**Community Initiative Aims to Support Black and Brown Students in Private Schools**
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In response to the challenges faced by Black and brown students in private educational settings, Lisa and Andre Johnson established the nonprofit organisation, Private School Village, in 2018. The initiative seeks to enhance the experiences of these students and their families, ensuring they feel ‘seen’ and ‘valued’ in environments that can often be isolating.
Lisa and Andre Johnson, the eldest son of NBA legend Magic Johnson, run the organisation to foster a supportive community for families with children attending private schools. This past September, the couple hosted their annual back-to-school picnic, which attracted over 2,200 attendees, demonstrating the considerable need for connection and support among families in similar situations.
The concept for Private School Village originated when Lisa and Andre initially brought together a few friends for a picnic. The turnout exceeded their expectations, leading them to realise that they were addressing a larger issue of community and representation in private schooling. With the organisation currently in its eighth year, it offers a range of programmes designed to aid students and their families, including tours of historically Black colleges and universities and weekend activities centered around racial literacy.
Lisa explains the importance of these programmes, stating that they empower students to navigate difficult social situations. She notes the need for children to be adequately equipped to respond to potential instances of racism or identity questioning with confidence and joy. This proactive approach allows young people to engage with their identities without feeling diminished by external pressures.
Andre shared a personal account from his childhood, highlighting the impact of his schooling decisions. Growing up in a predominantly white neighbourhood, he experienced a harrowing episode that led his mother to transition him to a largely Black public high school. Reflecting on this change, he noted how it positively affected his self-identity and allowed him to embrace his natural hair without concern.
Lisa, on the other hand, attended predominantly white private schools where she often felt like an outsider due to being one of the few Black students. Despite a solid academic foundation, she encountered microaggressions that marred her social experience. These personal experiences fuel her passion for creating a community through Private School Village that resonates with families sharing similar backgrounds.
The couple recently addressed a contentious issue in educational discourse, sparked by Nikole Hannah-Jones’ essay in *The New York Times*, which raised questions about the choices surrounding public versus private schooling. While some critics question whether families of colour should opt for private education rather than enriching public institutions, Lisa acknowledges the privileges involved in their choices but insists such decisions do not negate the challenges faced by families in private education.
She comments, “There’s still real challenges when you are enrolled in private school,” emphasizing the complexity of navigating the dialogue around educational equity. The couple is motivated by a desire to foster understanding and avoid getting trapped in debates that detract from tangible action.
Under their leadership, Private School Village has introduced the Belonging Report Card, a resource aimed at evaluating the social integration of students alongside their academic achievements. Lisa argues that, just as schools prioritize academic and extracurricular activities, they must also invest in the emotional and social well-being of students.
Andre credits his father, Magic Johnson, for his commitment to community service, indicating a familial tradition of philanthropy. He expresses pride in carrying forth this legacy, highlighting that resourcefulness and support for marginalised communities have always been at the forefront of their family values.
The Johnsons’ aspirations for their children go beyond academic success; they hope to instil essential morals and kindness, guiding them to become empathetic individuals in a complex world. As Andre explains, “We can’t predict what they’re going to do job-wise, but we can give them the morals, ethics, and values they need.”
As they look ahead, Lisa and Andre Johnson remain committed to expanding their initiatives to reach even more families and schools, ensuring that Black and brown students not only thrive academically but also find a sense of belonging and purpose in their education.