Winter Anti-Racism Reads Recap: Black Boys Like Me by Matthew R. Morris

On February 28, Anti-Racism Reads participants gathered at Federation Hall to discuss Canadian author Matthew R. Morris’s debut novel, Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations with Race, Identity, and Belonging. I see this collection of personal essays as a significant contribution to those interested in critical race, Black masculinity, education and anti-racism studies.

Providing insight into how hip-hop, fashion and cultural influences shape Black masculinity, the discussions centred on personal reflections highlighting how Black boys and men navigate educational institutions, and the implicit and sometimes explicit messages Black boys learn—there is no winning, only survival.  

For example, Morris shared a story centered around a picture and his choice of attire on a plus 30-degree summer day. His principal approached him, commenting on his attire, “Is this the message you want to send to the community?” Morris was wearing a clean pair of jean shorts, a white t-shirt and expensive sneakers, and he was questioned about his professionalism. Meanwhile, another white male teacher dressed in open-toed shoes is left alone.  

To keep his job, Morris changes, losing another part of himself that Black men and boys are too familiar with in institutions. This is an example of how Black masculinity is policed and marginalized, and the double standards when navigating societal expectations.  

One participant shared, “I attended Anti-Racism Reads last week and deeply valued the experience... I kept reflecting on it long after the discussion and even shared it with others... I was fully immersed and grateful for the learning that took place in that room. Thank you for bringing this book to our University and for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful discussion.” 

Morris’s vulnerability in Black Boys Like Me allows readers to understand the nuances and multiplicities of Black boys and men—a group worth empathizing with and protecting.  

Jermal Jones  
Associate Director, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access  
University of Waterloo Library   

Further Reading 

Join Jermal Jones and Khyati Nagar, education developer, career programming with CEE, for the next Anti-Racism Reads in May. We will discuss See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valerie Kaur. More details coming soon!