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.
There is a myth about these books and their purpose. There are those who believe they are an arrogant approach to lift one race above another. It should be American History or World History instead. In 1926 Dr. Carter Woodson started what would become known as Black History Month. And the reasons had nothing to do with arrogance or lifting blacks above whites. It was actually about pulling blacks up from under whites and seeking level ground.
The 1920s was a decade in America that was steeped in segregation or Jim Crow laws, and the systematic suppression of people of color. There was unequal justice, unequal education opportunities, unequal job opportunities, and the list goes on. What Woodson founded gave a moment of esteem for people of color, and a moment of education for all races.
There are great books for children that focus on black history. They are available from first grade to high school reading levels. Picture books are even available for those not yet at reading level. Facts can be learned about history making Americans such as Rosa Parks, Dr. George Washington Carver, and Jesse Owens.
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.
Books for more mature readers include many subjects. From activism and policy makers to entertainment and economics, they provide factual accounts that helped to dispel the lies. The Tuskegee experiment which chronicles black men infected with a disease and knowingly being treated with placebos is an example of a tough truth that everyone can learn from.
One should understand that all races are interconnected in many ways. The goal is for this to be accepted. Mutual respect and acceptance of all people should become the rule and not the exception. Black History Month Books are helping to make this a reality.
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.
There is a myth about these books and their purpose. There are those who believe they are an arrogant approach to lift one race above another. It should be American History or World History instead. In 1926 Dr. Carter Woodson started what would become known as Black History Month. And the reasons had nothing to do with arrogance or lifting blacks above whites. It was actually about pulling blacks up from under whites and seeking level ground.
The 1920s was a decade in America that was steeped in segregation or Jim Crow laws, and the systematic suppression of people of color. There was unequal justice, unequal education opportunities, unequal job opportunities, and the list goes on. What Woodson founded gave a moment of esteem for people of color, and a moment of education for all races.
There are great books for children that focus on black history. They are available from first grade to high school reading levels. Picture books are even available for those not yet at reading level. Facts can be learned about history making Americans such as Rosa Parks, Dr. George Washington Carver, and Jesse Owens.
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.
Books for more mature readers include many subjects. From activism and policy makers to entertainment and economics, they provide factual accounts that helped to dispel the lies. The Tuskegee experiment which chronicles black men infected with a disease and knowingly being treated with placebos is an example of a tough truth that everyone can learn from.
One should understand that all races are interconnected in many ways. The goal is for this to be accepted. Mutual respect and acceptance of all people should become the rule and not the exception. Black History Month Books are helping to make this a reality.
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.
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