The Education of African American Girls and Women: Past to Present.

This article examines the education of African American girls and women. It begins with a look at scholarship on African American girls and women published in The Journal of Negro Education from its inception in 1932 to the present. Subsequently, a historical overview of the long, hard-fought struggles of educating this population for empowerment and uplift of the race is provided, including a discussion of late 19th and early 20th century schools for African American girls and women and prominent African American women educators of this period. This is followed by an examination of contemporary successes and challenges including a look at the educational outcomes and experiences of African American girls and women in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary institutions. Finally, the article concludes with recommendations for better understanding and enhancing the education of African American girls and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]