Voices for Diversity and Social Justice: A Literary Education Anthology

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Voices for Diversity and Social Justice: A Literary Education Anthologyis an unflinching exploration through poetry, prose, and art of the heart of our educational systemof the segregation, bias, and oppression that are part of the daily lives of so many students and educators. It is also a series of poetical insights into the fights for liberation and resistance at the heart of many of the same students and teachers lives. The contributorsyouth, educators, activists, othersshare what it is like to face discrimination, challenge unjust policy, or subvert monotony by cultivating a vibrant, equitable, revolutionary schoolenvironment. This is not a prescriptive text, but instead a call to action. It is a call from manyliterary voices to create schools where social justice is at the core of education. Stunning in its revelations, Voices for Diversity and Social Justice is an anthology by educators and students unafraid to be passionate about what is missing, what is needed, and what is working in order to make that vision a reality.

Reviews

Diversity is not merely difference but differences that arise out of commonality, such as the humanity we all share. Justice implies equality in treatment, privilege, opportunity, or other arenas. Social justice has a connotation of what society ought to do or what society is doing to ensure just treatment of its members. Of course, these concepts require greater precision when used and are prone to misunderstanding and manipulation in contemporary usage. This work aims to clarify terminology used in popular vernacular and expose some of the nuances that we typically don't consider but profoundly impact our thinking, speech, and actions. Entries are alphabetically arranged, and each has a reference for those interested in additional research. Most entries provide an ind-depth treatment of their subject matters and are written so as to be accessible to the general reader. Examples include Able-ism, Bisexuality, Empathy, Freedom of speech, and Tokenism. Some main-level headings have two entries exploring either specialized aspects of that topic or presenting a different viewpoint on the issue. The clarity and depth of the entries make the set suitable for general readers as well as specialists looking to broaden their knowledge. . . .Recommended for the most academic libraries. * Publishers Weekly *
This book fills a very important void in the field of education. The editors have done a masterful job connecting poems, essays, memoirs, short stories and visual art to promote diversity and social justice in education. I highly recommend this book for all who care about the power of education to change the world! -- Chance W. Lewis, PhD, Carol Grotnes Belk Distinguished Professor of Urban Education; director, The Urban Education Collaborative, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
This anthology honors the multitude of stories that are alive in our culture, and that need to be heard. Writers both well-known and unknown tell their truths in poetry and prose. They make beauty; they call out for understanding, or change. I am reminded of my many years working as a poet in the schools, of the beauty and joy and learning that happen when everyone is encouraged to make art, when everyone's truth is respected, and listened to.I believe this book will will do good work in the world, and will awaken its readers to values we should and could hold dear in schools everywhere. -- Deborah Keenan Poet, professor, Creative Writing Programs, Hamline University
Echoing from classrooms, schools and communities across this country comes voices of rationality and justice. The words on these pages by the authors speak volumes to everyone. I was moved to read this text and am so moved that I view many of these poems as required reading and reflection points for all who are concerned with social justice. -- Robert W. Simmons III, Eastern Michigan University, Teacher Education
Anyone in or around the education field needs to read Voices for Diversity and Social Justice. This anthology captures the modern moments of students in grades K-12, and college, who do not identify with their schools norms of identity, experience, or behavior. In poignant prose and powerful poetry, a tale of educational events from the 1950s through today is woven seamlessly, told through multiple voices and various perspectives. And yet, the narrative is cohesive, suggesting that while many things have changed in the last 65 years, some things remain. The feeling that the young trailblazers felt as they entered white schools after the Brown vs Board decision resonates with todays students as expressed by the anonymous writer of I Get It, who says, You unlocked the door and let me in. I better behave. This is an anthology of voices that want to act up, of voices no longer silenced, no longer whispering, no longer raised in a meeting and then forgotten like echoes across limited time. This anthology is of voices that will continue to reverberate, in print so as not to be denied. -- Rodney Glasgow, chief Diversity Officer, St. Andrews Episcopal School of Potomac, MD; Founder and Chair, National Diversity Directors Institute; Chair, National Association of Independent Schools Student Diversity Leadership Conference

Author Bio

Julie Landsman is a retired teacher, author of A White Teacher Talks About Race and Growing Up White; A Veteran Teacher Reflects on Racism. She consults with schools and universities around the country and internationally. Paul C. Gorski is the founder of EdChange and teaches in the Social Justice and Human Rights program in George Mason Universitys New Century College. He is a social justice activist, educator, and writer with social justice as his core. Rosanna M. Salcedo is a Latina artist, educator, parent, activist, and dreamer. She teaches Spanish and currently holds the position of Dean of Multicultural Affairs at Phillips Exeter Academy, a preparatory school in New England, where she resides with her two sons and their dog.