Title: White Privilege and Systemic Prejudice in the Little Red Schoolhouse (Narratives and Hard Truths by a Former African American Principal)
Author: Scarlet Harvey Black, MEd.
Publisher: Page Publishing
ISBN: 978-1662465406
Pages: 111
Genre: Discrimination & Racism
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
Hollywood Book Reviews
Author Scarlet Harvey Black’s book White Privilege and Systemic Prejudice in the Little Red Schoolhouse offers stark realities and authentic accounts of the power dynamics which are part of American culture that disproportionately favor white people at the expense of people of color, particularly in the education sector.
A child’s skin color, race, religion, language, disability, or neighborhood should not determine the sort of education they get. However, as Scarlet has seen throughout her 42-year career as a public-school educator – serving in the capacities of principal, assistant principal, administrative assistant, counselor, and classroom teacher – creating a fair and equitable learning environment for minority and underprivileged children has proven to be incredibly difficult in America’s schools. This, she mentions, stands in stark contrast to the rich, white students who she believes were the intended benefactors of American education and whom she feels the system has always favored.
The COVID-19 pandemic, in Scarlet’s opinion, brought to light undeniable bigotry, injustice, and apathy towards immigrants, low-income pupils, and students of color. Moreover, it exposed racial and cultural disparities based on those who held positions of power. Inevitably, the book reveals this prejudice affected a substantial number of administrators of color, as demonstrated by the disproportionate number of those allocated to the underperforming, predominantly minority schools, sometimes on the same side of town. As an administrator, Scarlet was constantly confronted with scenarios such as being questioned by white parents and superiors, regardless of how sound her judgments or qualifications were.
In this book, she presents a balanced view of what can be achieved by providing equal access to resources, genuine concern, and attention to all students enrolled in the American educational system. Her perspective is that of a seasoned public school teacher who has been a staunch proponent of high-quality public education for all children in America, particularly those living in extreme poverty. Her words reveal her unwavering commitment, generosity, bravery, and good judgment in the face of a daunting challenge, becoming a voice for many who have encountered similar fate.
White Privilege and Systemic Prejudice in the Little Red Schoolhouse (Narratives and Hard Truths by a Former African American Principal), penned by Scarlet Harvey Black, makes a strong case for Americans to take into account the variables which affect teachers’ and students’ success in their endeavors. It is certainly a thought-provoking work with pertinent themes from a quintessential voice in America today.
This book is a must-read for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in racial justice. The author’s call to action for dismantling these structures of inequity is both urgent and inspiring. Scarlet Harvey Black offers hope that through acknowledging these realities and working to change them, we can create an educational system that truly serves all students equally.