Books That Teachers Of Color Should Read

Kam’s Corner

Kam Williams is a syndicated film and book critic who writes for 100+ publications. He is a member of the New York Film Critics Online, the African-American Film Critics Association, and the NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committee.

American Indians:

Stereotypes & Realities

by Dr. Devon A. Mihesuah

Dr. Devon A. Mihesuah, a professor of International Cultural Understanding at the University of Kansas, who happens to be a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, and the author of over a dozen books on Indigenous history. It has been her life’s mission to set the record straight about Native Americans. In American Indians: Stereotypes & Realities she corrects 25 common mistaken notions, ranging from “Indians had no civilization until Europeans brought it to them” – to “Indians have no religion” – to “Indians are a vanished race”- to “Indians get a free ride from the government”- to “Indians have a tendency towards alcoholism”- to “Indians were conquered because they were inferior”- to “Indians have no reason to be unpatriotic.”

Consider the chapter debunking the stereotype of Indians as warlike, where the author matter-of-factly explains that they were understandably fighting “to defend their lands, sovereignty and way of life from invaders.” She goes on to point out that movies and history books have generally portrayed her people as wild savages, when it really was generals like George Washington and Andrew Jackson who were the bloodthirsty aggressors. Unfortunately, the ethnic cleansing on the part of the conquerors continues to be celebrated as great military victories instead of massacres. A precious primer on Native Americans for anyone who can handle the truth about how the West was won.

Decoding the Dragon’s Mindset

Inside China’s Destiny and Its Hint to the World

by: David W. Wang

Decoding the Dragon’s Mindset demonstrates why it is no fluke that China has flourished over the millennia for dynasty after dynasty while so many other great civilizations have declined and disappeared entirely. Unlike their verbose European counterparts, great Asian thinkers need very few words to make a sage point, so they tend to communicate in a very concise fashion.

In general, Wang observes that “most Chinese people, compared to Westerners, don’t typically talk that much.” Why not? “Because the Chinese believe quietness leads to deep and consistent thoughts and wisdom.” He adds that we now live in a stressful, electronic age of incessant “man-made noise” which makes “inner silence” all the more important.

Later, he describes the essence of the unique Chinese family system, which values collective needs and goals over individual ones. Apparently obedience to parents and respect for elders and ancestors are virtues cultivated at an early age, for without such roots children tend to grow up with no solid identity, purpose or direction.

After finishing this priceless primer, don’t be surprised if you feel tempted to adopt some of the basic tenets of Chinese philosophy for your own daily life. More importantly, you might even start to wonder why such an introduction to Asian History isn’t a mandatory part of every public school curriculum, just like European history.

Inspirational Documentary

Chronicles Success of Inner-City Chicago Prep School

Excellent – 4 Stars   * Rated PG for mature themes   * Running time: 92 minutes

Paul J. Adams, III was the principal of Providence St. Mel, a parochial school in an impoverished section of Chicago, when he was informed by the Catholic diocese of its plans to close the institution. Instead of updating his resume’ to look for a new job,  Adams started a fundraising campaign in order to be able to continue to serve the community, where most of the kids attending public schools didn’t have much of a future.

Well, he not only saved Providence St. Mel but turned it into an elite, K-12 prep school where the aim was not merely to graduate students but to send them on to college. Hiring only competent, dedicated teachers who saw their job almost as a ministry or calling,  Adams implemented a rigorous academic regimen with high expectations.

And that approach has paid off, as Providence St. Mel has achieved remarkable success, with 100% of its graduates gain admission to college for over 30 years in a row. This uplifting story is recounted in engaging detail in The Providence Effect, an inspirational documentary directed by Rollin Binzer.

The film is set mostly in and around the school, which Founder Adams runs with a combination of empathy and tough love because of gangs and other potentially attractive maladies of the ghetto waiting just outside the door. To help discourage students who might be tempted by the idea of making easy money on the street, he even rewards those who make the honor roll with stocks and bonds.

A moving bio-pic about an unsung hero with a winning formula which ought to be replicated in inner cities all across the country.

Raggedy Schools

“The Untold Truth”

by: Dr. Steve Perry

(Reviewed by Pres Edwards, TOC Publisher)

Raggedy Schools “The Untold Truth”, is a hard hitting book that exposes how the teachers unions, school officials and parents are destroying public schools. Dr. Perry is entertaining, yet passionate about reforming public education.  He examines everything from gay marriage, lazy students, teacher’s unions, parents and vouchers.

He candidly reveals the structure upon which the education system operates and gives us a glimpse of  what happens from the inside. Dr. Perry challenges kids to take a more active role in their education, and parents to become knowledgeable in the system.

This compelling young educator offers an unusual and effective way of teaching today’s youth.  He brings a unique and refreshing approach to revitalizing the education system by giving precise and direct solutions. Dr. Perry is one of the most talk about educators today, and represents  a change that has long been awaited.

Other Books Reviewed By Kam William