Historical and contemporary perceptions of the African American child are based on his or her relationship to his family in general and to his or her mother in particular. This article critically reviews flawed premises constructed by outsiders looking into the African American family. These premises have shaped the education and social place African American urban children have occupied prior to and after schools were desegregated. Distributing opportunity in an equitable fashion is suggested as a proven strategy to removing educational gaps. (Contains 1 table.)