Strength Through Diversity - by Barry M Goldenberg

About the Book

In Strength Through Diversity, Barry M. Goldenberg traces the inspiring, uncharted history of Harlem Prep, a unique multicultural institution that became an educational phenomenon in the iconic Black neighborhood of Harlem and nationwide. From 1967 to 1974, Harlem Prep sent to college many hundreds of students who had previously been labeled as "dropouts," demonstrating how a multicultural educational program centered on diversity can provide a blueprint for schools today.

Book Synopsis

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 to its 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.

Review Quotes

"A timely and resonant work that explores how diverse perspectives and backgrounds can drive collective progress. . . . Goldenberg offers more than just a book--he offers a testament to what can be achieved when we come together across generations, backgrounds, and experiences to honor our past and build a better future."-- "Harlem World"

"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."--Tyrone C. Howard "Pritzker Family Endowed Chair of Education, University of California, Los Angeles"

"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."--Brian Purnell "author of Fighting Jim Crow in the County of Kings: The Congress of Racial Equality in Brooklyn"

About the Author

BARRY M. GOLDENBERG is a lecturer in the Education Sciences and MAT + Credential programs in the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine. He is the author of Generations of Giving: The History of the Cleveland H. Dodge Foundation (2017).