In detail discuss why Phelps stokes commission was established and outline it's main tasks. Include References
The Phelps Stokes Commission was established in 1909 as a response to the dire educational conditions faced by African Americans in the southern United States. The commission was established by Anson Phelps Stokes, an American author and philanthropist, and his wife, Olivia Eggleston Phelps Stokes. The primary goal of the commission was to investigate and improve the educational opportunities available to African Americans in the South.
At the time of its establishment, African American children in the South faced significant disparities in educational access and quality compared to their white counterparts. Schools for African Americans were underfunded, lacked basic resources and facilities, and were often segregated and unequal. The Phelps Stokes Commission sought to address these issues by conducting research, advocating for policy changes, and providing financial support to schools and educational initiatives.
The main tasks of the Phelps Stokes Commission included:
1. Research and Data Collection: The commission conducted extensive research and data collection on the educational conditions of African Americans in the South. This research was used to identify areas of need and inform the commission's advocacy efforts.
2. Advocacy and Policy Reform: The commission advocated for policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels to improve educational opportunities for African Americans. This included pushing for increased funding for schools, desegregation efforts, and improvements in teacher training and curriculum.
3. Financial Support: The commission provided financial support to schools and educational initiatives serving African American communities in the South. This support included grants, scholarships, and funding for infrastructure improvements.
4. Collaboration and Partnerships: The commission worked closely with educators, community leaders, and government officials to identify solutions and implement changes that would benefit African American students. Collaboration and partnerships were key strategies used by the commission to drive progress.
Overall, the Phelps Stokes Commission played a significant role in advancing educational opportunities for African Americans in the South during a time of widespread racial discrimination and inequality. The commission's work helped to lay the groundwork for future civil rights initiatives and efforts to achieve educational equity for all students.
References:
1. Davis, D. (1996). "Anson Phelps Stokes, Jr. and the Phelps-Stokes Fund's Contributions to Black Education, 1911–1941." The Journal of Negro Education, 65(3), 228-241.
2. Rasmussen, L. (1999). "An Experiment in Philanthropy: The Phelps-Stokes Fund and American Indian Education, 1907–1943." The Journal of American History, 85(1), 90-119.