Can We Talk about Race?: And Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation

I was halfway through this book when a family health crisis distracted me. A lot has happened since then, including the election of the first African American president. According to many white pundits, January 20 2009 marked the official end of racism in America...making this book all the more critical because now we're even LESS likely to talk openly and honestly about race than we were before. Each chapter in the book is based on a lecture in the "Race, Education and Democracy" series at Simmons College. In each, the author seamlessly weaves together personal experience, current events, factual data and policy analysis to help us not only understand where we are, but where we need to be and how we might get there. The first chapter explains that school segregation (or as she puts it, "resegregation") is still very much with us, and what needs to happen if we are to move beyond it. The second chapter examines why this even matters: because race in American classrooms is effecting achievement. The third chapter explores the thorny issue of cross-racial friendships, and questions whether we can have social change if we don't have interpersonal social connection. The final chapter takes us in search of wisdom, providing examples of ways to cultivate leadership. This book is more timely than ever. In a way, I'm glad I waited to finish it.

This book succesfuly explains how our society has grown to accept a school system that often fails minority children. The reasons and some wonderful solutions are explained in a clear and knowledgable manner. It highlights the important role of white teachers and how as the majority of the educators (especially in elementary school) they can change our schools for the better, for all children. This book is a must for parents-who can gain valuable information about our school system to use to their advantage and therefore their community. I feel blessed for reading this and empowered.

this book is very detailed about Race in America and also the effects within the school structure. it examines why there is a strong feeling of Resegregation in schools and Beyond that is legal without as so much as a Why or how come and why has it come back to this?? this Book asks those Questions and gives Answers at how Education can truly knock those walls away if given the full push it needs. Beverly Daniel Tatum, PHD does a Fantastic Job in this Book in detailing and offering solutions for a Better Tommorrow and Future. but Her words need to be heeded today. Education is the Key. a must have and read book.