alphabetical Order)
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