Parent Engagement Is a Civil Right
- Project Appleseed
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Kevin S. Walker, President & Founder, Project Appleseed
I first heard Rev. Jesse Jackson speak at Normandy High School when I was a student in Webster Groves. He said, “You’re a man because you can raise a baby—not because you can make a baby.” That line stayed with me as I raised my own children.
Years later, our paths crossed again while I was working on Democratic presidential campaigns. Long before it became reality, he challenged the nation to imagine the possibility of a Black president and expanded what many believed was achievable. When I launched Project Appleseed, he offered powerful guidance about organizing and empowering parents—wisdom that has remained with me ever since.
On February 17, 2026, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. passed away at the age of 84. With his passing, America lost one of its great civil rights champions. But his message lives on—and nowhere is it more urgent than in our public schools.
Family Engagement Is Equity in Action
Through the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Rev. Jackson fought relentlessly for educational opportunity. He understood something that too many reform conversations overlook: equity is not only about funding formulas and policy debates. Equity is also about power—who has it, who shares it, and who is invited into the room.
Parent engagement is about power.
When families are informed, organized, and respected as partners, schools improve. When families—especially families of color and low-income families—are marginalized or silenced, inequity deepens.
Rev. Jackson knew that civil rights in the 21st century must include educational justice. He advocated for equitable K–12 funding, academic excellence, and strong family–school partnerships. National organizations like the National PTA recognized his alignment with efforts such as Take Your Family to School Week because he consistently elevated the role of parents as essential stakeholders.
The Civil Rights Movement Began at the Schoolhouse Door
Brown v. Board was about access. But access alone is not enough.
Today, the equity conversation must include engagement. Do families feel welcome? Do they understand how to navigate school systems? Are they invited into decision-making? Are we equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for their children?
Parent engagement is not a courtesy. It is not a public relations strategy. It is not an add-on.
It is a civil right.
When families are excluded, children lose opportunity. When families are empowered, children gain advantage.
Public School Parents: America’s Largest Equity Coalition
I believe there is no social affiliation in contemporary America that offers more meaning than being a public school parent. In our public schools, families from every race, income level, and background share a common hope: we want our children to succeed.
That shared hope is the foundation of democracy.
Project Appleseed was built on that belief. We encourage schools to celebrate National Parental Involvement Day and Public School Volunteer Week not as symbolic gestures, but as organizing opportunities—moments to build lasting partnerships that improve learning outcomes.
Research is clear: when schools and families work together, attendance improves, behavior stabilizes, homework completion rises, and achievement grows. Engagement narrows gaps. Engagement strengthens accountability. Engagement builds trust.
Engagement advances equity.
Rev. Jackson’s Lesson for Us Now
Rev. Jackson expanded what America believed was possible. He challenged us to imagine a nation where leadership reflected its people. He reminded us that dignity and responsibility go hand in hand.
His message about raising children was not only personal—it was political. It was about responsibility to community. It was about stepping up, not stepping back.
Today, honoring his legacy means more than remembering his speeches. It means organizing parents. It means equipping families. It means insisting that every school system treat families—especially those historically excluded—not as outsiders, but as partners.
The future of civil rights runs through our public schools.
And the path forward runs through parents.
God bless Rev. Jesse Jackson. A true and lasting inspiration.
