The voices of the minorities in America deserve equitable representation and the voices that speak out against oppression deserve to be heard, especially when it is most inconvenient to listen.
When we think about Black History Month, we tend to think about extraordinary historical figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X who boldly fought for equality and Civil Rights. But while they may stand out as icons today, it is easy to forget that they were also controversial figures at the time and that there were many people that viewed their work as a threat to their way of life. And while their efforts may have led to meaningful change, many individuals and communities remain prejudicially scrutinized.
The foster care system it is no different.
In 2018, it was reported that black children made up only 13.71% of the total child population, but disproportionately made up 22.75% of the foster care population. This was reported by Kids Count Data Center, click to read more of the study.
More recently, the National Conference of State Legislatures website referenced this study by stating that youth of color are more likely to face inequitable obstacles in the foster care system. Their article even suggests that personal bias within the foster care system may have an impact on youth in care.
So why are so many black children taken into foster care?
While there is no single 'good' answer, try not to be so quick to place blame on bad parenting. Instead, consider some of the systemic challenges of black families.
According to an article by the United States Census Bureau published in 2020, the poverty rate for Black Americans hit a historic low in 2019 at 18.8%, 2.5x the poverty rate of non-Hispanic White Americans. Unfortunately, that same article goes on to elaborate by noting an eerily similar statistic to the one released by the Kids Count Data Center in 2018; 13.2% of the total population was reported as black while the poverty population was reported as being 23.8% black.
This statistic should not be interpreted as causation, but is also not likely to be a coincidence.
These are major reasons why black voices should not just be heard by the few willing to listen, but amplified for all to hear. Not only to build a better society, but to uplift communities and benefit the youth that are unable to speak up for themselves.
No child should not have to face issues of inequality, and yet so many do every day. Just because it isn't always visible to the majority, doesn't mean it isn't a legitimate issue. Complacency is a detriment to progress.
Although we're on the heels of Black History Month, don't forget to support and advocate for black communities and for a better future for black youth at every opportunity.
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