Books on Black empowerment & reform
What could our community need more than constant and continual evaluations and conversations about education reform and empowerment in the Black community? We know Black writers and thinkers have the grace, platforms, and capacity to share their knowledge and intelligence on cultural issues more than in the past. Bettina L. Love’s “Punished for Dreaming” takes a searing look at the often overlooked consequences of education reform policies, which have disproportionately harmed Black children, and offers a roadmap for healing and transformation. Love’s narrative is a stark reminder that the promise of quality education and equal opportunity remains elusive for many Black youth, trapped within a system that pathologizes and penalizes them. Meanwhile, Luke Lawal’s “Rich Black Poor Black” is a forward-looking work that offers a blueprint for financial empowerment and success within Black communities. These two authors, each in their own unique way, provide insights into the complex issues facing Black Americans today, from the classroom to the boardroom, ultimately advocating for a brighter, more equitable future.
Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal by Bettina L. Love (St. Martin’s Press)
“Punished for Dreaming” by Dr. Bettina L. Love is a powerful and thought-provoking book that takes a critical look at the impact of educational policies on Black children in America. Dr. Love’s argument is clear and compelling: the era of Reagan’s presidency marked the beginning of what she calls the “War on Black Children,” a deeply unsettling period characterized by pathologizing and punishing of Black children, often in concert with the broader War on Drugs. The book delves into the transformation of educational policies during this time, illustrating how schools were increasingly subjected to policing, closures, and funding cuts under the guise of reform. This not only failed to address the systemic issues facing these schools but also allowed private interests to infiltrate the education system.
Rich Black Poor Black: Empowering Black Communities: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges by Luke Lawal Jr. (Luke Lawal Ip, LLC)
“Rich Black Poor Black” is an empowering and informative work that blends personal narratives with financial guidance. It not only highlights the power of personal choices but also presents a comprehensive approach to building and maintaining wealth. The book’s accessibility and motivational tone make it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their financial well-being and contribute to the empowerment of marginalized communities. The book merges the critical intersection of Black culture and wealth creation in the contemporary world. Lawal emphasizes that, while Black culture is rich in history, tradition, family, music and art, financial prosperity is increasingly essential today. “Rich Black Poor Black” offers a groundbreaking perspective on creating, sustaining, and passing down wealth through various financial vehicles, including real estate, entrepreneurship, and even cryptocurrency.
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