E.R. Braithwaite was a Guyanese-born author and educator, best known for his novel, To Sir, With Love. Born on June 27, 1920, in Georgetown, Guyana, he later moved to the United Kingdom, where he faced challenges as a Black teacher in a predominantly white school. His experiences in the classroom inspired his writing, highlighting issues of race, education, and social justice. In addition to his literary work, Braithwaite served in the Royal Air Force during World War II and earned a degree in engineering. His contributions to literature and education have made him a significant figure in discussions about race and equality in the 20th century.