I attended an all black elementary in Baton Rouge in the 1970s in a poverty stricken area. It is difficult to morph culture all at once. I think maybe you would have had more success if you had been at liberty to have a dance-off for the first 20 minutes of each class period to build rapport and for them to see you as culturally close to themselves. The young boys probably needed someone to push them on the basketball court and some long-distance running to get them focused in on accomplishment. I don't think you can do this all by yourself. Schools need to change. Entire communities have to care.

Yeah I agree they are just kids. Too bad you weren't in an environment where you could become their friend first. Perhaps you don't see that as your role. These kids need role models they can identify with.