The Influence of the Black Family and Efforts to Remedy Resource Deprivation

By Gwendolyn S. Bethea, Ph.D. and Richard F. Scotton, J.D

Issue 19

Issue 19

Black families nationwide have many things in common, among them, their devotion to the  upward mobility of their families, including sacrifices for their health, education, and general wellbeing. Accomplishments in nearly every field from the generations of slavery, through Reconstruction, the Jim Crow period, the Civil Rights movement, until today, have seen periods of personal and professional achievements of only imagined proportions. Freed slaves saved pennies, built schools, and laid

the agricultural and industrial groundwork for future generations to do likewise (The Harvard & Legacy of Slavery Initiative, 2025). Research upon research provides data of black family life and influence that have endured and stood the test of time. Carter G. Woodson, famed researcher, historian, and scholar, was an early Harvard University researcher of such data.

The Harvard University 2025 report on the legacy of slavery and discrimination recommends that “a commitment to fostering ongoing engagement, dialogue, information sharing, and relationship building with community members (will) foster discussion and solicit input on the long path forward,.. including partnerships (between) resource-rich institutions and HBCUs…” The report has documented millions of dollars and programs from such universities as Brown and Cambridge to begin compensating for the generations of resource deprivation among the descendants of slavery and the efforts to remedy this deprivation. This, despite the efforts of this administration to roll back the progress of such efforts through reverse discriminatory practices.

Nevertheless, during the recent homegoing of our oldest sister, Dr Jacquelyn S. Joyner, in early February, 2026 our youngest brother Attorney Richard F. Scotton, commented that our sister’s achievements were in no small measure due to our mothers and fathers, teachers, religious institutions, and social/political organizations. Moreover, they were unequivocally due to her own example and encouragement, endurance, and scholarly achievements. Our father, a brick mason, and our mother, a stay-at-home mom for the most part, were intentionally focused on these accomplishments, although our mother is quoted in my memoir, Memories: The True Story of an African American Family (2026), that she would have wanted to be a teacher or a nurse.

Stated Richard, “Jacquelyn or Jackie, as we called her, was the eldest of nine children, and I am the youngest. Jackie set a very high bar for us to follow and follow, we did. She was the valedictorian of her class, and two of my sisters – Teresa and Gwendolyn -- followed and were valedictorians of their classes. Jackie graduated from college and seven brothers and sisters followed and graduated from college. Jackie obtained her doctorate degree and four siblings followed and obtained doctorate degrees, two Ph.Ds. and two Jurist Doctorate degrees. Jackie became a teacher/mentor to thousands of students in the Richmond, VA system of education, and four of her siblings became teachers/mentors in the states of North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Washington, DC. With Jackie as an example, Harry Coy Lee, after his years of service in the armed forces, assumed the role of caretaker, along with homecare aids, in Mom and Dad’s failing years.

“So, Jackie was a role model for our family, but not only that, she was a role model for her extended family, her Sorors, friends, community and everyone who knew her. Jackie gave of her time, talent,

and treasure to empower others to attain their goals in life. Her heart was filled with love, love for her family, love for her friends, and love for her community.” Her mentoring and outpouring of love and dedication led her to create the Young Achievers Program. The program for young black men of various stations in life was under the auspices of The Links Inc, Commonwealth (VA) Richmond, VA chapter. of which she was a dedicated member. Testimonials abound among the graduates from this program and others under her influence, however, for every person with an individual like Jackie as a mentor/supporter/role model, and friend, and every effort to positively influence the progress within our communities, there should be others who, with proper resources, are additional success stories. Dr. Bahia Overton, executive director of the nonprofit Black Parent Initiative, states:

“People think that everybody starts from the same place,” says Overton, a social worker, facilitator,  researcher and expert on the Black family. She further states “Some people think everybody has an equal opportunity.” to either be role models themselves or to raise (their) children well. Unfortunately, “disparities and historical policies, practices, laws, and things have been discriminatory that put people where they are.” Like the Links’ Young Achievers program, her program, the Black Parents Initiative, means increased opportunities for closing these gaps.