Author, broadcaster and journalist Jeffrey Boakye gives a fascinating account of his experience as the only black teacher in a secondary school, as recounted in his book I Heard What You Said. In partnership with the University of Huddersfield.
“Are you really a teacher?” “Can I call you Mr B?” “Can you rap?” “Have you ever been to prison?” “Stephen who?”
Jeffrey Boakye was often the only black boy in his class. And then, after training to become a teacher, he was often teaching the handful of black students, as the only black teacher in the school.
In I Heard What You Said, he recounts how that felt and reports what he has discovered about the underlying habits, presumptions, silences and distortions that underpin the whole British educational system, experienced by black students, and teachers.
Smart and witty, eye-opening and thought-provoking, I Heard What You Said provides an unforgettable insight into racism in modern education and sets out what we can do to change things for the better.
Jeffrey Boakye is an author, broadcaster and educator with a particular interest in issues surrounding education, race, masculinity and popular culture. Originally from Brixton in London, Jeffrey taught English to 11- to 18-year-olds for 15 years. He is the co-host on BBC R4’s Add to Playlist with Cerys Matthews, Senior Teaching Fellow at Manchester Institute of Education and an occasional journalist. He provides CPD and student sessions at schools and universities, and talks for companies.
Jeffrey is the author of five books: Hold Tight: Black masculinity, millennials and the meaning of grime, Black, Listed: Black British culture explored, What is Masculinity? Why does it matter? And other big questions (co-authored with Darren Chetty), Musical Truth: A musical history of modern black Britain in 27 songs and I Heard What You Said; Picador. Two further titles will be published in 2023: Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer and Musical World.
HYBRID EVENT – this is a Hybrid event, which can be attended in person at the venue or accessed online. Simply select General Admission or e-ticket at checkout, and a link for online access will be sent to you the day before the event takes place.
Note: tickets are free for University of Huddersfield staff and students, and for essential carers; simply choose the free ticket option on the drop-down menu and bring proof of your status to the event with your ticket
Access and Covid safety measures: if you have specific access needs or queries and/or prefer to be seated away from other audience members as a Covid safety measure, please contact our Admin at: info@huddlitfest.org.uk with your request.
Event Date:Wednesday 29 March
Time: 7pm-8pm
Venue: Phipps Room, Richard Steinitz Building, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield HD1 3DH
Tickets: £7 (£5 conc), Early Bird tickets £5 (£3 conc) to 15 February, free for University of Huddersfield staff and students & essential carers. Online tickets: £3
Free ticket – for University of Huddersfield staff and students & Essential carers
Age guidance: 16+
Access Guide: https://www.accessable.co.uk/huddersfield-literature-festival/access-guides/oastler-building For access information for the Richard Steinitz Building, contact the University on 01484 422288
Access and Covid safety measures: if you have specific access needs or queries and/or prefer to be seated away from other audience members as a Covid safety measure, please contact our Admin at: info@huddlitfest.org.uk with your request.
T&Cs
Concessions are for those over the age of 65 or over and anyone with a disability.
Proof of age and/or disability must be shown with your ticket at the event.
You may be refused entry if you do not provide tickets and proof required on entry to the event.
We cannot be held responsible for the facilities provided by the venue.
To return to the Huddersfield Literature Festival Events page visit: https://www.huddlitfest.org.uk/events/