Education Has Been a Key to the Achievements of Black History. It’s Every Bit Essential to Our Future

To me, the old adage that “what’s past is prologue,” is more than a poetic way of saying that yesterday’s deeds will pave the way for everything that follows. It’s also a wise piece of advice for today’s generation, a reminder that the struggles and achievements of the past can be an inspiring guide to shaping their present-day lives and – more important – their future in a challenging world.

That’s the essential lesson all Americans can learn from Black History Month, a celebration of the heritage, sacrifices and triumphs that Black men and women have contributed to our nation and the world. Black History Month is about so much more than inspiring lessons from the past. It also provides the prologue; the first steps we should take to build a celebrated history of our own. 

A backward look at Black history also gives us an opportunity to look forward, toward a new generation of Black Americans. Although none of us can rewrite the past, we can be inspired by that history to prepare ourselves with the skills and resources we’ll need to overcome whatever obstacles and inequities life may throw in our way. 

Throughout Black history, education has been the hard-won key to achievement, self-confidence and earning power – not only for millions of Black men and women but also for all those others who struggled with barriers of inequity, poverty or lack of opportunity. And for many, that history of struggle is still unfolding. 

Growing up in a small, underserved community in North Carolina, this is a lesson I learned early in life. I can still hear my parents telling me, “Son, if you get an education, they can never take it away from you,” and I think about the many barriers that still exist to hold so many people back and defer their dreams of a better education and a fuller life.

As a regional vice president of Western Governors University, a long-time leader in affordable, online-only learning, I firmly believe that acquiring a good education today will provide a voice for years to come for those who otherwise would have had their dreams deferred or have been left feeling marginalized and powerless to succeed. 

For Western Governors University, bridging inequities of many kinds has been an important part of our business model from the very beginning. Since WGU’s founding more than 25 years ago by 19 state governors who were intent on expanding education and career opportunities in their states, WGU has been committed to providing a diverse, inclusive environment. 

Fortunately, WGU is not alone in these efforts. After challenges in recent years with the pandemic and a fast-changing economy, many institutions of higher education across the county are adapting. Colleges, universities and career schools are learning how to collaborate with K-12 educators, government, employers and each other to help every learner – of every age and background – know they have a chance to acquire the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy. 

The deepest challenge remaining is for young people – particularly those feeling dismissed or disadvantaged – to realize the opportunities available and to seize them. That is the lesson and the inspiration from Black History Month. As we learn from that past, let’s also make a promise to our future. Let’s resolve that those who will star in the next chapter of history are prepared with the education and skills the world can celebrate for generations to come.