Terrence Foushee - On the achievement gap (clip)

Kathryn Wall (KW): You mentioned the achievement gap. Was that something that you –.

Terrence Foushee (TF): Oh, yes.

KW: – that you got her involved. Was that a thing that she was concerned about?

TF: Yes, yes. The - the achievement gap, and I don’t know the particulars of the story - but I know that in third grade there was a particular incident involving myself and some of the Black students in my class. The same thing happened with my older brother, where certain information was not going to the Black families. Some information was assumed about some of the Black families, which led us to not necessarily get some opportunities. And it - it bothered my mom greatly. She knew that if it was not just me and a couple other kids in my classes, that this was something else more than likely happening district-wide. So, you know, I think for politics in many ways - especially if it's truly at the grassroots level - it comes with an issue, especially if it’s affecting someone in your family. But then, also understanding that that one issue doesn’t just apply to your family. It applies to - you know - so many more people that are involved. Being a public servant is about, “How can I help all of those people that, you know, are being marginalized, who aren’t being provided the opportunities?” For somebody who was born and raised here, I have a very clear opportunity to be able to help those people because I know the community and I know who would rally behind me. I know the people to talk to, and I think that was my mother’s inspiration.

KW: Mhm.