Noliwe Rooks Livres

A timely indictment of the privatization - and profitability - of separate and unequal schools.

The book presents a critical perspective on the history of African American studies, challenging the conventional narrative of heroic struggles and emphasizing the role of white philanthropy in the establishment of many programs. Noliwe M. Rooks advocates for acknowledging this complex past to ensure a stable future for the field. Through her unflinching analysis, Rooks highlights the necessity of confronting uncomfortable truths to foster a more nuanced understanding of African American studies.

The narrative centers on Mary McLeod Bethune, a pivotal figure in the Black civil rights movement who overcame severe adversity to become an influential educator and advocate. As the first in her family to receive an education, she founded a school in Daytona, Florida, which evolved into a university. Bethune viewed education as crucial to achieving freedom, voting rights, and economic independence. The author's personal connection to Bethune's legacy highlights the impact of her work in a challenging historical context marked by racial violence and discrimination.