San Diego, CA – October 19, 2023 – Cognella Academic Publishing is proud to announce the publication of Don’t Dismiss My Story: The Tapestry of Colonized Voices in White Space by Alicia S. Monroe and Ruben Britt, Jr.

The book 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.

Learn more about the textbook and request a digital review copy: https://titles.cognella.com/don-t-dismiss-my-story-9781793566140 

About the Authors

Alicia S. Monroe is a PK–20 accomplished and experienced educator, international education consultant, and the CEO and founder of Solutions for Sustained Success, LLC. She holds an Ed.D. with emphasis in educational leadership from Rowan University.

Ruben Britt, Jr. is an educator, career coach, lecturer, and National Certified Counselor who has over 45 years of experience in education as both a teacher and career planning counselor. He holds a master’s degree in communication from Bloomsburg University.

What readers are saying about the book: 

“Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously asked: ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’ My suggestion is that we go to Dr. Alicia Monroe’s book, based on my personal experience in using it during her seminar titled ‘Black Lives Matter: An Ethnographic Perspective of the Movement.’ As an 82-year-old white male, I was not your average student. I have been engaged in education my entire life; but this book, and this seminar, proved to be the most important and productive educational experience I have ever had.

It was my great fortune to be raised by loving parents who taught me to respect and accept Others, which I did, superficially. But Dr. Monroe’s book and its exercises enabled me to make a quantum leap in racial understanding and empathy. Specifically, the exercises designed around the concepts of Colonizer – Colonized jolted me. I had trouble! My immediate response was, ‘I am not a Colonizer. No way!’ But, I was forced to reflect, introspectively, and discuss, collectively, these concepts. Then, it hit me! I was not a Colonizer, in the strict sense of the word; but, as a white male, I had benefited from the residual effects of colonization. As I worked through the book’s exercises with my classmates, I had similar moments of enlightenment, with respect to the educational, social, economic, and legal benefits that were my privileged inheritance. It was a profound awakening for me. And this book will do the same for you, if you take advantage of Dr. Monroe’s gift to you, as a student or an educator.

Finally, please allow me to comment on the benefits I still derive, as a student and an educator, because I continue to draw upon the lessons learned from the book. My wife of 58 years, my three daughters, my four granddaughters, and my great granddaughter closely tracked my progress in the seminar, and continue to do so. I am acutely aware of this and I accept the responsibilities I have to them. I continue to strive to be a role model who personifies a spirit of generosity and who tries to make the world a better place for all of us. Additionally, as an educator, I recently led three seminars during Black History Month. I drew upon the exercises in Dr. Monroe’s book this time around, and I had the most successful sessions I have had in 17 years.”

Dr. Monroe, thank you for your gift; it keeps on giving.”
Edward J. Dwyer, Ph. D., Retired (Veteran, Educator, Author, and Consultant)

“This insightful book offers a courageous experience that seemingly creates extraordinary and life-altering realizations to whomever indulges in its content. The authors encourage intense, yet welcoming conversations about a variety of intersectional issues that oppress and shackle the freedom of marginalized groups in America. The narrative centers undiagnosed feelings into concepts that enrich the minds and hearts of the reader.

The book transcends race and offers educational and perception growth to readers of all ages, races, and backgrounds. I found myself growing more aware of my own identity in the white spaces that I have navigated since the early years of my childhood. Personally, this book has helped me face some undiagnosed feelings and opened my eyes to the true transgressions and injustices rooted within the Black Experience. No matter your class, education level, or family background, the history and human experiences elevated in the book will cross both social and economic lines. It helped me understand that no matter the status you reach, I will still have to navigate the presence of my blackness in a white-dominated world and/or space.

This book opens up space for authentic feelings to be explored and provides a platform for critical dialogue and courageous conversations. It normalizes discomfort and offers unapologetic discourse on radical ruptures that continue to plague the black, brown, and Indigenous experience. This book has deepened my understanding of the world and has dignified me, as I have now become more comfortable with the skin that I’m in.”
Michael D. Nash II, Rowan University: Political Science, Class of 2023; Black Student Union, Vice President, 2022-2023; NAACP, Rowan University College Chapter, Treasurer, 2022-2023; The Men of Color Alliance, Founder & Undergraduate Coordinator, 2022-2023

“Grappling with a dynamic sociopolitical state, these authors challenge American institutions and have the courage to do so with naked honesty. There is significant, meaningful American history that must be explored through a critical lens. Where there is light, there is darkness, and the authors begin a conversation that can lead to a road not often taken – one of nuanced, reflective, and responsible acknowledgment.

Through a thought-provoking narrative, the reader is led through a deep story. The audience is challenged to reflect on many major misconceptions about Western culture as a whole. The authors manage to carefully explore centuries of authentic, social change and openly discuss how we can become better. Critical dialogue, as the authors said, is essential for human emancipation.

As a student, an aspiring attorney, and a Christian man, this book made me reflect on the power of my voice. The capacity to communicate, critically, to my peers, is a gift that all students should be given. I owe it to all those who will come after me to use my voice to remove all barriers that may stand before them. The path forward, the path to righteousness, is lined with those who stand for all voices to be heard.”
Carter Laborde, Rowan University alumnus, Law student, Community member