Exploring the History and Significance of the Village of Wisdom
The Village of Wisdom (VoW) is a community-based organization that aims to improve the educational outcomes of black children. Founded in 2015 by Danielle Lee and William Jackson, the organization is located in Durham, North Carolina, and has become a vital resource for parents and educators seeking to support black students.
The History of the Village of Wisdom
The Village of Wisdom was founded after Lee and Jackson recognized a growing need for educational support for black students. They recognized that black students in the United States face disproportionate challenges compared to their white peers, such as lower graduation rates and harsher disciplinary measures in schools.
Lee and Jackson came up with the idea of creating a community-based organization that would provide resources and support for black students and their families. The Village of Wisdom was founded on the core values of cultural pride, community collaboration, and educational excellence.
The Significance of the Village of Wisdom
The Village of Wisdom is significant because it provides a space for black parents to connect with each other and share resources. Many black parents feel isolated in predominantly white schools and neighborhoods and struggle to advocate for their children’s educational needs.
The Village of Wisdom connects parents with other black parents and community members who share their concerns and can offer support and advice. The organization also provides a variety of resources and programming, such as educational workshops, tutoring services, and cultural events, that address the unique needs of black students.
Impact of the Village of Wisdom
Since its founding in 2015, the Village of Wisdom has had a significant impact on the Durham community. The organization has supported hundreds of families and helped improve the educational outcomes of countless black students.
One notable impact of the Village of Wisdom is its success in improving student achievement. According to Lee and Jackson, the organization’s students have consistently outperformed their peers in academic achievement measures such as GPA and standardized test scores.
Another impact of the Village of Wisdom is its role in building community. The organization has brought together hundreds of parents and community members, strengthening social ties and creating a supportive network for black families in Durham.
Conclusion
The Village of Wisdom is an essential resource for black families in Durham and serves as a model for community-based organizations seeking to improve the educational outcomes of black students. By providing resources and support that address the unique needs of black students, the organization has made a significant impact on the Durham community. Moving forward, it will be important for communities across the country to consider the model of the Village of Wisdom as a way to support black students and build stronger communities.
