Higher education hasn’t always been accessible to everyone, especially in black and brown communities. For centuries, college was seen as something only the wealthy or privileged could achieve. The reasons are complicated but stem from politics, social status, and economic barriers set up by those in power. These challenges and barriers didn’t just pop up overnight; they’ve been built into society over decades.

So, why does higher education matter so much for black and brown communities? Well, higher education is about opportunity, and how much you’re willing to take advantage of it. It opens doors not just to better jobs, but to new outlooks and experiences that shape our existence. When students from these communities gain access to higher education, it’s not just about earning a degree or title, but about breaking generational cycles of poverty and inequality and about building community leaders who will amplify their communities and uplift them with the power of their knowledge.

Granger High School is a significant part of the west-side community. An area that has a history of inequity, poverty, and even redlining. It is home to many students who come from these communities.

Firsthand, I know how important education is for us. We’re not just fighting for our spots to exist in spaces not meant for us — we’re fighting for our futures and the future of our communities. Many of us come from families where higher education wasn’t an option, either because of money or because they had to take on responsibilities that depended on them. Here at Granger, we’re proving that it is possible. Higher education is not only for the wealthy or the privileged, but for our community members and our identities that shape us.

However, there are still challenges. Some students worry about the cost of college, while others feel pressured to work and financially support their families. It feels like the system wasn’t built for us, but that’s precisely why higher education is so important; it gives us the tools to change the system and the strength to occupy space.

In my opinion, making higher education accessible helps students improve their lives. Higher education is a necessity. Every student at Granger deserves the chance to follow their dreams, no matter their social status. Education shouldn’t only be for a select few. It should be accessible to all. To achieve a better future for all of us.

So, when you ask why higher education is so important to exist in black and brown communities, the answer is simple and direct. It’s about justice, it’s about opportunity, and hope. It’s about giving every student at Granger a fair shot at success.

“EDUCATION promotes equality and lifts people out of poverty. It teaches children how to become good citizens. Education is not just for a privileged few; it is for everyone. It is a fundamental right.” – Ban Ki-Moon.