A Light Shines in Harlem: New York's First Charter School and the Movement It Led

An inspirational story of education reform in Harlem.A Light Shines in Harlem tells the story of the Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem, the first charter school in New York. It's a tale of how a civil rights hero, a Wall Street leader, educators, activists, parents, and students united to create a groundbreaking school that, in its best years, outperformed neighborhood schools.

This book explores the charter school movement, discussing recent research and key issues. Discover how lessons from Sisulu-Walker can be applied to other schools, empowering communities and driving academic achievement. Perfect for educators, parents, policymakers, and anyone passionate about transforming education.

Mary C. Bounds is an award-winning journalist who has written for the Dallas Morning News, the Houston Chronicle, the New York Times, and other publications. She lives in Chappaqua, New York. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker is a renowned civil rights leader and pastor. He was chief of staff for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Virginia state director of the Congress of Racial Equality, executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and helped organize the 1963 March on Washington. He lives in Chester, Virginia.