Breaking Barriers The Black Homeschooling Movement Redefining Education
- Knowledge Born Allah
- Sep 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 20
The Rise of Black Homeschooling: A Movement Rooted in Empowerment and Resistance
Homeschooling among Black families in the United States has surged dramatically in recent years, with the percentage of Black families homeschooling rising from 3.3% in spring 2020 to 16.1% by fall 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This five-fold increase reflects a growing movement driven by systemic racism, safety concerns, and the desire for culturally affirming education.
A Personal Journey to Homeschooling
For Sunshine Monie El, a homeschooling mother and entrepreneur, the decision to homeschool her children was deeply personal. “I started to realize how much my children were slipping through the cracks,” she shared. “My oldest, the quiet kid, wasn’t getting the attention he needed in school. I felt like this was my green light to finally homeschool.”
Sunshine’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Initially, she tried to replicate the rigid structure of public school at home, but she soon realized the need to “unschool” herself. “I had to let go of the idea that education had to be Monday through Friday, 8 to 4. Instead, I focused on what my child needed to know and what would excite him about learning,” she explained.
Her approach now includes teaching entrepreneurship and life skills, allowing her children to explore their passions. “Some days, homeschooling is just my son handling his business balancing money, opening accounts, and learning practical skills,” she said.
Building Community Through Education
Que Butter, founder of The XyayX Institute in Brooklyn, New York, turned his own experiences with public school into a mission to create a better educational environment for Black children. “Public school didn’t resonate with me culturally,” he said. “I learned how to survive in the hood, but it didn’t align with what I heard at home.”
Que Butter’s institute focuses on STEM education, self-defense, and cultural pride. “We need our own solutions,” he emphasized. “If we’re not allowed to teach our story in mainstream programs, we have to create spaces where we can empower our children without worrying about losing funding or approval.”
The XyayX Institute has grown from a small community program to a full-fledged educational institution, thanks to grassroots support. “People started hitting me up from all over the country,” Que Butter said. “We’ve been able to provide telescopes, microscopes, and better computers, but we still need more support to expand.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Dr. Baba Amin, co-founder of The Uhuru Academy in Texas, has dedicated his life to African-centered education. “The solutions we need aren’t allowed in mainstream schools,” he explained. “But I’ve seen the power of African-centered education it makes our children more confident, more capable, and more connected to their heritage.”
The Uhuru Academy started with just three students and has since grown into a thriving institution. “We’ve graduated students who are now in college or entering the workforce with confidence,” Dr. Amin said. “We’re not just teaching; we’re building a legacy of empowerment.”
Dr. Amin also emphasized the importance of pulling children out of unsafe and culturally unresponsive schools. “Schools are getting dangerous,” he warned. “It’s time to develop our own solutions. If you’re a Black homeschooling parent, you’re not alone. Reach out to us for resources and support.”
The Bigger Picture
The rise of Black homeschooling is more than an educational trend it’s a form of resistance and empowerment. A 2022 study published in Educational Psychologist found that experiences with racism and emotionally charged encounters are significant motivators for Black parents to homeschool (APA PsycNet).
This movement also has broader implications for public education. As more Black families turn to homeschooling, it raises questions about how traditional schools can address systemic inequities and create more inclusive environments.
Looking Ahead
The stories of Sunshine Monie El, Que Butter, and Dr. Baba Amin highlight the transformative power of homeschooling in the Black community. Their work not only provides a safe and empowering education for their children but also inspires others to take control of their educational journeys.
As Dr. Amin put it, “We’re raised to talk about our rights, but we rarely explore our power. Homeschooling is about reclaiming that power for our children, our families, and our communities.”
For more information, check out this website: National Black Home Educators A national organization providing resources, support, and advocacy for Black homeschooling families.
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