American Promise : Helping Black Boys Excel in School

Tips on how our boys can do better academically.

Understanding the Promise - The 2013 Sundance-winning documentary American Promise follows two African-American boys as they navigate their futures in the NYC education system. Hilary Beard, one of the authors of the film’s book, Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life, gives us tips on what parents, teachers and young Black boys and teens can do to live up to their full potential. —Kellee Terrell  (@kelleent) (Photo: Alfredo Alcantara/Rada Film Group)
Why These Tips Are Important - Statistically, African-American boys lag behind in test scores. And while these are structural factors to blame (schools that lack funding, don’t have enough teachers or books in the school, etc.) Beard is clear that her tips can be done today, cost very little to nothing and can have a huge impact on our sons’ academic, social, behavioral and emotional development. (Photo: Jon Stuyvesant/Rada Film Group)
80992108Remind Him That He Comes From Greatness - With so many stereotypes about Black boys and men being perpetuated in the media and pop culture, it’s important to change the narrative and allow for them to see their greatness. Whether that’s sharing your family’s stories of what they have overcome or what other African-Americans have overcome, this sense of pride can really build self-confidence.(Photo: National Archive/Newsmakers)

Next Gallery

Celebrity Birthdays: Sherri Shepherd Celebrates!

24 Photos

1 / 11

Understanding the Promise - The 2013 Sundance-winning documentary American Promise follows two African-American boys as they navigate their futures in the NYC education system. Hilary Beard, one of the authors of the film’s book, Promises Kept: Raising Black Boys to Succeed in School and in Life, gives us tips on what parents, teachers and young Black boys and teens can do to live up to their full potential. —Kellee Terrell  (@kelleent) (Photo: Alfredo Alcantara/Rada Film Group)

ADVERTISEMENT