Overview

How do Black women experience education in Britain? Within British educational research about Black students, gender distinctions have been largely absent, male-dominated or American-centric. Due to the lack of attention paid to Black female students, relatively little is known about how they understand and engage with the education system, or the influences which shape their long-term strategies and decision-making in order to gain educational 'success'. This book will illustrate the educational experiences and journeys of Black British women graduates and considers the influence of the intersections of race, gender, ethnicity, culture and social class on their educational journeys. April-Louise Pennant uniquely documents the entire educational journey - from primary school to university - within both predominantly white (PW) and predominantly global majority (PGM) educational institutions in order to examine the various accessibility, financial and academic hurdles which face Black girls and women. The book combines theoretical frameworks such as Critical Race Theory, Bourdieu's Theory of Practice and Black Feminist epistemology, alongside the personal accounts of the author and a range of Black British women graduates. Through analysis of the strategies, choices and decisions made by Black British women in their educational journeys, the book ultimately provides insights into how to navigate the education system effectively, and provides alternatives to normalized understandings of educational 'success'.

Full Product Details

9781350279001

Table of Contents

Reviews

Pennant has provided this generation of black girls and women with tools for understanding and tools for action and for self-affirmation as they participate in the transformation of their world and, commensurately, of the schooling and education system. She holds up a mirror to that system and to the mandarins that maintain its structures, so that they could see how wasteful, destructive and discriminatory the current structural, curricular, epistemological and awarding arrangements actually are. Babygirl deserves the widest readership among policymakers, education practitioners and learners across the nation. * Professor Gus John, Education and Human Rights Campaigner * Too often we hear about Black Girls and Women and not from them. The women whose articulate voices are showcased here show why we all need to listen to them. Successful in English education, they have important things to say about it. * Sara Delamont, Cardiff University, UK * In this ultimate Black girl’s survival bible Pennant is babygirl - tenacious, smart, courageously calling out the endemic anti-Black sexualised racism that threatens to limit the life chances of her beautiful Black Sistas as they navigate the still racially unreconstructed hostile White world of school and university. Pennant has gifted us a classic in this intellectually robust, brave, brilliant tour de force! * Heidi Safia Mirza, Author of Young Female and Black, Professor Equalities Studies in Education UCL * April-Louise’s book not only resonates with the reader but also ignites a profound understanding of the intricate educational journeys experienced by herself and other Black girls and women. Skillfully navigating through the complexities of struggles, triumphs, and the nuances in between. The trajectories of Black womanhood and their educational experiences are cleverly mapped. April-Louise seamlessly intertwines the broader context of global politics, popular culture trends, and economic dynamics within the narrative. Her work stands as a testament to the foremothers paying homage to the profound contributions of Black feminist scholars such as Crenshaw and Hill Collins. By artfully weaving the insights of scholars like Mirza, Bailey, and Boylorn, the book adeptly captures Misogynoir and embeds Black Girl Auto Ethnography. Through this compelling and much needed text, April-Louise shines a spotlight on the voices and experiences of Black girls and women, ensuring that we are not just acknowledged but genuinely seen and heard. * Dr Dionne Taylor, Associate Professor in Sociology, Birmingham City University, UK * Babygirl, You’ve Got This! Experiences of Black Girls and Women in the English Education System, by Dr. April-Louise Pennant is a powerful, much needed contribution to the literature around ethnicity and educational experience in the UK. There are so many areas that Dr. Pennant covers, and which are key facets of our lives within schools, colleges and universities, but are reflected in society. For instance, our experiences of low expectations from educators, which are rooted in longstanding ideas about our supposedly limited intelligence, but how we reject the narratives through our outcomes. Another key element here is the role of our mothers and female forebears in utilising their aspirational capital to instil self-belief and ‘can do attitudes’ in us. This does not just apply to academic and professional outcomes, but to life more broadly. She also reflects on our travels between ‘sticky floors’ and glass ceilings and the emotional impacts this has on us. There is also acknowledgement of overemphasis on grades as an ‘indicator’ of ability/intelligence, and the impact this has on young Black women’s sense of selfhood, and overall wellbeing. It is also wonderful to see how Dr. Pennant’s research does not treat Black women as homogenous groups. There are differences within and between us, and this is captured beautifully in the accounts of the females’ stories, and Dr. Pennant’s discussions and reflections. This speaks to Fanon’s view that ‘to lump all Black people together deprives them of all individuality of expression. It puts them under the obligation of matching the idea that people have of them’ (Fanon 1952:17). With that said, Dr. Pennant’s work also illustrates the power of multiple stories, and that despite the differences between us, there are many commonalities in our experiences. While this book has multiple, multiple strengths, for me, the fact that it is written in a way that is extremely accessible and engaging is one of the best aspects of it. Most importantly, however, it tells Black young women that their experiences are seen and heard, but also offers lots of encouragement. The title captures this brilliantly. I will certainly be using this book in my module next year, and will recommend it to other Black women. Thank you, Dr. Pennant for seeing and hearing us. * Professor Louise Owusu-Kwarteng, Professor of Applied Sociology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences Associate Dean, Student Success, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Greenwich * Pennant provides a compelling exploration of the triumphs and challenges faced by Black girls within the English education system. This book is a testament to resilience and determination, sheds light on the unique experiences and perspectives of Black girls as they navigate through a system often marked by systemic barriers. The author skilfully weaves together personal narratives, research insights, and inspiring success stories, creating a must-read for educators, parents, and advocates alike. At its heart, the book is a catalyst for change, urging us to dismantle stereotypes, address biases, and foster an inclusive educational environment where every Black girl can thrive. An essential read for anyone committed to creating a more equitable and empowering educational landscape. * Dr Chantelle Jessica Lewis, Surviving Society & University of Oxford, UK * The most interesting and engaging book I have read in a longtime. Written with beautiful precision April-Louise is a wonderful storyteller who brings to life the complex realities - ups and downs - of Black women as we navigate an education system that does not value our presence or nurture our voices. This book is healing and insightful. April-Louise powerfully illustrates the impact of structural inequalities on Black girls within the English education system whilst offering a guide for survival through the narration of the ‘strength, resilience and power’ Black girls use to get through. A must read for our mothers, daughters, brothers, fathers and sons. Thank you, April-Louise, for this outstanding contribution to Black Feminist thought. * Dr Annabel Wilson, Kings College London, UK * Dr April-Louise Pennant has created an innovative, powerful and absorbing monograph that captures the intense complexities Black Girls and Women have to endure in the English Education system to achieve their aspirational goals. ‘Babygirl! You’ve Got This!’ is a remarkable text of resilience, care, support and determination. It is an uplifting comprehensive analysis of Black Women’s and Girls’ struggles and achievements that are inclusive, assertive and positively challenging – everyone should read this book! Chapter 8, Now Is the Time to Overstand!, is a wonderful play on words that exudes a confidence of understanding that is more-than recognition, more-than knowing, it is empowerment, surety, inspiration and wisdom. Dr April-Louise Pennant has delivered a remarkable work of Blackness that navigates the realities of elite privilege locally and globally, exposes racial and gendered inequalities, yet initiates solidarity, affirmation and fortitude. This is a book of inspiration, academic excellence, and heartfelt achievement. -- Professor Tracey Skelton, University of Otago, New Zealand Babygirl is an absolute must read! Pennet’s prolific study of Black British women's educational experiences, is crafted with courage, care, and commitment to educational transformation. The narrative and image of each woman’s story builds one on the other to generate portals of possibilities into more expansive ways of growing, learning, and being for us all. -- Professor Ruth Nicole Brown, Michigan State University, USA

Pennant has provided this generation of black girls and women with tools for understanding and tools for action and for self-affirmation as they participate in the transformation of their world and, commensurately, of the schooling and education system. She holds up a mirror to that system and to the mandarins that maintain its structures, so that they could see how wasteful, destructive and discriminatory the current structural, curricular, epistemological and awarding arrangements actually are. Babygirl deserves the widest readership among policymakers, education practitioners and learners across the nation. * Professor Gus John, Education and Human Rights Campaigner * Too often we hear about Black Girls and Women and not from them. The women whose articulate voices are showcased here show why we all need to listen to them. Successful in English education, they have important things to say about it. * Sara Delamont, Cardiff University, UK * In this ultimate Black girl’s survival bible Pennant is babygirl - tenacious, smart, courageously calling out the endemic anti-Black sexualised racism that threatens to limit the life chances of her beautiful Black Sistas as they navigate the still racially unreconstructed hostile White world of school and university. Pennant has gifted us a classic in this intellectually robust, brave, brilliant tour de force! * Heidi Safia Mirza, Author of Young Female and Black, Professor Equalities Studies in Education UCL *

Pennant has provided this generation of black girls and women with tools for understanding and tools for action and for self-affirmation as they participate in the transformation of their world and, commensurately, of the schooling and education system. She holds up a mirror to that system and to the mandarins that maintain its structures, so that they could see how wasteful, destructive and discriminatory the current structural, curricular, epistemological and awarding arrangements actually are. Babygirl deserves the widest readership among policymakers, education practitioners and learners across the nation. * Professor Gus John, Education and Human Rights Campaigner * Too often we hear about Black Girls and Women and not from them. The women whose articulate voices are showcased here show why we all need to listen to them. Successful in English education, they have important things to say about it. * Sara Delamont, Cardiff University, UK * In this ultimate Black girl’s survival bible Pennant is babygirl - tenacious, smart, courageously calling out the endemic anti-Black sexualised racism that threatens to limit the life chances of her beautiful Black Sistas as they navigate the still racially unreconstructed hostile White world of school and university. Pennant has gifted us a classic in this intellectually robust, brave, brilliant tour de force! * Heidi Safia Mirza, Author of Young Female and Black, Professor Equalities Studies in Education UCL * April-Louise’s book not only resonates with the reader but also ignites a profound understanding of the intricate educational journeys experienced by herself and other Black girls and women. Skillfully navigating through the complexities of struggles, triumphs, and the nuances in between. The trajectories of Black womanhood and their educational experiences are cleverly mapped. April-Louise seamlessly intertwines the broader context of global politics, popular culture trends, and economic dynamics within the narrative. Her work stands as a testament to the foremothers paying homage to the profound contributions of Black feminist scholars such as Crenshaw and Hill Collins. By artfully weaving the insights of scholars like Mirza, Bailey, and Boylorn, the book adeptly captures Misogynoir and embeds Black Girl Auto Ethnography. Through this compelling and much needed text, April-Louise shines a spotlight on the voices and experiences of Black girls and women, ensuring that we are not just acknowledged but genuinely seen and heard. * Dr Dionne Taylor, Associate Professor in Sociology, Birmingham City University, UK * Babygirl, You’ve Got This! Experiences of Black Girls and Women in the English Education System, by Dr. April-Louise Pennant is a powerful, much needed contribution to the literature around ethnicity and educational experience in the UK. There are so many areas that Dr. Pennant covers, and which are key facets of our lives within schools, colleges and universities, but are reflected in society. For instance, our experiences of low expectations from educators, which are rooted in longstanding ideas about our supposedly limited intelligence, but how we reject the narratives through our outcomes. Another key element here is the role of our mothers and female forebears in utilising their aspirational capital to instil self-belief and ‘can do attitudes’ in us. This does not just apply to academic and professional outcomes, but to life more broadly. She also reflects on our travels between ‘sticky floors’ and glass ceilings and the emotional impacts this has on us. There is also acknowledgement of overemphasis on grades as an ‘indicator’ of ability/intelligence, and the impact this has on young Black women’s sense of selfhood, and overall wellbeing. It is also wonderful to see how Dr. Pennant’s research does not treat Black women as homogenous groups. There are differences within and between us, and this is captured beautifully in the accounts of the females’ stories, and Dr. Pennant’s discussions and reflections. This speaks to Fanon’s view that ‘to lump all Black people together deprives them of all individuality of expression. It puts them under the obligation of matching the idea that people have of them’ (Fanon 1952:17). With that said, Dr. Pennant’s work also illustrates the power of multiple stories, and that despite the differences between us, there are many commonalities in our experiences. While this book has multiple, multiple strengths, for me, the fact that it is written in a way that is extremely accessible and engaging is one of the best aspects of it. Most importantly, however, it tells Black young women that their experiences are seen and heard, but also offers lots of encouragement. The title captures this brilliantly. I will certainly be using this book in my module next year, and will recommend it to other Black women. Thank you, Dr. Pennant for seeing and hearing us. * Professor Louise Owusu-Kwarteng, Professor of Applied Sociology, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences Associate Dean, Student Success, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Greenwich *

Author Information

April-Louise Pennant is a socially, politically engaged scholar-activist and consultant who combines cutting edge research in the social sciences and humanities with education, policy impact and community engagement. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Birmingham, UK, is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at Cardiff University, UK and a Research Associate in the Chair for Critical Studies in Higher Education Transformation (CriSHET) at Nelson Mandela University, South Africa. Her work champions and centres Black voices, experiences, and contributions to reverse erasure and challenge dominant white narratives.

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