While Lyttanya Shannon’s Subnormal: A British Scandal makes use of the standard talking head documentary format, there are touches throughout that elevate it beyond traditional documentary fare. Shannon’s narration gives the film a personal touch and helps connect her family’s experience with the wider Black British experience within a discriminatory education system. And that personal touch also extends to her attempts to find individuals willing to speak on camera about their experiences – in spite of the shame and stigmatization they might face from having been wrongly placed in schools for the “educationally subnormal.” The archival materials and found footage effectively trace the roots of this scandal within the British educational system, lays out a damning case that speaks to the deep racism and prejudice involved, and draws a clear line between the issues from decades ago and their consequences for today. It’s powerful, moving, and shows how essential it is to have strong community involvement in a child’s education – especially in societies where racism put systems in place that disadvantage children of color.