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Being Black in America’s Schools

2024 marked the fiftieth anniversary of Brown vs Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court case that ended segregation in U.S. public schools. While schools are technically integrated, racism continues to affect the experiences and outcomes of Black folks in the educational system. In "Being Black in America’s Schools," strategist and educator Brian Rashad Fuller shares his personal journey as a Black student navigating American institutions and the lessons he learned that solidified his advocacy for actual change and reform.

Pictured is Brian Rashad Fuller

Throughout the book, the author bolsters his arguments with data about the consequences of discriminatory policies and practices and offers concrete solutions to disrupt a racialized system. Fuller shares his narrative through the lens of an equity strategist who experienced K-12 education firsthand in Sumter, South Carolina. His college days at Emory offered eye-opening revelations about racial harm. Teaching in New York City, Fuller advanced his understanding of the impacts of overt interpersonal and systemic racial discrimination against students of color.

Educators and administrators will learn much from Fuller’s honest account of his lived experiences and observations about the invalidating and confidence-crushing experiences among his Black peers. Black in America’s Schools is a timely and relevant read for all well-meaning educators who want to improve their practices and create an environment where Black and Brown students are valued and supported.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Portland Book Review.
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