I can definitely see the connections between redlining, economic opportunities, education, and incarceration. Basically we have a system that is set up to hinder BIPOC and to benefit white people. Redlining has denied Black families home ownership, which affects the wealth they can pass on to their children and opportunities for higher education. Comparing my school district to some of the surrounding area school districts within more affluent communities, it is astounding to see the contrast in opportunities for students, resources provided, and expectations for student achievement. Unfortunately, I think many teachers in my district have lower expectations of their Black and Brown students because of the neighborhood the students live in. Teachers are willing to accept less and sometimes give less effort because of implicit biases. It is just sad because this only contributes to this system that seems to want to hold back these students in life. I would love to see some changes in the education system as a whole and I hope that with all the discussions happening right now, that some major systemic changes will occur. It would be nice to see the opportunity gap close between districts from different economic communities, so that there is more equity for all students no matter where they live.
