Volume II

Drawing on the superlative work from Volume I, this years project focuses on education. Clearly, education relates to various topics and cannot be divorced from discussions of law, economics, sustainability, health, immigration, and housing. Therefore, in this report and the essays that appear on our website, www.stateofblackarizona.org, each author uses education as a lens to explore other issues relevant to our schools, youth, and society in general.

The authors represent various geographic and professional perspectives. Importantly, each writer took seriously community insight. We hosted a series of community forums during which authors shared earlier drafts of their work to gain feedback prior to submitting final versions. As a statewide initiative, we want these essays to be accessible; use current research to inform educational policy; and initiate long-term discussions that will encourage positive changes to all of our communities.

Although only four essays appear in this manuscript, the website hosts many other significant works. Set within each of these four are snippets of what appears on-line. We encourage you to peruse both the written and virtual publications. It is our hope that these essays will lead to collective action. As President Obama has said, We have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools.

As former President Obama said, we have an obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools.