Educating African Canadians

Joseph Leydon teaches geography at the University of Toronto.

Numerous academic publications and government reports have documented
the challenges that African Canadians face in the education system. They
recount the many ways in which black students are discriminated against
and alienated in our schools. Despite the continual research, it seems
that little has been done to correct these problems. Although
discrimination, isolation, and marginalization are central themes in
this book, the editors contend that it goes beyond a critique of the
education system and proposes new initiatives for improving the academic
success of black students.

The book consists of 16 essays written by people who are engaged in the
education system as students, parents, teachers, counselors, professors,
and researchers. The essays fit into five major sections that address
the education experience of African Canadians: parent, school and
community linkages; curricular programs; programs aimed at enhancing
educational attainment; and culturally appropriate education. The
majority of the essays adopt a proactive approach, offering interesting
and innovative techniques for dealing with the problems black students
encounter.

There are a number of ways in which the book could have been further
improved. First, all the essays begin by restating the themes of
isolation, marginalization, and discrimination and by producing
supporting evidence. This is repetitive and unnecessary because these
themes are adequately dealt with in the opening essay. Second, only one
essay addresses in depth the important idea of the heterogeneity of the
black community. It is difficult to see how worthwhile solutions can be
achieved if the diverse social, economic, and geographic origins of the
black community are not explored. Third, despite the repeated references
to the need to listen to students, only one essay is based on narratives
of students currently attending Canadian schools.

Nevertheless, there is much to recommend this book. It will be most
valuable to those involved in the education system as administrators,
teachers, and curriculum developers.