Afrocentric Homeschooling in Black Families

By Andrea Dillon 

Homeschooling is on the rise within African-American communities. Though there may be a multitude of reasons, many families cite bullying and the increased amount of racism as their top catalysts for homeschooling. Some Black parents also feel a lack of representation in the current curriculum and a want to teach their children traditional Afrocentric values. Homeschooling is the perfect way to do that. Whatever the reasons to homeschool, all homeschoolers find freedom in the opportunity to homeschool. 

Beginning to homeschool is similar for all families regardless of race. The first step is researching your state’s homeschooling law and looking into local homeschool groups to help you learn the legal ropes. This can be daunting for any family. Black homeschooling families can find it more so while attempting to find homeschool resources to address their concerns, questions and needs. We have gathered a few websites to help with African-American homeschooling.

African American Homeschool Moms is a blog run by author and African-American homeschooler Andrea Thorpe. Andrea provides support and recommendations for Afrocentric homeschooling to help African-American families who are looking to find homeschool curriculums and resources featuring African-American perspectives.

National Black Home Educators is a homeschooling organization created to help Black homeschooling families. They provide community and great information on the issues that may arise for an African-American homeschooling family.

In any homeschool situation, it is necessary to connect with others. With the internet, this is easier than ever. Connect with other African-American homeschooling families with these online Black homeschooling support groups. Explore the multiple groups and support systems offered, and see which ones work best for the needs and values of your family.

Try these three Facebook-based groups. Afrocentric Homeschoolers Association is a group for Black homeschooling families who are focused on Afrocentric homeschool curriculum. The Black Homeschoolers Connection is a group for homeschoolers that identify as Black, African American, melanated, biracial/mixed, aboriginals, ect. Homeschooling for Black Freethinkers is a group for non-religious and freethinking people in our Black community, who currently home-school or are thinking about homeschooling. 

The Liberated Minds Institute is an education group focused on helping inspire and empower throughout the Afrikan diaspora (around the globe). They are a well trusted and popularly used resource for Black homeschooling families and Afrikan-centered education. They hold The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool and Education Expo to help Black homeschoolers create a network of support.  

Mocha Moms is a support group for mothers of color. They do welcome people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds, and income levels as long as the member supports the mission of the group. 

For more information about homeschooling, visit www.a2zhomeschooling.com. 

Black Homeschoolers of Central Florida. This group was started with the intention of finding other families of color in the Central Florida area that are educating their children at home. A place for support, motivation and comfort in sharing experiences unique to the Black community and the education of our Black children. Established for support, motivation, and hopefully enduring friendships. This group is not affiliated with any one religion and is open to people of all faiths.

DMV Black Homeschoolers can assist with finding resources, support, information, activities and field trips for Black Homeschooling families (even if multicultural) in this group. Located in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Ebony Homeschoolers, a Christian homeschool support fellowship established to strengthen and encourage the African-American homeschooling community in Memphis, Tenn.