Almost everyone knows what the term "achievement gap" means, although the key to closing it remains elusive. Despite efforts spanning a decade or more, the disparity in test scores, graduation rates, and other indicators of academic success separating many students of color from many of their white and Asian peers has not been eliminated. In a society that banned racial segregation in its schools more than 50 years ago, why do black students continue to score well below their white counterparts? What impact does race--apart from poverty or family circumstances--have on black students' success in school? Many school boards have come to the conclusion that they cannot successfully close the achievement gap unless they take into account the impact of race and racism. How some came to this realization is a story of outrage and injustice leading to advocacy and determination. In this article, the author argues that discussions about race may be a key to closing the achievement gap. The author stresses that the only way to root out systemic racist attitudes and practices is to explore the ways race has shaped a person's own opportunities and beliefs--often at a subconscious level. The foundation of that understanding is awareness of white privilege.