This essay argues that offering African American students an African-centered education is one way to promote social justice in public education. We begin with a summary of the inadequate educations offered to many African American students, and then use philosophical interpretations of equal educational opportunity to delineate the requirements of participation in a democracy. From this position, we contend that forms of schooling that teach subordination and alienation undermine democratic participation--the ability to advocate for one's best interests and accord others respect for doing likewise--and that this is unjust. One way to counter social injustice and regain a sense of community and ethnic self-worth is African-centered education, which we describe.