Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America by Paul Tough

Paul Tough’s “Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America” tells the inspiring story of one man who, despite facing many obstacles, has inspired a movement for comprehensive school reform and education for Harlem’s children. Geoffrey Canada rose from a humble background to become a nationally-recognized figure, and has made a powerful impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Geoffrey Canada was born in the Bronx, and grew up in poverty in Harlem. Despite these circumstances, he was determined to achieve success and make a difference in his community. After studying psychology and education at Bowdoin College, Canada returned to Harlem in the late 1970s. He quickly learned that conditions in the inner city were not going to be easy to overcome, particularly in the face of deep societal issues that had been woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. As he walked the streets of Harlem, Canada realized that the problems that plagued his community could only be addressed through a comprehensive approach that touched on all aspects of a person’s life, from health care to job training to education.

Led by Canada, the initiative of ambitious school reform in Harlem was spearheaded by the Harlem Children’s Zone project. This was a large-scale, comprehensive intervention that worked to address the needs of young people from cradle to college. One of the most successful components of this project was the Geoffrey Canada Charter School, which opened its doors in 1998 and had an immediate impact on the children in the area. The school provided the students with the skills and knowledge necessary for this new technology-driven world, and included field trips, a computer lab, and other creative initiatives. The school became a model of public education success.

Canada’s work did not end with the launch of the Geoffrey Canada Charter School. In 2007, he opened the Promise Academy, a K-12 school that also worked within the framework of the Harlem Children’s Zone. Similarly, Canada has also served on the board of numerous non-profit organizations and educational reform initiatives. He is an advocate for addressing the root causes of inequality, and has focused his efforts on creating bridges between different communities and connecting those in need with resources.

Paul Tough’s “Whatever It Takes” tells the inspiring story of Geoffrey Canada’s lifetime commitment to bringing life-changing educational opportunities to the Harlem community. Throughout his journey, Canada remains motivated by his mission to help children discover their potential and break the cycle of poverty. Tough’s inspiring biography is more than just a story of Canada’s individual triumphs; it is a testament to his incredible determination and commitment to making education a priority for all. Through his dedication and leadership, Canada has changed the lives of countless individuals and is leaving behind a legacy of educational reform that will benefit generations to come.