Brotherly Love

In this live radio broadcast, Dr. Sonya Whitaker interviews Dr. Michael Allen and Mr. Gilbert, the authors of Brothery Love. Their story is incredible! 

As a principal at a school near Chicago, Dr. Allen recognized the huge need for reading materials that depict young Black boys in a manner that is authentic and relatable as well as positive and life-affirming. Named the 2020 Elementary Principal of the Year (North Cook Region) by the Illinois Principals Association, Dr. Allen tirelessly advocates to end policies that hold students of color down and replace them with trauma-informed practices, equity, emotional intelligence and mindfulness in schools. Mr. Gilbert Allen, from his own account indicates, some would say he should not have finished high school, let alone have earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work and now be working toward a doctorate. Together these brothers share personal stories about how they overcame extreme poverty, watching their siblings become homeless and displaced at various points in their childhood,while both of their parents battled drug addiction.