In America, the grading system primarily uses letter grades as a measure of evaluating students’ proficiency, performance, and academic results. The letter grades A, B, C, D, and F correspond to a specific range of percentage scores and accumulate to what is known as a grade point average.

In the US, a letter grade of “A” typically signifies exceptional mastery of course material. It is the grade that students strive for in their academic endeavors. A letter grade of “B” demonstrates a student’s strong knowledge and above-average work performance. A letter grade of “C” indicates that the student shows an average (adequate) understanding of the coursework. A letter grade of “D” is the lowest passing grade that a student can receive. This grade indicates a basic, but limited comprehension of the coursework. The letter grade of “F” means a failure of the student to grasp the comprehension of the subject matter, as well as a failure to meet the minimum course requirements.

I teach college freshmen at a local community college. I love sharing my knowledge and expertise with young students who will go on to do great things with their lives. I truly believe that knowledge is power, and how you harness that power is the driver of greatness; how we achieve greatness does matter.

Recently, I have been thinking about America and this concept of greatness. But what does greatness look like in America? When we ignore and attempt to erase marginalized communities, we arrest law-abiding people who come to this country seeking the same greatness that we are seeking for ourselves, and accost men and women who speak up for honesty, transparency, and accountability in our government. Do these actions bend the arch towards greatness?

I think about how America would be graded today on subjects such as Faith, Honesty, Strategy, and Respect. Are we living up to our perceived greatness? Or are we failing to meet the minimum requirements it takes to be a great country?

Merriam-Webster defines “Faith” as an allegiance to duty or a person: Loyalty. It appears that we live in a very divided country that is loyal to no one person. We have put our faith squarely in the American dollar. We have a two-party political system that is content in ripping each other to shreds at the cost of the poor and marginalized citizens that they claim to serve. We have abandoned our values and lost our faith in humanity. Yes, Americans have lost faith in America. The decline in faith is evident across the country’s political, media, educational, and religious sectors. The division along the lines of race and politics has deeply widened the “faith” that Americans once had in America. I would give America a letter grade of “F” in this category.

Honest Strategy almost seems like an oxymoron in America. There is a strategy, and it is rooted in deeply seeded racism and caste. In all honesty, Americans are so afraid of one another that they are willing to adopt a zero-sum game so that the more economically advantaged class of people will feel safe and protected. Honest Strategy was best executed in America under the conservative initiative Project 2025, which aims to reshape the federal government and promote right-wing policies. This has been a strategy of the Republican Party for some time.

An Honest Strategy, in its truest sense, would build strong communities and schools for all Americans, regardless of their economic standing. This strategy would hold politicians accountable to work for their constituents, not just those who make major contributions to their political campaigns. An Honest Strategy would enhance universal healthcare for all people, not just the chosen few. I would give America a letter grade of “F’ in this category.

With regards to “Respect” in America, many people of color have an instinctive response to that word. I think about the inscription at the bottom of the Statue of Liberty, which says, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.” The inscription was part of a poem written by Emma Lazarus. The inscription was a welcome to immigrants arriving at Ellis Island. I think of my African ancestors arriving to America on slave ships and bound in chains. The welcome that we received was that we were sold into slavery and separated from our families.

Today, I am proud of the many outstanding achievements that Black Americans have made in this country. Although America’s letter grade in “Respect” is a solid “F,” I am proud that Black and Brown Americans still want to reach across this great, divided nation and work together. We can rise to the top, but only if we do it together.