Today we’d like to introduce you to Busola Saka.
Hi Busola, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Black Boy Thrive was launched after our experience with our son’s pre-kindergarten school. We received frequent calls with complaints about his behavior, which were age and developmentally appropriate. Despite observation by the school psychologist who concluded that his behavior was appropriate for his age, the complaints continued, and he was eventually placed on a behavior plan that could lead to him being placed in special education (research shows that Black boys are more likely to be recommended for special education).
The complaints continued, so I resigned from my position as director at a nonprofit, with the intention to homeschool him. Then the COVID-19 shutdown happened. Although we were able to finish the school year remotely, it was a disturbing and stressful experience. But I wasn’t alone. I heard eerily similar stories from other parents of Black boys. I did some research and found that Black boys are more likely to receive harsher discipline in school and more likely to be considered unready for school. I started Black Boy Thrive to raise awareness of this issue and to let parents of Black boys know that they’re not alone.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been extremely fortunate to receive support from friends, family, parents and educators who are familiar with this issue. I also credit my experience as a communicator, which has helped me articulate this inequality our little Black boys face. However, there is limited research on this issue, so it is not receiving the attention it deserves. A 2016 Yale Child Study Center study found that implicit biases towards Black boys begin with Preschool teachers, if not earlier. If we don’t pay attention to how it begins, we are enhancing a practice that puts Black boys at future risk of bias from the police and society as a whole.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Black Boy Thrive?
Black Boy Thrive is a platform advocating for little Black Boys in Preschool and Kindergarten to protect them from implicit and explicit biases in teaching and discipline. It empowers parents and the community with resources and strategies to ensure that little Black boys are treated fairly, equally and appropriately at school. Black Boy Thrive is a space where parents and experienced experts can share their concerns and receive resources to extend advocacy on behalf of our Black boys.
What makes you happy?
I enjoy finding solutions to obstacles. I believe solving problems brings us one step closer to understanding people. On a superficial level, a clean house makes me really happy!
Contact Info:
- Email: blackboythrive@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/blackboythrive
- Facebook: facebook.com/blackboythrive
- Twitter: twitter.com/blackboythrive
