What Is Not Understood, Needs to Be Said

Dr. Tempest Leake's work "What is not Understood, Needs to be Said: Exploring the Complexities of Black Girls" is a book that is genuine in its display of the professional and personal experiences of the author, and her counterparts in the journey of Black girlhood. She identifies the complexities of Black girls as it relates to their hair, their relationships with their parents, relationships with peers, and how they navigate systems that should be in place to nurture and educate them. Dr. Leake displays the Black girls' navigation through life not only through the lens of struggle, but with adaption and triumph. Dr. Leake seeks to educate the reader on how to relate and support Black girls; as well as give power to their unique experiences. This book explores the reasons why some black girls behave the way they do and gives advice and resources on how to address these issues before they arise. It provides guidance for teachers and educators to help some of the most challenging black girls and explains why they are misunderstood. It gives cultural backgrounds that bring light to the misunderstandings. To understand us, is to know us. This book is part of the steps it will take to help you get to know us. Until society understands the obstacles that Black girls face there will not be change.