Stacey Patton authored a heart-wrenching memoir about her experiences with child abuse and life as a foster child. A member of the History Department faculty at Montclair State University in New Jersey and Ph.D. candidate, Stacey contextualizes her experiences in the legacy of slavery, which, she asserts, compels Black parents to “get the switch” and “whup” their children. Disturbing, powerful, causing controversy in the African American community around child-rearing practices, her book, That Mean Old Yesterday, is a must-read.

Listen to her interview with Esther Armah on Esther’s WBAI radio show that focuses on Black books, “Off the Page.”