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The 2011 Young, Gifted and Black project highlights the benefits of persistence and hard work, and the realized potential that often accompanies high expectations. It has been said that education is the great equalizer of humankind — yet, in public education as in life, black children too often face cultural isolation, low expectations, negative stereotypes and racism. All are factors that adversely affect black student academic and personal success. The students represented as part of the Young, Gifted and Black project are a small representation of all the successful black students in ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ; this year we received well over 130 nominations. We must not minimize the significance of families and community members in the success of our honorees. They are an integral part of the success and achievement of our students.

We must continue to work to create educational environments that are inclusive and equitable, and that reflect the varied experiences of the students and families we serve. We can and we must strive to ensure that a child's race is not a predictor of educational outcomes.

Reiko Williams, family and community engagement manager for ½ûÂþÌìÌà and curator of the Young, Gifted & Black tribute

 Young Gifted and Black Honorees 2011
Download a pdf of the 2011 Young, Gifted & Black honorees