I Heard What You Said: A Black Teacher, A White System

by Jeffrey Boakye

An Amazon Best Non-Fiction Book of 2022

'Essential reading' - The Guardian
'Sharp and witty with moments of startling candour' - The i
'Makes a powerful case' - Rt Hon Lady Hale
‘Revealing and beautifully written’ - David Harewood
________

Before Jeffrey Boakye was a black teacher, he was a black student. Which means he has spent a lifetime navigating places of learning that are white by default. Since training to teach, he has often been the only black teacher at school. At times seen as a role model, at others a source of curiosity, Boakye’s is a journey of exploration – from the outside looking in.

In the groundbreaking I Heard What You Said, he recounts how it feels to be on the margins of the British education system. As a black, male teacher – an English teacher who has had to teach problematic texts – his very existence is a provocation to the status quo, giving him a unique perspective on the UK’s classrooms.

Through a series of eye-opening encounters based on the often challenging and sometimes outrageous things people have said to him or about him, Boakye reflects on what he has found out about the habits, presumptions, silences and distortions that black students and teachers experience, and which underpin British education.

Thought-provoking, witty and completely unafraid, I Heard What You Said is a timely exploration of how we can dismantle racism in the classroom and do better by all our students.
________

'Hugely important' - Baroness Lawrence
'Deeply compelling, intellectually rigorous and essential' - Nels Abbey
'Personal and political, profound and playful' - Darren Chetty
'Written with passion, fury, knowledge and, in spite of the painful subject, wit' - Patrice Lawrence

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Politics, Education, Audiobook, Memoir, Book Club

Audible Audio

First published June 9, 2022

Reviews

[Andrew H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Heard What You Said looks at the education system from a black male teacher's point of view -- a rare and valuable perspective! The format is simple and effective in the main: a real statement is remembered -- "Not even my mum talks to me like that" -- and this is used to open up questions about race, identity, and education. There are occasions, however, where the links between statement and response are tenuous and the writing is forced. Unlike Clanchy's Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me", Boakye's book is careful not to stray into stereotypes; just as well considering the purpose of the book. This also means, however, that the pupils mentioned are rather two-dimensional and serve the moral point and nothing else. For a book that upholds the value of inter-actions in the classroom this is limiting. As in Black Listed, Boakye writes in a lively and chatty style. This has a positive and negative effect: I Heard What You Said is not an incomprehensible mass of theory in which truth is spoken to no one except the author. Then again, the tone can become conversationally sloppy:

Essential knowledge According to who? The wording itself [National Curriculum passage] is an echo of words written by someone called Matthew Arnold in the late 1860s ...[.]"

It is assumed that the reader will not know who this is -- "someone" -- so no point in explaining. It's the sort of fact an intelligent English teacher knows, but the common reader need not worry their brain over it. Actually, this does matter. Arnold was a leading educational inspector in Victorian times, a major cultural critic, son of a Rugby headteacher, and the echoing of his thoughts by the Thatcherite Government is very relevant to why the National Curriculum sought to strait-jacket the curriculum. Curricular issues are deeply relevant to Boakye's theme in this book, especially the latter sections that consider anti-racist strategies in a world where whiteness prevails. But there are strange omissions, similar to the sweeping over Arnold! Time is devoted to the National Curriculum, but nothing much is made about the divisive British Values introduced when Gove, as Secretary for Education, rewrote the curriculum. This change is deeply relevant to curriculum content. Also, as an English Teacher, Boakye is rightly concerned about the prevalence of white literature and the stultifying canon used by exam boards -- yet nothing is said about the battle over this issue when the National Curriculum was introduced: The famous Cox Report on the teaching of English. Context does matter.

There is also a massive hole in the book. Boakye was appointed to a revolutionary new free school in Doncaster. A prestigious appointment. A chance to employ all of his beliefs in anti-racist education. At last, a place where a black educationalist might have a major effect. The result, what Boakye refers to as a "spoiler" in his book. was that he stayed for a short space of time and left because of institutionalised racism! Surely, that ought to be a major part of this book?

There are many valuable insights in I Heard What You Said. Boakye is a provocative and stimulating writer. The final visionary section, "Embracing Anti-racism", is somewhat disappointing though. It almost feels like a set of motivational speeches, the sort-of stuff (I have) heard all too frequently during INSET training -- in comes the witty expert, all set to entertain and elucidate, and heigh ho a good time is had by all and everyone can have a pat on the back and ... status quo.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Not being racist isn't enough; you have to be anti racist." -Jeffrey Boakye

This book was written by a black, male English teacher in the UK, and while parts of it are specific to Britain (think statistics), it could have easily been written by a black, male English (or any subject) teacher in America. Jeffrey has a powerful message that makes you think, but I do need more answers. He does acknowledge that and asks his readers to look further into the racial inequality in schools.

Jeffrey is able to speak from the perspective of a former black student and a current black teacher. There are definitely parts that make you think because you never thought of them before. He speaks of a broken curriculum and lack of awareness. He speaks many truths. I enjoyed his perspective, and I enjoyed that he made me think.

As a white female English teacher, I know I have advantages. I try to be conscientious about what I teach, how I behave, and what I say on a daily basis, but I do worry that I will say something the wrong way or not acknowledge something I should when we read certain material. I feel blessed to teach in such a diverse community, and I love learning about my students' lives, backgrounds, and traditions. I love that they are willing to teach me. However, it breaks my heart that they rarely see themselves reflected back at them when they look at the adults around them. Despite not looking it, I am half Mexican, and I have so many students who latch on to that when they learn it. There is a definite bond there, and I believe more students need that.

At minimum since we can't change our skin color or background, I believe more people need to read this book and start bringing our unconscious bias out of the subconscious...to be aware of our actions, thoughts, and words and bring more diversity into our curriculum. Even if the adults around them aren't a reflection of them, maybe the characters in their books and the people in their history can be.

[readingwithjaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book! Thank you so much Angelica for the recommendation, a great book club pick. I think everyone should read this because of the significant points made about race, but this is especially important for educators. It certainly made me reflect on my own teaching practices. I loved how every chapter began with a quote and then the other delved into that quote, who said it, the story behind it, etc. I’m looking forward to learning more and reading more books from this author.

[Anna Baynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always felt uncomfortable by how little we are taught of British colonial and racist history in school but this book highlights the systemic racism in education ao well and so eloquently. Really makes you realise how embedded whiteness is in education and how much further there is to go.

[Salma Alom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book speaks volumes and I recommend it should be read by everyone, not just those in the education field.

[DaN McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book everyone working in UK education must read.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A searing examination of the racism embedded/entrenched in the UK education system, as well as a call to action for teachers (but also just people!) to change how we, particularly white people, perceive and discuss race in schools—starting with the simple exercise of... talking about it. I've found it fascinating and alarming in equal measure to compare the conversations I've had in the US and the UK about race, as my experience in the UK so far has been one of intentional color-blindness, especially in the context of the initial teacher training I'm undergoing this year. For that reason alone, I'm so glad to have come across this book. Boakye does not shy away from the reality of Britain's whitewashed curriculum, but he tempers his anger and frustration with genuine hope that we all can build something better—and he gives us readers every reason to agree.

Where the book falters for me, mainly, is in its structure: I don't know if Boakye's (again: powerful!) argument is actually served by such quick chapters. His conversational tone is engaging, but I finished many of the sections feeling as if they just skimmed the surface of what could/needs to be said.

My structural complaints aside, this is a book so many of us both in and outside of education would do well to pick up!

[Bethal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not a book, it was a mirror!!
I can’t wait to return to it time and time again.

As a black English teacher, this was beyond comforting to read. I’m in the infancy of my teaching and grappling with so much that race is just one of the many things I have to consider. Boakye was insightful and yet had the reassurance of an uncle or older brother. I’m just glad that I’m not alone and someone has written the book!
Many, many thoughts racing through my head! There isn’t enough time or characters to fully express my gratitude!!

[Melanie Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our final book group choice for 2023, and this book certainly provided for plenty of discussion. Told from the viewpoint of a black male teacher, with anecdotes and stories from the schools he has taught in, the chapters were informative, challenging, eye-opening, and easy to follow. The book, for me, did dip a bit in the middle - but then picked up again to end with some extremely powerful chapters.

[Mike Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important to read as opposed to being enjoyable especially if, like me, you work in education or are trying hard to understand the white privilege that I've had all of my life.

Through a series of anecdotes, Boakye addresses some really important issues regarding race in schools and in society in general.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best education non-fiction focused books I've read!

[Peter Baynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffry Boakye uses his experiences of being a black Brit and an English Teacher to reveal just how embedded white supremacy is in our institutions, and how it prevents people of all backgrounds realising their full potential. He discusses how even progressives and even black politicians (Kemi Badenoch) are blinded by it. There are some positive stories that give hope, but I am left feeling a bit depressed about the prejudice in our society. His message is that we have to unpick and learn from centuries of history. I thought I’d seen positive change in my lifetime (b1960) but there is so much still to be done, so much casual racism and discrimination embedded in our society still. With our current world leaders I can’t see change happening fast. Great to get a perspective on these issues from such an erudite and articulate author.

[G.Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Who feels it, knows it!’ The ‘Jeffrey’s nice..’, ‘This is my poem’, ‘You’re staying in the classroom’ chapters bring the proverbial lump to the throat.
This book has to be placed in the ‘top one’ of teacher training recommended reads. It is also a must read for parents and those involved in safe-guarding, child psychology, curriculum planning and a host of other ‘educational’ bodies…particularly starting with whoever bears the title of, ‘Education Secretary’! Progressive and positive solutions that should/could be implemented are provided here.
After over twenty years in the teaching profession, I now understand ‘pyrrhic victory’.
Thank goodness we have people like Jeffrey Boakye .

[Ai-sha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A needed shake of the shoulders for those of us working in UK schools

[Hannah Leighton-Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️.

[Peyton Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

For my fourth and final deep book this school year, I delved into “I Heard What You Said” by Jeffrey Boakye. What drove me to read this book is that it is based on the life of a black teacher who worked in white public school systems. Each chapter is a deep dive into the many comments he has received while teaching. In the first chapter, he talks about how white individuals looked at him differently. Even the teachers. He also talked about how most of the time when he came in, even the facial recognition device for the teachers never recognized him because of his skin color. This poignant narrative sheds light on the pervasive issue of race in education and forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism within our school systems. He would constantly get questions about whether he was a teacher or not, or why his skin was “so dark.”. You would think that with him working in a country that is so-called “better than America,” his experience teaching in a school like this would be a lot better. It was a reminder that racism is a global problem and that it cannot be solved simply by moving from one place to another. This narrative is an important reminder of the importance of taking action against racism and creating an equitable education system for all.
Who is Jeffrey Boakye? Former teacher Jeffrey Boakye is now a writer, lecturer, and educator who is known for being able to clearly and effectively explain complex current topics.
Jeffrey combines his charisma, enthusiasm, and writing skills to talk about popular culture, education, masculinity, and race. He's well-known for writing "Musical Truth: An Audio Tour Through Contemporary African American Culture." In addition, he has written six other books: Musical World: A History of the Modern World Like Nothing You Have Heard Before, Rap Battle Summer, and Kofi, Black, listed: An Examination of Black British Culture, Hold Tight: Black masculinity, millennials, and the meaning of grime, and What is Masculinity? Why does it matter? And other big questions (co-authored with Darren Chetty). To deliver training to schools, universities, Multi Academy Trusts, charities, and corporations, Jeffrey draws on his experiences as an English teacher of fifteen years, having taught the subject first in West London, then in East London, where he established a successful English department, and finally in East Yorkshire. Other than working with kids in the classroom, Jeffrey offers workshops and sessions. In addition, he assists in the training of new teachers at the Manchester Institute of Education as a Senior Teaching Fellow. “Are You Sitting Comfortably?” Is a highly-read newsletter that Jeffrey publishes and tackles the realities and intersections of identity politics, including race, gender, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity—the fundamental components of who we are and how we are perceived.
At the beginning of the year, I decided to research new books with different genres that I should read. I realized that in all of my years of reading, I rarely ever read books from people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, etc. that talk about their personal experiences and share their own stories. While reading this book, I didn’t go in completely blind. Just like most books I read, I made sure to get a clear understanding of what might happen when reading. The reason I read this book is because not many individuals talk about what teachers go through. Especially teachers who happen to be people of color. I wanted to find out what their experiences were like and what they had to say about them. I also wanted to understand how teachers of color are perceived by their students, administrators, and society as a whole. Even though Jeffrey Boakye is just one person, this kind of book speaks volumes for a lot of people. Another thing that sticks out is how recently this book was made. It was published on September 6, 2022. This shows that there is still a need for conversations about the experiences of teachers of color and how they can be supported. It is an important reminder that there is still work to be done to create an equitable and inclusive education system. In conclusion, this book was a deep book for me, and I would consider reading it again. It gave me a wider understanding of what a lot of teachers who have different backgrounds go through on a day-to-day basis. This book was a reminder of the importance of diversity in the classroom and the importance of understanding the unique perspectives of teachers of color. It was also a reminder of the importance of listening to and learning from the experiences of those who have different backgrounds. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the things a large number (if not all) black people have to experience on a daily basis so that they can gain deeper knowledge.

[Rhea-Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a powerful and educational book. As a black woman, I could relate to every single chapter. Wether I’m relating by a similar experience or I have been the one to make this kind of remark.

In school I didn’t realise how white our curriculum was until I was reading about it. My head was in constant nodding in agreement as it took me back to 2010 when I attended secondary school and really thought about what we was learning and why … especially when it came to history and English ( both language and literature ). As an English teacher himself, jeffery touches upon many aspects of the English curriculum and why he had to make a stand to it.

The book is about Jeffery’s experiences as a black male English teacher teaching in the UK. What I took from the book & chapters I enjoyed and related to.


1. Are you really a teacher?
What does that even mean? Because he’s a Black man… he can’t be? I’ve been in teaching myself, mainly private education and the same question comes up.

2. What’s your real name though?
Now, I’ve never been on the questioning side but on the the asking … meeting fellow black brothers and sisters and hearing them shorten their name fills my heart with such anger just because I have never understood why we need to shorten our names to make it “easier “for anyone. If you can learn how to pronounce ‘ Swarovski’ and ‘ Tchaikovsky’ then you can learn how to pronounce my name. Point. Blank. Period. I will no longer accept “ it’s hard to pronounce “ and that goes for any other person that struggles with this not just someone from black heritage.

3. You’re posh
Here we go… why does every articulate black person have to be posh? We also had an education. Just to let you know.

4. I knew she’d be white. This stems from black men who date white women ( nothing wrong with it ) and by saying a white women being black apparently you don’t have a say when it comes to your heritage or the colour of your skin. Many times I have seen black men dating a white women and the voice in my head straight away goes “ I knew it “ indicating he was showing some type of energy that indicated him being with a white woman… again nothing wrong with it & I guess it’s just kind of a culture shock in some way.

5. They think we are in a gang, sir.
Do you see those black boys over there? All 20 of them? They are in a gang .. they must be!
How tiring does this subject get? I mean, let’s be honest. They are probably all walking home from school and live predominantly close to one another and even if they are not - why a gang?

6. Why is everything bad, black?
Even now - black is seen as doom. It’s seen as something so horribly bad that it’s deeper than justified. Does it still have to be bad? I think black is beautiful, black is awesome, black is fearless and strong. White and black can coexist without having to be opposites.

7. What are we doing for black history month? ( always falls on the black college if there’s one and If not it’s cool if it doesn’t happen I guess )
Working in education for over 7 years it has always fallen on the black college to come up with what we are doing for black history “month” and month being in quotation as it’s never really a month it’s just a couple of days out of the month talking about Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela and if you’re lucky enough Stormzy. The same arts and crafts, listening to African drumming and if the budget can stretch the chef might try and create an African or Caribbean inspired lunch.

8. Have you ever been to prison?
this came from a Childs mouth… asking their BLACK male teacher if he had ever been to prison. Shock horror, it’s not just teenagers that get it. This annoyed me as much as the question ‘ are you muslim because you went to jail?’ - what does that even mean? I get the stats, most black men or men in general tend to convert in prison but not every black man has seen the inside of a prison cell and still chose Islam.

9. Do I get my n word pass?
Piss off. That is all that ran through my mind whilst reading, I can’t believe in this day and age children of other races still think it is ok to use the word Nigga not just using the word but asking BLACK children if they can get a pass… again, piss off.

10. I don’t see colour. 
this chapter came with a lot of head nodding from me as I have heard this from many white counterparts too often and never really understood. Jeffery opened my eyes! If you are white and you tell me that you don’t see colour, you don’t see me. You don’t see the way my skin glistens when I’m in the sun, you don’t see my melanin. You don’t see colour you say? Then you my friend are colour blind. Me and my BLACK self is very much here. You better open your eyes and see me.

That is that.


[Dasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boakye explores the implications of systemic racism in the context of British schooling, drawing on his personal experience as a Black male teacher, and exploring the importance of making discussions about race and racism explicit, and reforming the curriculum and wider systems to create a more equal and conscientious society.
I completely agree that we do not live in a colour-bling society, and that although 'race' is a social construct that was created to 'racialise' individuals and establish hierarchies, it has very real implications. I agree with the importance of teaching children and young people about Black history (and not just slavery and victimisation), and challenging children's racist language or assumptions - kindly and with understanding, that is.
There were a few points I greatly disagree with him on. Firstly, 'playing the race card' is a crude term of which Boakye is rightly critical. However, people claiming racism when none is present or other factors are responsible or at least contribute to the situation, is very real and is in my opinion detrimental to 'race' relations in any society. Boakye says that it's "Good" that a child calls out racism even when none is observable, and acts as though he was the bigger man when he told as much to another teacher. This self-righteousness annoyed me, frankly. (Disucussion about 'Boy who cried wolf' can be had here).
Further, it is often not 'race' that is the problem or what causes the discrimination, 'racism' or bigotry. For example - names. Okay, so they tried to call you 'Mr B' and you took issue with it - fair enough, but this is not a racist issue. Kids have trouble pronouncing my surname, too, and I'm white. It's not because they're racist. It's a difference of cultures and language. While I agree that they can learn to pronounce our (foreign) names correctly, it is certainly nothing to do with race.
The same can be applied to people asking 'Where are you from?', 'What kind of name is that?' etc etc. Not everything is racist. Sometimes people are genuinely just curious, and that's okay.
Finally, his tone is condescending and patronising, and he says that instilling white guilt in children is not problematic. I understand that being a marginalised and minoritised group (black male teachers) is not easy, and his childhood was also tougher than most of ours, but we cannot push this bitterness onto the new generations. They should be taught and made aware of the past, but they are not responsible for the actions of past generations. A positive atmosphere of diversity and acceptance should be fostered and built upon positive values rather than come from a place of judgement and negativity.

[I'mogén · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook, via Borrowbox.

The Details:
Read by the author
Unabridged

Being part of the education industry, in a teaching support role, I thought this would be a great non-fiction for me to read. It really was!

The part about "where are you really from?" And "you're posh", and keeping facets of my life seperate from other parts...really hit the nail on the head.

At around 10% it really threw me off because I thought he was talking about my brother... so much so I text him to ask if he had this guy as a teacher at some point in his life! Then I realised the dates wouldn't have added up and the name was fake... Oops...

This was so interesting that when I put on my 20 minute sleep timer (which I usually do fall asleep during) I was still wide awake and paying rapt attention.

Everything about this was just so spot on. A must read, and necessary for schools and those that work within the education sector.

The narrator
I always love when the author reads their work and this was no exception. Especially being a non-fiction, the conversations came across even more impactful, genuine, and thought provoking.

Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén

[Simon Street · Rating 2 out of 5]

A teacher's perspective
I didn't get much from this book though I am a teacher. I didn't recognise the classrooms Boatkye describes - maybe because I teach in the North of England in an area with different problems but also I couldn't help thinking because he doesn't really let stuff like social class come into the equation, preferring to see things from a racial perspective. I think I found that a bit American and a bit alienating. I teach white pupils but they have lots of disadvantage in their lives. I also thought he 'skipped past' problems very quickly, particularly at the end when he does come North and suddenly realises that there are really poor, very disadvantaged but white parts of the UK. He really didn't deal with the problems he encountered then preferring to blame it all on 'racism' but I don't know, he really did get closed down by Ofsted for safeguarding ( google Big Picture, Ofsted, Boakye if you want to check) and I'd have been interested in an exploration of that myself. Other than that I guess I found the book a bit 'thin' and I thought he came over personally as a bit vain with a chapter on his clothes and quite a bit about lessons where everything goes really well. I'd have prefered to here a bit more about where it went wrong.

[Shaz]

I don't necessarily agree with everything in here, mostly the examples used to support something had me questioning it e.g. the general argument and call for inquiry into the current state of the curriculum- agree. Criticising the position of 'Of Mice and Men' in the curriculum, despite it being the only book which is widely studied in the UK which tackles various and several forms of injustice (including race) from one of the few socially conscious white writers of his time, (who in my opinion does it better than some contemporary authors who are better informed) - strongly disagree. Maybe this is unfair because I happen to know too much about John Steinbeck, and so I know he was genuinely conscientious about writing about social injustice and Of Mice and Men is a very short book which essentially begs for empathy for others. He (Jeffrey Boakye) acknowledges that Of Mice and Men isn't a book about racism so the critique is somewhat unfair. He is, as always, good with words.

[Ailsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential reading for anyone working in education, I Heard What You Said is a book about being a black teacher in a white system. It's a little disjointed, being more of a manifesto than a memoir, but every anecdote or chapter in the book is there for a reason and leaves you with a lot to think about. This was bought by our Equalities Group in school, and hopefully a lot of our (majority white) staff will read it. But as a white school librarian working towards anti-racism in myself and my work, a lot of it has really stuck with me, especially this quote:

"Decolonising the curriculum might be akin to switching off gravity. Or deoxygenating air. And then asking people to stand still and breathe anyway... institutional racism isn't something that can be turned off, like a tap. It needs to be fought, like a virus."

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like with most anti-racist books I read I think this one is required reading for white people. I especially think it for teachers. Told as a series of anecdotes it’s a clever way to unpack some serious topics but in a way that everyone who deals with teenagers can understand. I also enjoyed the biographical details along the way, they make for a chronological narrative structure which makes the book easier to read. As with all of Boakye’s books they challenge, are unflinching in their honesty but invite the reader into a dialogue which results in something good. Just read it, especially if you’re a teacher. Or if you want to be an ally.

[Jo Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone working in education should read this book. It’s a powerful manifesto for how we can change the narrative by exposing the ideological dangers of whiteness and dismantling the racist structures that permeate our education system.

This is a book that I feel I need to read over and over again to remind me about the role that I can play in either contributing to the injustices in the system or tackling them head on.

[Malene · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must-read and not just by educators or anybody involved with children and young people in any capacity. We absolutely all have to question what is being taught to children/young people and how, we need to examine our own beliefs and ingrained traditional thought patterns and make changes. I have read this with my school book group and have marked practically every page with points for discussion and reflection.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a black, male English teacher in the UK, and while parts of it are specific to Britain (think statistics), it could have easily been written by a black, male English (or any subject) teacher in America. Jeffrey has a powerful message that makes you think.

Jeffrey is able to speak from the perspective of a former black student and a current black teacher. He speaks of a broken curriculum and lack of awareness. He speaks many truths. I enjoyed his perspective.

[Ellen Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. Jeffrey’s writing explains to perfection why every decent person needs to stand up proud with an active anti racist commitment. As Jeffrey explains so well, simple assertion of not being by racist just isn’t enough. As a teacher and leader and parent and friend, I will continue to support in every way I can to create a better understanding of why tackling race discrimination is vital.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really important read for EVERYONE, especially those who work in UK schools. Although, I do think it was majorly repetitive, perhaps because I was familiar with a lot of these ideas/concepts already (humble brag). Because of the repetitiveness, it did make it a slow read for me.

I really enjoyed Boakye’s honesty, especially in moments of ignorance. Progress is only made when embracing discomfort.

[Molly h · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for anyone working in a school.

Boakye does a masterful job of intertwining anecdote, policy (education and beyond) and reflection.

Beginning each chapter around a quote is a springboard into a broad range of topics: the adultification of black girls; the additional pressures black teachers face as a result of them working in a white system; the need for a flexible, engaging and representative curriculum.

This book made me laugh, think and miss the classroom.

[Jeroen Van Haute · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik heb dit boek gekocht met de bedoeling, als leerkracht te weten te komen hoe je om kunt gaan met racisme in de klas. Op dat vlak ben ik wat ontgoocheld, maar ik heb wel een goed zicht gekregen op hoe racisme geïnstitutionaliseerd is. Vanuit het oogpunt van een Afro-Britse leerkracht naar het onderwijs kijken is toch redelijk hard in een spiegel kijken.