My Life
Overcoming Classism through Faith and Perseverance
by Howard Anglin Palmer

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For a boy growing up in Jamaica in the 1940s, going to school was not a given. Colonialism, colourism, and classism created educational barriers for anyone who wasn’t rich or white. But from these early struggles, Howard Palmer devoted his career to education, even earning a PhD. This memoir covers the challenges and joys of Dr. Palmer’s life, from his family and Jamaican upbringing, his immigration to Canada in the 1960s, his lifelong educational pursuits and raising his daughters after the tragic death of his wife. He also shares his insightful research into how Ontario’s educational system was failing Black boys—findings that are sadly still relevant today. By sharing his story, Dr. Palmer hopes to encourage readers to examine their own personal journeys and gain a deeper understanding of persisting against the odds. My Life is a thorough, honest, and inspirational story of a Jamaican Canadian man overcoming obstacles through faith and determination.

www.howardanglinpalmer.com

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"I recommend this book. My initial response to the title is that it would be a "Run of the mill" rehash of life as an Afro-West Indian immigrant in North America. It is that, and more than that. It is a memoir that says, "It is not where you begin but your projected goal in life that counts." Thanks, Howard, for the review of your ancestry. The power of a stable family shines. It stirs jealousy in me. Thanks also for exposing the typical male weakness to follow "a skirt." That propensity led you into Canada. Thanks also for sharing your study and perspective on the struggle of the African Diaspora male immigrants in Canada.  This book ought to be required reading for "Diversity Training" of educators in multicultural classrooms and lecture rooms. Regrettably, this book is a product of your golden age. You should be on the lecture circuit for cultural diversity education." ─Joslyn Angus "Dr. Howard Palmer has chronicled several episodes in his book “My Life”. The early section of this volume emphasizes the difficulties the author encountered in getting an education beyond the elementary level. This and other suggestions were based on class attitude and the effect of the educational system in British Colonial Jamaica. The author also discusses the socio-cultural adjustments to his life in Canada.
 His professional contribution to education including in Jamaica exceeded 35 years. During this period, he was involved in teaching pupils of various ethnicities, cultures and nationalities. The students ranged from academically challenged to the gifted in elementary and high school. An extension of his teaching career also involved teaching adult education classes that reflect several different ethnic, cultural, linguistic and national backgrounds.
The disproportionate number of suspensions and other punitive actions taken by the school against Black students in Canada gave rise to Dr. Palmer’s qualitative research in (1996). The findings of this study strongly indicate that many teachers are at their early stage of preparation and have a fear of Black students based on previously learned stereotypes. The significance of this study is it contribution to the issues in education, especially as they impact ethno-cultural factors related to Jamaican- Canadian students. The goal of engaging teachers in the professional development process of anti-racism was to formulate a growth plan to move their awareness, knowledge and behavior to a higher stage of development. The author further posits that the present curriculum should be restructured and reorganized to accommodate the multicultural classroom. This will reflect equity in the contributions of minorities and African-Canadians to the development of Canadian society as well. Other noteworthy sections of this book indicate the authors personal Canadian pursuits to further his education and care for his family. This book should be required reading for diversity training of educators." ─Nathan G. Duncan

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Dr. Howard Palmer grew up in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada in 1967. A product of the colonial educational system, he spent his career teaching, including more than thirty years working in Ontario schools. His research on factors affecting the underachievement of African-Caribbean boys in Ontario schools earned him a doctorate in sociology of education. He lives with one of his two daughters in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

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Contributors

Author

Howard Anglin Palmer

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