Institutions of Learning and Places of Healing

Sing a Rhythm Dance a Blues by Monique Morris
The New Press, January 1, 2019

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In her book and accompanying movie, Pushout, Monique Morris explores the experiences of black and brown girls in schools across the country, sharing how challenging school environments and lack of support lead many of these girls to be pushed out of school – sometimes into the criminal justice system. Her follow up book, Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues, shares recommendations for pedagogy, curriculum, and the overall school environment to support, nurture, and lead girls of color to success in schools. Drawing on the influence of the Blues music and poetry which is interspersed throughout the book, Morris notes that schools can be both institutions of learning and places of healing for these girls. She addresses the disciplinary practices that best support girls through difficult times, explores how trauma, both personal and systemic, may impact students and their behaviors, and notes that overpolicing in schools negatively impacts black girls the most. Through a commitment to restorative disciplinary practices and intentional community building among students and throughout the school, Morris highlights experienced educators and schools where “Black and Brown girls are encouraged to sing a rhythm and dance a blues towards their own liberation, where caring adults alongside them create conditions for healing."