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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><div><div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'> </span>The Plight of African American Women in the 21<sup>st </sup>Century:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Educational Inequalities;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'> African American Women with Disabilities and the Origin of Education<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>by<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Carolyn Peters, Th.D., MSW, LSW<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Spiritual Counselor<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>College Hill Community Church (PCUSA)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>1547 Philadelphia Drive<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Dayton, Ohio 45406<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><a href="mailto:Drcarolyn-peters@att.net"><span style='color:black'>Drcarolyn-peters@att.net</span></a><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>937-657-5134<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:1.0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:1.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify'><i>As the days, years, and decades evolve in the 21<sup>st</sup>century, like centuries before, we face new expectations, challenges, barriers and various obstacles one can think of that affect how we live and learn. Everyone has a point of view based on their own experiences, upbringing, geographic location, where the stories and testimonies of inequalities are prevalent. I strongly feel that the basis of education is founded upon our faith in God. What drives each of us? What are we made of? Why will some become formally educated and others not? What is our destiny, individually or collectively? How do we proceed to answer the questions, as we determine what path we are willing to take?<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-right:1.0in'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When it is determined that a career is of utmost importance, what are the key elements of that decision: prosperity for self, family extended family, church, community? The list goes on and on. Then, we think of the challenges we are up against; considering the plight of any group or groups, lack comes to mind. How do we change and become the difference, the way out of poverty or lack? Do you have a plan? Let us look at the origin of education, and determine our plight through the 21<sup>st </sup>century. As parents and [the village], we are responsible for the spiritual, Christian, and religious education of our loved ones.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'>Educational inequalities with African American women are identified at different stages of one’s perception of a disability, which is often acquired at birth, or because of a health related issue. The disability can be visible or invisible, affecting mental health or physical health. When seeking employment, to enhance financial status to live the life you wish, one must have training and education. The African American woman who needs adaptive equipment and reasonable accommodations to obtain the education she desires can meet challenges and barriers to obtain it. Lack of knowledge promotes illiteracy, not knowing how to navigate systems, or make clear connections to resources.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'>In years gone by, people used to abandon children with disabilities, incarcerate others, or declare them medically unstable and commit then to asylums to ensure they did not reproduce. After World War II, veterans were coming home with multiple disabilities and the country began looking at rehabilitation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'>American’s with Disabilities Act was established 25 years ago. It has afforded individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations, and much more. The National Federation of the Blind started advocacy over 75 years ago, teaching braille, mobility training and above all encouraging individuals who are blind or visually impaired to live the lives they want to live. Learning braille allowed literacy, thus paving the way to increased independence, in acquiring education, training, and mobility to obtain employment and higher education. Outcomes of these advocacy groups brought about other associations, such as Disability Rights Ohio, Law and Policy Center, Inc. Also, every state in the US as vocational rehabilitation service, such as the Opportunities for Ohioians with Disabilities, and many churches have established advocacy groups; example Presbyteriab with Disability Concers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'>Educational inequalities can present in many different ways: poverty, discrimination, stereotyping, stigmatizing. Just to name a few; every African American woman has her own story to tell. As an African American woman, who started losing her vision at age 53, and diagnosed as legally blind at age 55, my biggest concern about education; was becoming illiterate to print. Like many African American women, education was paramount in my life’s desires. Therefore, I decided it was of the utmost importance for me to achieve and attain a doctorate degree in theology; for my spiritual wellbeing, as well. With the desire to become a theologian, my visual impairment was the challenge of a lifetime. I might add that it was especially difficult to learn and pass Greek and Hebrew. Not knowing the difficulty of finding gainful employment doing what I wanted to do, and living the life I wanted. Employers see disabilities not abilities; and, where does the rubber meet the road? Women with disabilities need adaptive devices to assist in receiving educational opportunities, obtaining gainfully employed, to remain hopeful, while alleviating the stress of the plight for our families and ourselves. There are many organizations to support inequalities in education available. African American women look at education as an opportunity to improve the quality of life for ourselves and loved ones, notwithstanding the barriers and challenges, every step of the way. You ask what makes an African American women continue struggling to attain an education, instead of conceding to the disabilities or the challenges it brings? Survival--some of us see education as a means to an end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'>The National Association of University Women lives up to its mission. As an African American woman who happens to be blind, I have been entrusted as President of the Dayton Branch, in Dayton, Ohio, serving on many committees; currently, serving on, NAUW National Chaplin Committee and NAUW Position Paper Committee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:15.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:11.25pt;margin-left:0in;background:white'>The origin of education begins for believers, in the Holy Bible. As young adult women, who grow up in the church, our morals and values about our spiritual life is founded on the principles and scriptures in the Bible. Our parents, families, culture, ethnicity, history are all the things that make us who we are spiritually. We can find scripture that provides us with information in making choices or decisions to help keep us grounded in our faith. There are many scriptures that address disabilities and education; allow me to share a few.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><b><span style='color:black'>John 9:1-3</span></b><span style='color:black'> - Now as <i>Jesus</i> passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. <b><sup>2 </sup></b>And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><span style='color:black'>Mimi commentary on: disability;These verses translate to us that Christ saw the man, a disability is not cruel and undo punishment nor is it a sin. Jesus, chose not to point blame. Unlike the disciples then, when faced with disease/disability, we often ask the Lord, why me, Lord what did I do to deserve this? Others, might say; it runs in the family; how soon we forget, Jesus brought us light in our darkness. If only we could see the light at the end of our tunnel. To God be the glory.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><b><span style='color:black'>Luke 14</span></b><span style='color:black'>:<b>12-14</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><b><span style='color:black'>Psalm 139:13-16 </span></b> <o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Daniel-1-17/" title="Daniel 1:17"><b><span style='color:windowtext'>Daniel 1:17</span></b></a> - As <b><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'>for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all to wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!<o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'>Mini commentary on: Education; <o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'>Daniel and his friends stayed withy their religion, and God rewarded them. Learning starts early, yet it is never to late to learn. In developing a prayer life, God will reveal wisdom and understanding.<o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-4-13/" title="Proverbs 4:13"><b><span style='color:windowtext'>Proverbs 4:13</span></b></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:.5in;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Timothy-3-16/" title="2 Timothy 3:16"><b><span style='color:windowtext'>2 Timothy 3:16</span></b></a> <span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:.5in;background:white'><span style='color:black'>How would you translate the scriptures?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:7.5pt;line-height:18.0pt;background:white'><span style='color:black'>In conclusion, African American women with disabilities continuously face educational inequalities in the United States of America. Their belief in the origin of education through their prayer life and a life of faith sustains them. Knowing there is someone who loves them, and will not forsake them. <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p style='margin-bottom:12.0pt;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></p><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><br clear=all style='page-break-before:always'></span><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;text-indent:.5in'>References<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All scripture quotations taken from the King James Version. Retrieved from <u>https://www.biblegateway.com/</u><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Americans with Disabilities Act.<a href="http://www.ADA.gov"><span style='color:black'>www.ADA.gov</span></a><u><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blake, Rollings Stephanie; Nayor of Baltimore, MD. Inaugural speech Decemver 6, 2011 The State of African American Women<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bureau of Labor Statistics.<u>www.BLS.gov<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal>Disability Rights Ohio Law and Policy Center, Inc.<u>www.disabilityrightsohio.org<o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal>Google Books. How Pay Inequity Hurts Women of Color | <a href="file:///C:\Users\volunteer\Downloads\Digital%20Dead%20End:%20Fighting%20for%20Social">Digital Dead End: Fighting for Social </a> Justice in the. Retrieved from <u>https://books.google.com/</u><span style='font-size:13.5pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://hellobeautiful.com/2014/09/26/naacp-publishes-report-on-effects-of-educational-professional-inequalities-for-black-women/"><span style='color:windowtext'>NAACP Reports Educational </span></a>Center for programs. Retrieved from <a href="file:///C:\Users\volunteer\Downloads\%09http:\www.naacp.org\programs\entry\education%09"> http://www.naacp.org/programs/entry/education </a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind.<u>https.//nfb.org</u> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. <u>http://www.ood.ohio.gov</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Peters, Carolyn. Knowing When to Go. 2012 (<a href="mailto:drcarolyn-peters@att.net"><span style='color:black'>drcarolyn-peters@att.net</span></a><span style='color:black'>).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>Presbyterian with Disability Concerns.</span><a href="http://www.PCUSA.org"><span style='color:black'>www.PCUSA.org</span></a><u> </u> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Steele’s Article: “Threat in the Air”. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/">https://www.americanprogress.org/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.google.com/search?sa=X&biw=640&bih=296&tbm=bks&q=inauthor:%22Virginia+Eubanks%22&ved=0ahUKEwiDx-DJnrbKAhXElIMKHRR_BfAQ9AgIOTAE">Virginia Eubanks</a> - 2011 - ýSocial Science. Educational Inequality between Black or African American women and men and Latinas. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name="_GoBack"></a>© Copyright 2016 Carolyn Peters<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#666666'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#44546A'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></div></div></body></html>