An Important Message about Dr. King and Charter Schools

January 15, 2017

This article shines a light on the depth — and longevity of support — for charter schools in the African-American community. The story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s closest aide and chief of staff, Dr. Wyatt T. Walker, is not only enlightening, but something few know. It is in that spirit that we are pleased to share this with you.

Charter Schools.

“In a sense it was the next battle field…the schools were so bad that most of the young people were crippled educationally… that’s how I turned my attention to charter schools…”

Would Martin Luther King, Jr. have supported charter schools? “Oh yes,” said Dr. Walker! “Without a doubt…”

The mission of the Center for Education Reform is to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans, particularly our youth, ensuring that the conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility through U.S.

Help us do just that – ensure that the conditions for educational opportunity exist for each and every child in this great nation.

This article, along with an inspirational video clip on Dr. Walker and his involvement with charter schools can be found at this link: http://www.realclearlife.com/history/would-martin-luther-king-have-supported-charter-schools/.

Thank you for taking time to read it, to view the video and to share, as no American should be lacking in this critical knowledge about how much the earliest civil rights leaders in this nation embraced educational opportunity for all students.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts, reactions, or questions. Please contact us anytime to further this important discussion.

Share this story:

How We Connect

Leveraging our deep, diverse network to forge powerful alliances that accelerate innovation & opportunity

  • Broker new collaborations.
  • Introduce potential allies from disparate areas — e.g., pairing educators with entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, etc.
  • Foster an ecosystem for visionary entrepreneurs & breakthrough technology companies & products to enhance school
    infrastructure, teaching methods & learning tools.

How We Engage

Activating stakeholders with physical & virtual interactions around pivotal issues, trends & opportunities

  • Convene a powerful cross-section of educators, business leaders, families, pundits, analysts & officials.
  • Provoke spirited & meaningful conversations about watershed topics.
  • Feature prominent personalities with passion for education.
  • Mobilize visible events in strategic locations.

How We Inform

Providing essential news, facts, data & analysis about the state of education in the U.S.

  • Deliver substantive & timely research, stories & commentary.
  • Debunk myths, misrepresentations & distortions to ensure accuracy & substance
  • Utilize extensive media. connections to raise awareness for critical education challenges & agendas.
  • Draw on 30+ of experience as an education thought leader to contribute unique & profound perspectives.

How We Influence

Advancing & protecting education reforms that prioritize the needs of learners & families

  • Aligning with high-ranking officials & organizations at every level
  • Promoting education innovation, diversity of options, parental choice & proper allocation of resources
  • Uniting advocates with legislative allies to spur action
  • Confronting opposition & antiquated views head-on