Local author and dyslexia advocate Marcia Brissett-Bailey’s new book Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic is a raw, honest and enlightening collection of experiences across the Black and dyslexic community.
By Neandra Etienne
Local author and dyslexia advocate Marcia Brissett-Bailey’s career in Newham spans over 20 years as an educator across sectors, from primary, further and higher education. Most of her career has been post-16 education as a careers adviser and most recently as a Newham – Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) case officer.
Marcia told Newham Voices: “I feel very privileged to be in a position to empower children, young people and adults to reach their potential and achieve their aspirations within my work and career. I have also learnt so much from the richness of diversity in Newham Schools. I’m always inspired to continue my work and that’s why I wrote this book.”
Marcia’s book Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic is a raw, honest and enlightening collection of experiences, across the Black and dyslexic community. The book gives a perspective on topics including the education system, the workplace, daily life, gender, race, culture, age, ethnicity, socio-economic background and entrepreneurship.
Marcia wanted to bring more awareness of dyslexia from an own lived experience to help increase the confidence and self-esteem from those living with dyslexia and also highlight that dyslexia can be found in any community and culture. She said, “I want to raise awareness of how diverse groups and communities experience dyslexia differently due to intersectionality, such as race, education, and environment.”
Marcia especially wanted to provide the space for 25 Black and brown voices, she said, “What I hope to achieve in editing this book is to inform, educate and emphasise the importance of diversity and inclusivity for positive identity within books on Dyslexia and neurodiversity.”
Marcia hopes recognition of the book will provide positive role models for Black people and those within the wider dyslexic community and society, she said “I want to inspire current and future generations.”
An enlightening talk with the author of Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic, Marcia Brissett Bailey, 5 October, 6.30-8pm, Stratford Library.
Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic by Marcia Brissett-Bailey is available to buy from Newham Bookshop.
Twitter: @BrissettBailey
Instagram: @theblackdyslexic
No news is bad news
Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.
The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.
If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.
Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.
Monthly direct debit
Annual direct debit
£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.
Enjoying Newham Voices? You can help support our not-for-profit newspaper and website from £5 per month.