256 pages | 2nd May, 2023 | Non-fiction | Sociology; Discrimination & Racism
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Can you imagine a world where everyone belongs?
As the newly appointed minister of education in Sierra Leone, David Moinina Sengeh assumed that the administration he served—not to mention his family and friends—shared his conviction that all girls belong in the classroom. He was shocked to learn that many of those closest to him, including a member of his own household, were against lifting a long-standing policy banning pregnant girls from school.
Radical Inclusion is the dramatic narrative of Sengeh’s drive to guarantee pregnant girls’ right to an education. His story functions as a parable that can help us all advocate for change by reimagining the systems that perpetuate exclusion.
The specifics of his efforts in Sierra Leone are captivating, and the lessons Sengeh shares are universal. In addition to the candid account of his quest for reform, he offers stories and perspective from other parts of his life, drawing on his experiences encountering racial profiling as a Harvard student, developing cutting-edge prosthetic limbs at MIT, and working to combat algorithmic bias as a data scientist.
Sengeh offers readers a roadmap for pursuing radical inclusion in their own lives and work—from identifying exclusions, to building coalitions and adapting to a new normal. His book is essential reading for modern leaders or anyone who hopes to help unleash the power of a world that is truly, radically inclusive.
"Many of us talk about inclusion but only dwell in the hope and dream of it. With a poet’s heart and a scientist’s mind, this book shows us how to genuinely practice it.... Radical Inclusion is both a memoir and a master class in innovation and human transformation. Like Frantz Fanon and the great African thinkers before him, Sengeh has written a practical textbook for advocates, activists, and allies who truly want to make the world a better place."
Oprah Daily
“An optimistic approach to fostering greater inclusion. … Inspirational, motivating, and intellectually sound, Sengeh’s instructional guidance seeks to inspire systemic change and encourages readers to fight for diversity and equity in their own communities. Proactive, pragmatic initiatives promoting radical inclusivity across social divides.”
Kirkus
“Using stories and examples, David Moinina Sengeh presents seven principles for radical inclusion that are as actionable as they are powerful.”
Brené Brown, PhD, MSW, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Dare to Lead
“A masterclass in innovation and human transformation.”
Kwame Alexander, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Door of No Return
“In this intensely moving and powerful book, David Moinina Sengeh offers his wisdom and insights into how to be more inclusive and equitable in our daily lives. Radical Inclusion inspires readers to follow Sengeh's guidance at home and at work.”
Anna Malaika Tubbs, New York Times bestselling author of The Three Mothers
David Moinina Sengeh is the minister of basic and senior secondary education and chief innovation officer for the government of Sierra Leone. He holds a bachelor’s and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Harvard College and MIT respectively. He is a TED Fellow, WEF Young Global Leader, Obama Foundation Leaders Africa Fellow and was included on the 2013 Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Sengeh serves as Chairman of the Global Education Monitoring Report to UNESCO. Radical Inclusion is his first book.
US: Flatiron Books: A Moment of Lift Book