Diversity is a great equalizer for the world. It is the acceptance of the ideas of all people and the desire to use them in a way to make the world and each life collectively better. In years past this has been more theory than practice. Like the continuous drip of water wearing away the largest mountain, the significance of Black History Month Books has helped to erode away barriers to the diversity that the world needs.
Race has been a very sensitive subject. As the world moves towards a becoming a global community of one, lies about race must be challenged. Misunderstandings about race must be corrected. And it needs to be done not as a way of pointing fingers or placing blame, but as a way of sharing the facts necessary for us to grow in diversity. Diversity will continue whether one likes it or not. The sting of this change will lessen with a willful tolerance and acceptance of all people.
The myth about these books tends to be that it is all about making people of color feel good. Even though that is an effect it is not the central reason for them. To refute this myth one must start with the monumental idea brought forth by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. He is the founder of Black History Month which began almost 85 years ago. The month of February was chosen because it was the month that notable supporters of Black Americans were born.
During the roaring twenties America had moved on past the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation. They had turned the corner into a new century with a new level of discrimination. Although the name might lead one to believe it fair and positive, separate but equal legislation was a tool to prevent diversity. Americans of color found it difficult, unfair, and unequal. What Woodson started was a beacon of hope that would later go on and inspire the Civil Rights Movement. And this would go on and be replicated around the world.
The books for children can be found in many locations, focusing on individuals like Garrett Morgan, Colin Powell, Jesse Owens, and Frederick Douglas. Whether reading at the school library or pulling it from the bookshelf at home, these books can inspire diversity at an early age.
The engineering passions of any child can be unleashed when reading about Benjamin Banneker and his construction of a clock, surveying of the land that would become Washington D. C., and his successful calculation of a solar eclipse. For a young black child this is esteem building and confirms that they also can do great things. For a young white child this can eliminate the possibility of lies and unkind percepts creeping into their minds. When both of these occur, the trajectory of the future becomes more positive.
The books for older teens and adults tend to include autobiographies and themes. There are many volumes that inform on facts regarding the slave trade, abolitionism, and the civil rights movement. The implications regarding Jackie Robinson and the permission granted him to play Major League Baseball are discussed. One can be challenged, inspired, humbled, and ultimately refocused.
Above all, it underscores the fact that the history of one is the history of all. And for negative history to repeat itself for any race, it will be felt by all races. Black History Month Books is a needed tool that makes this type of backslide less possible.
Race has been a very sensitive subject. As the world moves towards a becoming a global community of one, lies about race must be challenged. Misunderstandings about race must be corrected. And it needs to be done not as a way of pointing fingers or placing blame, but as a way of sharing the facts necessary for us to grow in diversity. Diversity will continue whether one likes it or not. The sting of this change will lessen with a willful tolerance and acceptance of all people.
The myth about these books tends to be that it is all about making people of color feel good. Even though that is an effect it is not the central reason for them. To refute this myth one must start with the monumental idea brought forth by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. He is the founder of Black History Month which began almost 85 years ago. The month of February was chosen because it was the month that notable supporters of Black Americans were born.
During the roaring twenties America had moved on past the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation. They had turned the corner into a new century with a new level of discrimination. Although the name might lead one to believe it fair and positive, separate but equal legislation was a tool to prevent diversity. Americans of color found it difficult, unfair, and unequal. What Woodson started was a beacon of hope that would later go on and inspire the Civil Rights Movement. And this would go on and be replicated around the world.
The books for children can be found in many locations, focusing on individuals like Garrett Morgan, Colin Powell, Jesse Owens, and Frederick Douglas. Whether reading at the school library or pulling it from the bookshelf at home, these books can inspire diversity at an early age.
The engineering passions of any child can be unleashed when reading about Benjamin Banneker and his construction of a clock, surveying of the land that would become Washington D. C., and his successful calculation of a solar eclipse. For a young black child this is esteem building and confirms that they also can do great things. For a young white child this can eliminate the possibility of lies and unkind percepts creeping into their minds. When both of these occur, the trajectory of the future becomes more positive.
The books for older teens and adults tend to include autobiographies and themes. There are many volumes that inform on facts regarding the slave trade, abolitionism, and the civil rights movement. The implications regarding Jackie Robinson and the permission granted him to play Major League Baseball are discussed. One can be challenged, inspired, humbled, and ultimately refocused.
Above all, it underscores the fact that the history of one is the history of all. And for negative history to repeat itself for any race, it will be felt by all races. Black History Month Books is a needed tool that makes this type of backslide less possible.
About the Author:
If you would like to shop for a large selection of black history month books go to www.johnsonbooksinc.com. You can browse audio selections and the entire book catalog when you visit http://www.johnsonbooksinc.com.
