Article Credit: JR Robinson

M. LaTroy A. Williams, a candidate for Steve Cohen's congressional seat, presents a compelling and multifaceted vision for educational reform in Memphis. Drawing from his rich personal history and deep understanding of the city's educational landscape, Williams offers a perspective that intertwines historical context with forward-thinking solutions.

The Current State of Memphis Education

Williams doesn't mince words when describing the current state of the Memphis school system. "The school system itself is in a mess," he states bluntly. This assessment isn't without merit. Memphis-Shelby County Schools, with its 105,596 students across 222 schools, faces significant challenges. The district, with a 90% minority enrollment, grapples with issues ranging from academic performance to infrastructure concerns.

Historical Context and Systemic Challenges

Williams brings a unique historical perspective to the conversation, tracing the roots of current educational challenges back to decisions made decades ago. He points to the controversial appointment of Darcia Hobson as school superintendent as a turning point, stating that "ever since they've elected him as the school superintendent, Memphis been on a trickle-down theory".

The candidate also highlights the racial dynamics at play in the school system's governance. He argues that the attempt to create a 40-member school board with representatives from various municipalities was a thinly veiled effort to dilute African American influence in a district that is 78% black. This, according to Williams, is part of a larger pattern of systemic racism that has long plagued Memphis education.

A Call for Equitable Representation

Central to Williams' platform is the idea of fair and equitable representation in school governance. He advocates for a school board composition that reflects the demographic makeup of the district, citing legal precedents such as the 14th Amendment and Brown v. Board of Education. This approach, he argues, would ensure that the interests of all students are adequately represented.

Curriculum Reform and Historical Education

Williams places significant emphasis on the importance of a comprehensive historical education. He argues that the current curriculum often fails to provide students, particularly white students, with a thorough understanding of African American history. "The things you don't know are the one that end up hurting you," he states, suggesting that a more inclusive historical education could foster greater understanding and racial harmony.

If elected, Williams pledges to work towards ensuring that "every school in the United States and across the world have a chance to learn about Africa and black history". This commitment to a more inclusive curriculum aligns with growing national conversations about the importance of diverse historical perspectives in education.

Practical Skills and Career Readiness

Beyond historical education, Williams advocates for a curriculum that better prepares students for the realities of the modern world. He emphasizes the need for "programs such as training people on apprenticeship, learning about the business world". This focus on practical skills and career readiness reflects a growing trend in education towards more vocational and experiential learning opportunities.

Constitutional Literacy and Civic Education

Williams also stresses the importance of constitutional literacy and civic education. He believes that students need to know "a lot more about their history, the Constitution, the laws, and different things like that". This emphasis on civic education aligns with national concerns about declining civic knowledge and engagement among young people.

Challenges and Opposition

Williams is not naive about the challenges facing his vision for educational reform. He criticizes what he sees as a lack of engagement from the current congressional representative on educational issues, stating, "You never hear him talk about education". He also expresses concern about state-level policies, particularly the governor's initiatives to divert funds from public schools to private institutions.

A Personal Touch: The Princeton Experience

Intriguingly, Williams draws on his personal experiences at Princeton University in 1969 to illustrate his commitment to educational equity. He recounts his role in advocating for the admission of women to Princeton, Yale, and other prestigious institutions. This anecdote not only adds a personal dimension to his platform but also demonstrates his long-standing commitment to educational reform and equity.

Looking Forward

M. LaTroy A. Williams' vision for education in Memphis is ambitious and multifaceted. It encompasses issues of governance, curriculum reform, practical skills development, and historical education. While the challenges facing Memphis-Shelby County Schools are significant, Williams' platform offers a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.

As the race for Tennessee's 9th Congressional District unfolds, education is likely to remain a key issue. Williams' deep knowledge of the local educational landscape, combined with his personal experiences and commitment to equity, presents a unique perspective in this crucial conversation about the future of education in Memphis.