Our Experience as a Black Family in a Mostly White Montessori School: An Interview

How does it feel being a black parent with children going to a predominantly white school? How does it feel when a black parent feels she has to justify to her friends why her children go to a predominantly white school? There is a feeling of loneliness in a population when no one speaks to you. It’s like walking a thin line while trying to build relationships with parents from other races when they seem unapproachable. ​

Shinell McBee

Hello, my name is Shinell McBee. I was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. I have obtained my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in psychology and education from Norfolk State University and I am currently working on my graduate degree at Norfolk State University to become a school counselor. I have always had a passion working with children. I work for Norfolk Public schools as a Behavioral Interventionist working with middle schoolers. With everything else I am a wife and mother of two children ages 8 and 12.

Additional Resources: