For many Black families in Indianapolis, the decision to send their child to a predominantly white middle or high school comes with both opportunity and challenge. These schools often promise strong academics, extracurricular programs and college-prep pathways. But for Black students, navigating these spaces can also bring feelings of isolation, questions of belonging and subtle or overt racial bias.
The reality is this: when only a handful of students look like you in the classroom, cafeteria or gym, you carry an invisible weight. That weight shows up in small ways – like being the only Black voice in a discussion about race, or classmates questioning your hair, music or speech. It can also appear in bigger moments – like not being recommended for advanced classes, being disciplined more harshly or being overlooked for leadership opportunities.
But families are not powerless. With intentional support at home, meaningful cultural connections outside of school and clear expectations of the school system, Black students can not only survive but thrive.
Helping students stay rooted in culture
One of the most important roles parents play is making sure their children don’t lose connection to who they are while navigating majority-white spaces. When schools don’t reflect their culture, children need opportunities outside the classroom that affirm their identity. School can’t be the only place where my child’s identity is affirmed. If the classroom doesn’t celebrate who they are, then we as parents have to create those spaces elsewhere.
Here are some ways parents can provide that:
- Cultural organizations and mentorship: Programs like 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Jack and Jill, or local church youth ministries create spaces where Black students can see and learn from role models who look like them. These organizations reinforce leadership, service and pride in Black heritage.
- Arts, sports, and enrichment with a cultural lens: Black dance studios, African drumming classes, step teams and historically Black sports leagues (like certain AAU basketball circuits) help young people stay tied to cultural traditions while building skills and confidence.
- Celebrating Black history year-round: Instead of confining cultural pride to February, make it part of everyday family life – whether it’s reading Black authors, visiting the Indiana Black Expo or making family trips to cultural institutions like the Crispus Attucks Museum.
- Peer connections beyond school: Encourage friendships with other Black students, whether through social gatherings, church, other schools or community-based activities. Having peers who understand their experience is critical for mental and emotional health.
What parents can ask of the school
Outside activities matter, but schools still carry a responsibility to create environments where Black students feel seen and valued. Too often, parents stay silent, but I’ve learned that asking the right questions can open doors for our children.
Here are some starting points:
Curriculum representation: Ask teachers, “How does your curriculum include Black voices beyond February?” Our kids deserve to see themselves in literature, science and history year-round.
Advanced opportunities: Ask administrators, “How are students chosen for honors and AP classes?” Black students are often overlooked unless we insist on transparency.
Fair discipline: Ask principals, “How do you make sure discipline is fair across racial groups?” Data shows Black children are punished more harshly for the same behaviors. Schools need to be held accountable.
Affinity groups: If no Black Student Union or cultural club exists, ask, “What steps can we take to create one?” Even if numbers are small, the impact is powerful.
Representation on staff: Ask directly, “What’s your plan for recruiting and keeping Black teachers and counselors?” Our kids need role models in leadership, not just in the textbooks.
The balancing act for parents
Parenting a Black child in a predominantly white school often means wearing multiple hats – cheerleader, advocate, protector and bridge-builder. Families may feel pressure to constantly “explain” their child’s experiences to school leaders while also reminding their children of their worth when they face challenges.
What I’ve found is that visibility matters. Show up at games, concerts and parent meetings. Let the school know you’re present. At home, create a safe space for your child to share frustrations without judgment. Sometimes, the simple words, “I believe you,” can carry more weight than any lecture.
Consistently remind your child that their voice matters, no matter where they are or who they are around. When something doesn’t feel right, such as a classmate’s comment or a teacher’s decision, encourage your student to respectfully speak up. Advocacy is a skill and the earlier they learn it, the stronger they’ll become.
And most importantly, lean on the community. Even if there are only a few Black families at the school, find ways to connect. When you show up together, you are hard to ignore.
Support your choice
Choosing a school is never just about academics – it’s about the whole child. For Black students in predominantly white schools, success often depends on how well their cultural identity is protected and nurtured. Sending our children into predominantly white schools doesn’t mean sacrificing their identity. Families can play a powerful role in ensuring their children thrive by building cultural connections outside of school and holding schools accountable to create inclusive, equitable environments.
