<p>dke, when I lived in a rural community (although it was divided rouglhy in thirds, Caucasian/African American/Latino…), I had a conversation with a black mom (substitute teacher) whose 2 kids were among the top in the h.s. Her problem was that hers were decidedly college-bound, spoke flawless grammar, got pegged for “oreo” and all that junk. </p>
<p>Her solution was to go to regional meetings/potluck dinners of college-bound black families, so the kids could socialize outside of their h.s. communities. She said it was essential to her kids’ well-being, and let them hang onto themselves until their first college year. I think she drove an hour or so, and they met around every 6 weeks. They often dated from this circle, so their h.s. didn’t limit them. It sounded very family-friendly.</p>
<p>I WISH I knew the contact point for such a network; mabye others know of it? Was it unique to that mountainous region? I hope not. Does anyone here know…?</p>