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STRENGTH THROUGH DIVERSITY Harlem Prep and the Rise of Multiculturalism
FOR NEARLY SEVEN YEARS, from 1967 to 1974, many hundreds of bright, college-going youth—most of whom had previously been labeled as high school “dropouts”—would proudly celebrate their graduation from Harlem Prep, a small educational experiment that grew to become a nationally-renowned, cherished community institution in the iconic Black neighborhood of Harlem. Operating in a repurposed supermarket that used blackboards as classroom dividers, the school’s unique multicultural philosophy inspired all who stepped foot inside. This philosophy, exemplified by the school’s motto of “unity through diversity,” shaped the school’s ethos, fostered student achievement and, most of all, made Harlem Prep distinct from any other educational institution, past or present.
In Strength through Diversity, Barry M. Goldenberg shares the history of this one-of-a-kind multicultural institution from its rise, apex, and decline, revealing the collective stories of hope, struggle, and love from administrators, teachers, community members, and students. Using history as a blueprint, Goldenberg illustrates the untapped potential of multicultural education in the ongoing quest for educational equity.
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Preface
Introduction: Multiculturalism, Harlem, and the Power of Student Potential
Part I The Origins of Harlem Prep, 1966–1968
1 | Callender, Carpenter, and the Founding of Harlem Prep
2 | Seeds of Multiculturalism in the Inaugural Year
Part II The Rise of Harlem Prep, 1968–1972
3 | Laying the Groundwork: Administrators and the Supermarket Space
4 | The Practice of the Carpenters’ Multiculturalism Vision
5 | “As I Taught, I Learned”: Teachers, Pedagogy, and the Education Program
6 | “It Saved Me”: Students, Their Stories, and a Commencement to Remember
7 | Building a Community Coalition: Harlem Prep’s Supporters and “Friends”
Part II The Descent of Harlem Prep, 1972–1974
8 | Diverging Realities: Adaptability and Uncertainty in a Changing Era
9 | The Final Year and Struggle with the New York City Board of Education
Epilogue: The Legacy of Harlem Prep
Barry M. Goldenberg is a Lecturer in the Education Sciences and MAT + Credential programs at the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine, where he has received multiple recognitions for his teaching. His research on racial equity in schools and community-based history instruction has been published in Urban Education, Multicultural Perspectives, Rethinking History, Voices From the Middle, The Social Studies, and The Journal of African American History, among other publications that include book chapters and online essays. A first-generation scholar born and raised in St. Louis, he holds a B.A. in History from UCLA (highest departmental honors, magna cum laude), and a M.A and Ph.D. in History and Education from Columbia University. Barry resides in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter.
For more about Barry, please visit his personal website at barrygoldenberg.com.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
““In STRENGTH THROUGH DIVERSITY, the story of Harlem Prep has been told with deep care for the people at the center of its research. Barry Goldenberg’s dedication to preserving and presenting the voices of the people who made this extraordinary history has resurrected this incredible school and its mission to focus on people left behind and ignored by the mainstream education system. Hopefully, we will learn from and build from this inspiring book because, now more than ever, we need more schools like Harlem Prep.” ”
““The power of people’s voices, stories, and histories are vital to understanding activism and resistance. In Strength Through Diversity Goldenberg captures an important and complex history of the struggle for educational justice in one of America’s most important neighborhoods—Harlem. A beautiful read of how the commitment to multiculturalism, racial pride, and community engagement shaped the promise of Harlem Prep.””
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Book Talk / Book Signing
For local inquiries in the Southern California area, less lead time is needed and requires less planning. For inquiries outside of Southern California, please request at least one month lead time, and include expected attendees, venue, and any other pertinent information.
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- beginning or advanced graduate students
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CONTACT BARRY
Have a question about the book? Want to schedule a book talk or reading group? Are you a Harlem Prep alumni interested in sharing your story? Please reach out below! Thank you for your interest in Strength through Diversity!
