Dear John,
It’s Black August: the annual commemoration of the Black revolutionaries and freedom fighters who risked life and limb to advance the Black liberation movement.1 It’s a time to remember the rich legacies of Black activists like Nat Turner, Marcus Garvey, Assata Shakur, and Jonathan and George Jackson. A time to reflect on the lessons learned from historic uprisings, and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing struggle against anti-Black racism and the oppressive systems of power that corrode this country.
But, John, Black stories are under attack. Right-wing conservatives believe that critical race theory (CRT)—an academic framework exploring racism’s role in shaping this country and its policies—should not be taught in schools. They are targeting our children and educators. To date, eight states have passed anti-CRT bills, and nearly 20 have introduced legislation that seeks to erase our history —Black history —from the curriculum and fire teachers who don’t conform.2
At Color Of Change, we resist the harmful denial of truth and demand that schools teach real history. We believe that Black children should not only feel represented by the books they read, but should also be empowered with the truth about our fight for Black liberation—historic and ongoing. That’s why we’re raising money to purchase 500 books for Black children in states where CRT has been banned. John, will you join us in protecting our children’s right to learn about Black history?
YES, I BELIEVE THAT BLACK CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT BLACK HISTORY!
We are proud to partner with Alkebu-Lan Images bookstore to ensure that students in the Nashville community receive books affirming Black history and Black brilliance. Alkebu-Lan Images is the only Black-owned community bookstore in Nashville and is known for its vast collection of books by Black authors teaching Black history. And, John, without Alkebu-Lan Images bookstore, many children wouldn’t otherwise have access to stories that authentically capture the lived experiences of Black people. Less than 13% of all children’s books feature a Black protagonist; and of those works written about Black people, just 29% were actually created by Black authors or illustrators.3
That’s why it is so important to ensure that Black children have access to truth that is already being denied in Tennessee schools. Each book in this initiative costs approximately $5, so your donation will go directly to a Black child in the Nashville community. John, our children deserve to be taught real history; that includes our voices.
Chip in $25 to buy 5 books for Black children
Chip in $50 to buy 10 books for Black children
Chip in $75 to buy 15 books for Black children
Chip in $100 to by 20 books for Black children
In the spirit of the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” As the right wing remains intent on taking our children backwards and killing what Black August is all about, we must be intentional about how we nurture and support Black children. Join Color Of Change in gifting children’s books that affirm, uplift, and celebrate Black history and culture.
Until justice is real,
— The Color Of Change team
References:
- Dan Berger, “From Freedom Summer to Black August,” Dissent Magazine, August 19, 2014, https://act.colorofchange.org/go/316425?t=16&akid=51920%2E4731121%2EYX741t
- Rashawn Ray and Alexandra Gibbons, “Why are states banning critical race theory?” The Brookings Institute, July 2021, https://act.colorofchange.org/go/316426?t=18&akid=51920%2E4731121%2EYX741t
- Jamie Herndon, “Report: 2019 Diversity in Children’s and YA Literature,” Book Riot, June 26, 2020, https://act.colorofchange.org/go/316427?t=20&akid=51920%2E4731121%2EYX741t
