3 generations of Black Philadelphia students report persistent anti-Black attitudes in schools

A sociologist explains how Black students in Philadelphia navigate racial prejudice and find affirmation in their schools.

By: Leana Cabral, Columbia University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 17, 2026

Words: 1,377

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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By Leana Cabral, Columbia University

John Washington, now in his 50s, attended a public elementary and middle school in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia and then went to a large magnet high school, a type of public school that has a selective admission process. As he has gotten older, he has understood that in the education system in Philadelphia, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

John was bused during …

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