Saturday 29 December 2012

The Heroes Of Black History Month Books

By Audra Olson


African American history month is a certain time of year that is dedicated to heroes in the African American community. Recognized in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, the rich African American history is kept alive through reading black history month books. They tell the never-ending struggle blacks had to endure in order to make a difference in the world.

Black history month originally began as a week in 1926. Hoping to bring awareness to the rest of the country, Carson G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life began educating certain groups about the life and struggles of black people. The original goal was to make the African American heritage a regular part of American history lessons. Although the process took fifty years, the government took notice of the group's goal. Celebrated in the United States and Canada in February, this time was chosen to celebrate Fredrick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln birthdays.

Beginning with slavery until the fight over segregation, everyone had private as well as public struggles. Becoming Billie Holiday, by Weatherford, Carole Boston tells the struggle of a young girl in the early 1900s that faced the world alone to make a name for her. Known as the greatest jazz singer of all times, Billie Holiday was born Eleanor. By the time she was fifteen Billie had several encounters with the law, her in-laws and lived in poverty. She was more than a voice, she was an American icon.

Ain't I a Woman?, talks the struggles black women named Sojourner Truth faced during slavery. Although she was an activist, a preacher and an abolitionist, one of her greatest accomplishments was fighting for women rights. Born into slavery in the late 1700s, she was freed in 1827.

Starting at fourteen, Malcolm was a leader in school but by sixteen he was hustling for tips in a nightclub. By the time, he turned 19 he was a gang leader. Unfortunately, by age 20 he was in prison. During his time in prison, he transformed from a street hustling kid to a militant leader. Leading millions of people from the nation of Islam, Malcolm was a respected and feared man.

Although it was illegal for slaves to learn to read and write, his mistress at that time took it upon her self to teach him the alphabet. As Douglas grew older, he continued to read papers, book and everything else he could get his hand on, in secret. The author of several books about himself, Douglas took it upon himself to teach other slaves about the New Testament.

Remember: The Journey to School Integration by Toni Morrison speaks about integration in the school system. Based on a true story, this books talks about the 1954 decision regarding school segregation. In Brown vs. The Board of Education, the Supreme Court found segregated schools to be illegal and decided blacks had the right to go to school white children.

Black history month books plays a major role in shaping the people lives internationally. Once in the bondage of slavery, blacks have raised themselves to prominent positions. The common goal is to unify all people.




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