Community stalwarts pen books on education, J’can childhood

TORONTO:

Two Jamaican community stalwarts have recently published books – one that focuses on the education system in Ontario, the other on growing up in Jamaica in the 1960s and 1970s.

Luther Brown, an educator and researcher, has written Leading From Where We Are: Challenging the Status Quo, a book grounded in his doctoral research and professional experience in the largest and most diverse district in Ontario: Toronto District School Board.

Brown notes that he did not write the book to tell school leaders how to lead their schools, but it is an invitation to school leaders to “interrogate the professional practice” in their school “in light of inequitable schooling outcomes”. It also invites them to “mitigate the persistence of gaps between professional knowing and professional practice.”

He says the idea for the book came to him shortly after retirement when he was asked to support the professional practice of in-school professionals.

“We know that students are better able to maximise their life-chances when the guiding philosophical support-system (GPS) of their school leaders includes the practice of culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy,” he writes.

A graduate of the Mico Teachers’ College in Jamaica, he holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin and an M.Ed. and PhD from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. Brown is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers.

In Jamaica, he taught at K-12 schools and served as an education officer with the Ministry of Education.

CELEBRATION OF RESILIENCE, COMMUNITY

In his memoir From Shadows to Sunshine: My Jamaican Boyhood, Dr Leo Gilling charts pivotal moments in his life from growing up in Oracabessa, St Mary, to attending Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College in Montego Bay.

The optimism of the author is evident in his framing of the challenges in his life and how he overcame them. “ From the innocent curiosity of a three-year-old growing up in a tenement yard, to the awakened dreams of an eighteen-year-old, Dr. Gilling shares a rich tapestry of childhood experiences that include navigating life-and-death situations, systemic barriers, and personal triumphs through unflinching honesty, celebrating the resilience, community, and indomitable spirit that shaped his journey,” notes a synopsis.

“This book is not just my story. It’s a celebration of resilience and community. Growing up in Oracabessa, I encountered challenges that could have dimmed my dreams, yet the unwavering support of family, friends, and community illuminated my path to triumph. This work is a testament to the incredible power of perseverance and the transformative impact of self-belief regardless of the odds. May it inspire readers to embrace their journeys and discover sunshine, even amidst the shadows,” said Gilling.

The author also reflects on the socio-economic circumstances of his family and, by extension, the wider community and the political decision that changed the future of the banana-producing town.

“I don’t claim to have all the answers to life’s complex questions, but my journey has given me valuable insights and the confidence to navigate my path,” writes Gilling.

From Shadows to Sunshine: My Jamaican Boyhood tells the story of his grit and determination to succeed. It includes proverbs, folklore, epigraphs of songs, and quotations.

Gilling is the founder and chairman of the Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network (JDTAN) and has played an important role in mobilising global Jamaican communities to contribute to national development and innovation.

He holds a BSc in accounting, an MSc in criminal justice, and a PhD in criminology and criminal justice. His work has garnered international recognition for its transformative impact, and he is a highly sought-after speaker, consultant, and thought leader.

Both books are available on Amazon. Dr Gilling will launch his memoir in Jamaica, Canada, and the United States. One event is scheduled for April 19 at Knowledge Bookstore in Brampton, Ontario. Another will be held on April 23 at the Consulate General of Jamaica in Toronto.