Dangerous Learning

“The story of the fight for literacy of Black people in the United States is one of great hope and of profound frustration. Professor Derek Black has written a magnificent book that tells this story from the earliest days of the country through today’s continuing struggles. Black’s beautifully written book reminds us of a largely forgotten history that must be remembered and be a basis for action now.”—Erwin Chemerinsky, author of Worse Than Nothing

“As Derek W. Black rightly concludes this bracing, moving history, ‘something dangerously reminiscent of the pre-Civil War South happening in education today.’ Read Dangerous Learning to grasp the heritage of the perilous path MAGA elected officials have chosen to suppress learning among those they seek to silence and dominate.”—Nancy MacLean, author of Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America 

“Derek Black’s history of Black literacy is a powerful testimony to the importance of literacy for freedom and self-determination. The stories he tells about the Black struggle for learning are inspiring. We are now locked in an epic struggle over the freedom to learn and the survival of public schools. Black’s book should be required reading for those who treasure learning.”—Diane Ravitch, author of Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America’s Public Schools