Our Why
BLAQUE Promise Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where every Black student realizes their fullest potential.
We recognize that education has not been the great equalizer for black children, especially those in disinvested communities. We're committed transforming this promise into reality. We believe every student, regardless of race, zip codes, or socio-economic status, deserves the same access to opportunities. We're dedicated to breaking down barriers, bridging disparities, and providing support and resources needed for black students to thrive.
Promises Unkept
1896
Plessy v Ferguson
Contrary to the “separate but equal” declaration, this ruling saw Black children segregated into overcrowded and often unsafe buildings that were usually inaccessible to public transportation, forcing students to walk long distances year-round. Classrooms were poorly resourced, without enough desks for every child, and the few books students had were tattered hand-me-downs from white schools. Black teachers were paid only a fraction of the salary of their white counterparts.
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1954
Brown v Board
While this ruling ended the ‘separate but equal’ doctrine, it forced Black students into unwelcoming white schools and led to the widespread dismissal or demotion of qualified Black educators. Following the decision, tens of thousands of Black teachers and principals lost their jobs as integration began, while white superintendents resisted placing Black educators in authoritative positions over white staff and students. Scholars attribute the current shortage of Black educators to this legacy.
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1985
Missouri v Jenkins
In 1985, a federal district judge assumed control over the Kansas City, Missouri School District, citing unconstitutional segregation, poor facilities, and low student performance. The judge mandated that nearly $2 billion be spent over 12 years to renovate schools, integrate classrooms, and elevate test scores in efforts to make the district desegregatively attractive to white families in neighboring suburbs. By 1997, however, the efforts failed to yield significant results. The racial composition and the achievement gap in the predominantly Black district remained unchanged, and their was little to no academic progress made.