Title: White Privilege and Systemic Prejudice in the Little Red Schoolhouse
Subtitle: (Narratives and Hard Truths by a Former African American Principal)
Author: Scarlet Harvey Black MEd.
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
ASIN: B0B4KPX42J
Pages: 111
Genre: Non-fiction/Discrimination & Racism
Reviewer: Jack Chambers
Pacific Book Review
In the last few years, it has become clearer than ever before that the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. No matter what country the pandemic hit, everything from education and entertainment to medical needs and the grocery industry were impacted by the pandemic. In a lot of ways, especially in the United States, the pandemic not only impacted those who lost someone to the illness, but opened the door for a lot of other existing issues to come to life in a much more prominent way.
One such instance of this was the rise of white privilege and the fight against racism within the education system. In author Scarlet Harvey Black, MEd. book, White Privilege and Systemic Prejudice in the Little Red Schoolhouse, the author shares a unique look into the education system and the bouts of racism which still exist. Sharing events and experiences over the course of a 42-year career, the author is able to showcase both the past and the present experiences, both in similarities and the differences after the COVID-19 pandemic. The book helps to bring to light the hurdles and obstacles which many minority students face that those with white privilege often are not exposed to, and the need to get students of all ethnicities across the United States the same level of education as everyone else.
The author did an incredible job of tackling the tough and uncomfortable topics most people are too afraid to discuss openly, and brought them into the light. The balance of both experiences in the past and the present were greatly featured in this book, and examined the vast disparity in educational experiences between white children and children of color. From the days of segregation and the large number of differences in everything from second-hand books and poorly maintained school buildings, to the large task of maintaining equality in our more modern times and facing racism from students, teachers, parents and even members of the school board, the author delved deeply into the hardships facing educators and students of color in the education system.
This is the perfect book for those who enjoy non-fiction reads, especially those who enjoy non-fiction books examining racism and discrimination within the confines of our society. The honesty and relatability of the author’s experiences for many readers will be greatly felt as the book progresses, and the insightful nature of the author’s work here will help bring to light the injustices and unnecessary struggles which far too many people of color have had to experience and continue to experience today.
