Don't Dismiss My Story: The Tapestry of Colonized Voices in White Space provides readers with a historical account of white-centered power dynamics and dominance in elementary, secondary, and higher education and the legacy of failure and hopelessness experienced by non-white students, faculty, and administrators. The book deeply examines the constructs of white privilege and entitlement and provides readers with a transformative framework to create authentic, inclusive learning spaces where multi-hyphenated identities are welcomed, seen, and heard.
The opening chapter offers a historical perspective of the origin of colonialism and its impact on education in the United States. Readers learn how the founding principles of education in the U.S. are based on the colonial school's model of the British education system, which is the bedrock for exclusion, elitism, and the preservation of white privilege and Eurocentric culture. Following chapters address the psychological and social effects of exclusive education and encourage readers to examine their own personal biases and privilege through self-reflection. The closing chapter offers a transformative framework to stimulate the cultivation of authentic and inclusive learning environments through intergroup relational and collaborative practices that focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in educational spaces. Each chapter features an introduction, reflection exercises, key takeaways, and a case study that spotlights a real-world experience to deepen and enrich learning for all readers.
Don't Dismiss My Story is an essential resource for current and prospective educators and education professionals who are committed to co-creating learning spaces that "call out" inequities and "call in" hope and equitable access for all students at all levels of education.
