Schools cannot educate children without the support of parents, families and communities.  Good teachers and administrators are invaluable to the educational process, but they are not miracle workers.  Schools, by themselves, do not educate children; they simply reinforce and expand what children already know when they come to school.  What happens in a school is important; but just as important is what happens in the home and the community where the child lives.  Societal structures, value systems, cultures, institutions, and positive environments are powerful influencers of education in children.  Good schools seldom (if ever) create good communities; but good communities usually create good schools!  Active and involved parents, families, communities are necessary to educate children.

Founded in 1996 by Phillip Jackson, The Black Star Project is committed to improving the quality of life in Black and Latino communities of Chicago and nationwide by eliminating the racial academic achievement gap.  Our mission is to provide educational services that help pre-school through college students succeed academically and become knowledgeable and productive citizens with the support of their parents, families, schools and communities.