As an activist turned educator, I aimed to be a Black man behind a blackboard, and continue to strive to bring more Black men to the classroom. Jo Hawkins-Jones and Myron Labat’s work, Educating Black Males in the 21st Century South: Tunnel Vision?, exemplifies the systematic challenges and disruptive narratives that surround Black men and make this aspiration not just radical, but life-saving. Their work encourages us all to invest in the educational experiences of Black men as well as a clear path to advocate for Black men. Equitable school funding, social-emotional learning curriculum, or higher teacher salaries are in vain if it’s not accompanied by the dismantlement of racist policies and narratives, especially towards Black men and boys. This book deftly interrogates the social policy and narratives that impact the educational experiences of Black men. If we want to truly educate Black boys and men, to achieve educational justice, we must rely on the recommendations of the authors to radically change our classroom communities and educational policy.

Sharif El-Mekki, CEO of the Center For Black Educator Development

Educating Black Males weaves the stories of black men in rural Mississippi with the historical oppression they have faced to make a strong case that educators adopt a more understanding commitment to boys’ potential and success. Drawing on a range of social science research, the authors show why young black males struggle to believe in themselves, and, importantly, that engaged, sympathetic mentorship can help them avoid gangs and incarceration, finish school and gain employment.

Mil Duncan, University of New Hampshire