If it Ain't About Da'Money

Do rich, affluent parents love their kids more than parents with less income and live in disadvantaged communities? Heck no! So what’s the deal? Is money the only reason kids from affluent families outperform kids born to non-affluent households?

For centuries, black families have creatively turned tragedy into triumph. If you’re a Kevin Gates fan, you probably call this “Out the Mud.” But what gives? If money is not the ONLY way for parents and families in underserved communities to affect change for OUR kids, how do we crack the cheat code?

To be clear, MONEY definitely matters. Unfortunately, non-affluent parents will lose that fight every time if we don’t learn how affluent parents utilize their noneconomic resources to get results for their kids. Translation: "It ain't ALL about da' money" in my TI voice.

Noneconomic resources 

1. Work ethics and willingness to volunteer 

2. Professional skills

3. Community Connections

1. Work ethics and willingness to volunteer 

Studies show that black fathers work tirelessly to protect and provide for their families. High levels of father involvement are correlated with higher levels of sociability, confidence, and self-control in children. Children with involved fathers are less likely to act out in school or engage in risky behaviors in adolescence. As a black father, have you considered joining your PTO and volunteering at your child’s school once a month? Imagine how your presence in that space could shift the culture at your child's school.

2. Professional Skills

Black women are among the MOST educated ethnic groups in our country—PERIOD! What we lack in opportunities, we more than makeup for in our writing skills, problem-solving techniques, and time management. Just think about how BOMB your child’s PTO would be if you joined and started using those skills to add value to your child’s school.

• Grant writing skills

• Teamwork skills 

• Working relationship with your job’s corporate office leaders

• Accounting degree

• Etc. The list is endless! Literally 

3. Galvanizing your connections 

As my best friend’s grandma, the late great Mrs. Ruby Miller would say, “It ain’t what you know; it's who you know. Remember those councilmen, attorneys, board members, commissioners, etc, who pledged their allegiance for your vote? What about the doctors, realtors, and local businesses that you frequent? Did you know you could solicit letters of support from these connections when fighting for your child’s education? Have you considered requesting their support for PTO fundraising at your child’s school or requesting they join you at your local school board meeting? 

In closing 

You see, affluent parents don’t “outlove us” when it comes to our kids. They do, however, “outorganize us” when it comes to our kids. Affluent parents have an extraordinary capacity for mobilization. (Shout out to the 2025 Ramsay Parent Support -GroupMe. Those parents do NOT wait for anyone to organize them. Their parent mobilization is remarkable!)

I challenge every parent reading this article who may NOT have racks on racks on racks to donate to your child’s school to do a SELF-CHECK. What noneconomic resources do you have that could add tremendous value to your child’s school? 

God gave all of us a talent and ability of some sort. I challenge you to join your school’s PTO today and put those resources to good use. #noexcuses