Fitting Black Fathers in: Engaging Black Fathers as Partners in Education

Parental involvement affects the academic achievement that children experience. When parents are involved, children experience enhanced academic outcomes. Much of the literature on parental involvement is matri-centric, and focuses on mothers. When fathers are included in the literature, they are usually White and middle class. Black fathers are often pushed outside of the margins of education. Although the literature is improving, the “voice” of Black fathers is silenced, muted and all too often excluded. There is also a deficient master narrative that persist throughout American society related to Black fathers. However, Black fathers are involved and want to be involved in their children’s education. Black fathers are an overlooked resource and Black fathers can be engaged as partners in education. If researchers, educators, administrators, practitioners, and policy makers are truly interested in supporting Black children with education and academic achievement, then it is imperative to fit Black fathers in the conversation, to bring Black fathers inside the margins of education, and to engage Black fathers as partners in education