The Revival Pt.12: Valerie Kinloch

Valerie Kinloch author of Harlem on the Minds  recalls the struggles of her personal literacy, as well as the literacy of her students and family. She discusses a school trip she took with some of her students to Harlem, and eventually (seven years later) became a resident of Harlem. Kinloch discusses her “struggle to define literacy” before she immersed herself in the culture of Harlem, as well as her “limited approach to literacy, even in the light of multiple literary experiences that were right in front of me.”

Kinloch’s narrative about her journey to grasping a full understanding of the culture and its residents and their literacy of Harlem is mind-blowing. Her accounts paint a clear picture in my mind the struggles that her students overcame in light of their education and surroundings. She brings up the issue of gentrification and the internal struggle she experienced as an employee of Columbia University and a teacher/mentor to the students from Harlem. Harlem’s community was fighting gentrification, yet Columbia University was attempting to “expand into Harlem, thus participating in its gentrification process.

Kinloch’s personal connection to the story, as well as direct quotes from the students she worked with created a cohesive piece that was relatable and creditable.