Sumo Wrestlers & Supermodels: What 20 Years of Teaching Has Taught Me About Saving Black Children From American Schools
Reviews (67)
Diversity is not enough.
There are a few books that I reread to keep me honest about life, love, money, writing, history, etc. This is one I will reread because it is essential for educators to think about who is in our classroom, what we are teaching them. and why. I know not every teacher will read this, but every teacher who works with and cares about black students should. The parents of black children would also benefit. And, in understanding the needs of students who are often some of the most underserved, you can also gain insight into the needs of others. The author provides noteworthy and practical information that all educators can carry in their tool kits. Diversity is not enough. We must truly SEE our students and teach to their history, lives, and voices. Otherwise we are not really teaching. We are just passing on information.
Powerful truths for all educators.
As an educator for the past 20 years, reading this book has given me a different perspective on teaching. Until we address the institutionalized racism and white supremacy from our texts, curriculum and lives, the inequalities will continue to fail generations of students. We, as educators, must acknowledge the hard and painful truths and make real changes on how we teach, lead and connect with our black students. This is a must read for every educator. It clearly and succinctly provides historical context and a rationale for why we must teach our black students differently. Equity is not treating everyone the same, but, rather providing each student with the skills and knowledge that THEY need. It is a quick but powerful read.
Stimulating read
An interesting view about differences in accepted educational norms and realities when it comes to educating black children. Though risky, the inclusion of the detailed effects of history on blacks as a whole is the only logical beginning point as Plummer connects those atrocities to the modern day educational system. The lessons are common sense but the understanding in the reasoning is the beauty of this text. (Written in a "I don't know this author" voice) Having known the author forever, I can honestly say that his "field work" is unprecedented. What your are reading is actual hands on experience in what he's writing. Sure, he had to include scholarly information and data but the man truly embodies every word that is in this book. Most of the lessons are directed at the individual educator which is key because systems are... systems. A stimulating and well thought out read.
An honest account of Black education from someone on the ground
From the first mention of John Henrik Clarke, this text drew me in. As a bibliophile, educator, and advocate, the book Sumo Wrestlers and Supermodels calls into critique the American education system and its disservice to Black children. This book is for everyone - parents, fellows teachers, and young people alike. I highly recommend it!
Great resource for educators
I am excited to read a text from one of my fave people and model educators. 🙏🏾 Your dedication to enlightening and empowering the youth is unmatched.
If students are not learning about their true history, their knowledge lacks power
Defining the fine line between education and training was a very powerful point. The author takes you on an insightful walk through his personal history and experiences of educating Black students. Along the way he highlights African American history that is sadly never mentioned in the education system. It’s surprising how smooth the read was, since the text subject is so insightful and thought provoking. Most times books about education or African American history is a lengthy and difficult to read. The author breaks down his experiences into facts that clearly and strongly support his argument. The writing style insights readers to question and reflect on their own experience with education. There are multiple points that should encourage the education system to recreate a better curriculum for students to learn about themselves in greater detail. I would definitely recommend this book to my family, friends, and any African American parents or students I meet. I would also mention this book in any conversation relating to education. This knowledge is powerful and should be continuously spread until change occurs.
The trajectory of my life changed because of the lessons and actions displayed in this book
Plummer writes about the truths of this country and how the education system fails to set Black children up for success. He brilliantly uses historical context to tell the narrative of his journey as a teacher and the negative implications of academia for Black students. Plummer also offers tools for teachers to adopt in order to not only stabilize their students lives but help them thrive. The content is hard-hitting, the author does not shy away from telling it like it really is. He doesn’t just talk the talk, as I along with thousands of other people have benefitted directly from these lessons. It is no small feat to be able to achieve what the Plummer has for his community. His leadership and dedication is supported by the daily application of these lessons as well. I highly recommend this book and I suggest gifting one to as many people as you can. You don’t have to be an educator to reap the benefits of this book. Plummer gives us all the guidance we need to ensure our Black children, nieces and nephews, cousins and the like are empowered to save themselves.
An Essential Read
Joel Plummer has done a much needed service in writing and releasing this work at this time. It's digestion and acceptance is not only critical to Black people's psychological well-being, but to the nation's collective mental health. Believing and functioning on the lies promulgated in American schools has left us all woefully deficient in reaching our full human potential. Human flourishing is dependent on truth as the launching pad. Plummer deftly unveils the intricate web of lies that have influenced and maligned the way Black youth have been educated in America. Moreover he challenges contemporary educators to arise as freedom fighters to consciously dismantle the antiquated and perverse system to free and propel the minds of Black youth.
You NEED this book if you are an educator of African American students!
I recommend that anyone who works with African American students in any capacity, purchase this book. The author does an excellent job of explaining why Black students need to be educated differently than White students. His in-depth look at past works to describe how the current educational system has trained rather than educated Black students truly allows one to understand the disservice that we are doing to our young people by not acknowledging and understanding their specific socio-historic backgrounds. He highlights the pitfalls of the classroom control model while simultaneously creating a roadmap to facilitate success in Black students, taking into account their unique needs. If you are an educator of Black students, this book should be on your personal reading list! Sumo Wrestlers and Supermodels is a necessary guide to begin tailoring your teaching to best serve your Black students.
This Book is a Must Read! Scholarly Yet Practical
This book is a must for Black parents, teachers of Black children, and those in a position to ensure that Black children get the education they deserve, yet often don’t get, in today’s current education system. From courses that ignore Black achievement and uplift racist ideologies, to a lack of diversity in the profession overall, schools are by and large failing Black students. I appreciate how this book outlines how a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, and gives concrete advice and information on how to best educate Black kids in a way that is easy to understand and digest. I highly recommend!
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