Friday Feature: Black Minds Matter

Colleen HroncichDenisha Merriweather Allen says her life would be very different today if not for school choice. She grew up in an impoverished community in Jacksonville, Florida. Her family had lived in poverty there for at least four generations. They were well ‐​known in the community and in the local schools. “She’s a Merriweather,” teachers would say, with the implication being not to expect anything from her.Not surprisingly, Denisha ’s behavior reflected these expectations the adults had of her. “I remember days when I would walk into the classroom and everyone would sigh, including my teacher,” sheshared with The 74. “I grew disheartened. To hide my hurt, I often lashed out in physical fights with my classmates. The principal’s office became my new classroom, and I got used to being suspended. D’s and F’s filled my report cards.” Denisha failed 3rd grade twice because she couldn’t read.As she entered 6th grade, Denisha ’s life changed. She began living with her godmother, who used a tax credit scholarship to send Denisha to Esprit de Corps Center for Learning, a private school her church had started. “The nurturing environment at Esprit de Corps made a huge difference,” says Denisha. “They didn’t just see me as a person who came to school with a lot of baggage and not the best outlook. I was a challenging student and spent a lot of time in in‐​school suspension. But they were so nurturing and consistent that it cha...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs